Here we gov- China’s move on Lanka under scanner- India
The Indian Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Vayalar Ravi, on Saturday said that the Centre government was watching China’s moves on the Sri Lankan issue.
Answering a query on Home Minister P. Chidambaram’s reported statement that China was acting with a clear agenda in the issue, he said that China has plans for investment in the island nation.
“We are watching China and what they are going to do,’’ he added.
Ravi echoed Chidambaram’s statement when he said China was fishing in troubled waters.On a Sri Lankan minister’s statement that China is supporting the war, he said he may have said it to appease the Chinese authorities.
Responding to a query, Ravi noted that some vested interests were trying to malign the Congress Party using the Lankan Tamils issue. He said that Congress was taking all steps to ensure the safety of the Lankan Tamil civilians.
Asked if the party would repeat its clean sweep like in the 2004 elections, the union minister, who was here to campaign, said he was confident that the party was in a comfortable position in winning the maximum number of seats.
“It may not be like the last time. But it may come near to a sweep, he added.
Pointing out Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s prediction that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance would get 30 seats, he said that since he knew the ground realities, his prediction may be correct.
On the threat to the UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi in campaigning in the State, he said: “She will come and campaign in Tamil Nadu.” The Union Minister pointed out that the huge civilian casualties in Lanka were not acceptable and the Centre was following its latest diplomatic efforts to persuade the Lankan government for a ceasefire.
Ravi said: The “Indian government has taken a strong position to protect the civilians as the casualties are of great concern.” The minister, who questioned “Why did the Sri Lankan government allow UN delegation,” revealed that the government was following up the latest diplomatic initiatives.
The Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon and Security Advisor M. K. Narayanan, who returned after meeting the Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and explained. “There will be further diplomatic follow up, which cannot be revealed at the moment,” he added. (Express News)
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