M A I N   N E W S

Expedite solution to ethnic crisis: PM to Rajapaksa
Ashok Tuteja
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 20
Amid protests by political parties in Tamil Nadu, PM Manmohan Singh held wide-ranging talks with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on a range of bilateral issues, asking the latter to expedite an inclusive solution to the ethnic crisis in the island nation.

Official sources said the PM raised the issue of devolution of powers so that the Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka could look forward to a future in which they could live with dignity and respect.

Rajapaksa pointed out that provincial elections were held in three provinces and administrative and other steps were underway so as to hold elections in the Northern province.

Singh also emphasised the need to give humane treatment to each other’s fishermen if they stray across the maritime boundary. Both agreed that it would be best for fishermen associations of the two countries to meet and discuss the issue further. The two leaders noted the momentum in economic ties and assessed the growth of commercial relations.