India with Lanka on national issue - Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama described the current relationship and dialogue with India in relation to the Northern issue, as being in its “highest expectations for Sri Lanka.”
He said India had been “not only moderate” but also “most understanding” of the current situation and this was a comforting position for both parties. Speaking to the Daily News after an invitation to Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to come here for an assessment, Bogollagama said they were maintaining a very sincere and transparent relationship over the issue.
The Foreign Minister said the Government was expecting a response from the Indian External Affairs Minister to its invitation early this week. “The invitation was extended on Saturday and we expect a response by today or tomorrow,” Bogollagama said yesterday.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa held a meeting of all stakeholders to discuss mainly current developments in Tamil Nadu and India, at the Temple Trees on Saturday. On the reason for holding the meeting and ensued telephone conversation with Indian Premier Dr. Manmohan Singh on Saturday, Bogollagama said it was in line with the President’s view that India should be kept abreast with the on going operations in Kilinochchi and Wanni especially in the backdrop of mounting pressure from Tamil Nadu.
Many pro-LTTE factions including LTTE sympathising political parties have been clamouring that India should intervene to halt ongoing operations in the North. During the cordial dialogue, the President had assured the Indian Premier that a political solution will be offered simultaneously along with the current efforts to counter terrorism by disarming the LTTE.
“We are not going to do it afterwards,” the Minister said adding that this stand has been re-emphasised by the President. He has also given his word to ensure civilian safety.
Asked if the Centre will be compelled to give into the mounting pressure from Tamil Nadu political parties, especially the DMK, a key ally in the UPA Government, given the up coming elections, the Minister said: “India is a vast country, in that Tamil Nadu is an important factor in the Indian election process and in the Indian polity. But it doesn’t mean that it is the only State that decides the Indian election outcome.”
India since late had seen outrageous and repeated terror attacks in its cities. As a result there is a huge public outcry not to intervene in Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism and the operations to re-establish democracy in the North. The Centre has also taken a tough stand to crush terrorism.
A leading national newspaper based in Chennai, The Hindu last week called the recent outcry in Tamil Nadu by Tiger sympathisers for Indian intervention in the issue, to have been masterminded by the LTTE.
The paper upheld the position maintained by successive Indian governments after 1991, not to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs. The Janatha Party President early this week attacked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi for seeking to halt military operations against the LTTE, saying it amounted to supporting the terrorist organisation.
Fourteen DMK Lok Sabha MPs tendered dated resignations with a deadline of October 29 to the Centre for intervention. Despite the Tamil Nadu threats, Congress thus far has repeatedly voiced its desire to keep out of the Sri Lankan issue.
A Sri Lankan delegation consisting of top State officials is also due in India shortly to meet to brief leaders on the Northern front and allay its concerns over the civilians’ plight. Minister Bogollagama said they would expect the meeting to be a reality in the coming week.(News-Daily news)