DATE=6/12/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SRI LANKA / INDIA TALKS (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-263393
BYLINE=STEVEN BARTHOLOMEUSZ
DATELINE=COLOMBO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The Indian government is pledging its support
for a lasting settlement of Sri Lanka's ethnic
conflict. From Colombo, Steven Bartholomeusz reports
on discussions today (Monday) between senior Indian
and Sri Lankan officials.
TEXT: A Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry statement says
Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh has pledged New
Delhi's commitment to the restoration of a lasting
peace in Sri Lanka. India says this should come about
through a political process that meets the aspirations
of all groups in this island nation.
Sri Lankan officials say the Indian Foreign Minister
reiterated New Delhi's continuing commitment to the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
Mr. Singh met with President Chandrika Kumaratunga and
other high-ranking government officials.
The statement says President Kumaratunga and Mr. Singh
discussed a wide range of issues, including efforts to
improve bilateral relations and the present situation
in Sri Lanka's long-running conflict with ethnic Tamil
rebels.
President Kumaratunga briefed the Indian Foreign
Minister on current political developments, including
consultations between her government and other
political parties.
Mrs. Kumartunga is said to have updated Mr. Singh on a
diplomatic effort, led by Norway, to bring her
government and Tamil Tiger rebels together for
negotiations.
The Sri Lankan president also welcomed India's offer
of humanitarian and economic assistance. India
reportedly is offering to extend Sri Lanka a credit of
100-million dollars, on terms mutually agreed upon by
the two countries.
/// REST OPT ///
Sri Lankan state radio said Monday's talks lasted
almost two hours, including a private discussion of
around 15 minutes between Mrs. Kumaratunga and Mr.
Singh. Other talks included Sri Lankan Foreign
Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, the secretary of the
Ministry of Defense, the Indian High Commissioner in
Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Ambassador in India.
Monday afternoon, the Indian Foreign Minister met the
leader of Sri Lanka's opposition, Ranil
Wickremesinghe, to discuss his parties' stance on the
current situation. In the past, Mr. Wickremesinghe
has blocked proposed constitutional changes that would
have granted autonomy to areas where most Tamils live.
However, since January the opposition leader as said
he will support the government's efforts to forge a
new constitution.
Before returning to India late Monday, the Indian
Foreign Minister also met with leaders of Sri Lanka's
minority Tamil and Muslim parties. (Signed)
NEB/SB/WTW
12-Jun-2000 11:57 AM EDT (12-Jun-2000 1557 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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