India reiterates a political settlement to address ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka

February 27, 2009.

The Minister for Indian overseas Affairs, Mr Vaylar Ravi has reiterated New Delhi's stand that there should be a political settlement to address the ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka. Talking to reporters in New Delhi on friday, he said both the Sri Lankan government and LTTE should respond to the issue. Asked to comment on India's role in this regard, the Minister said that New Delhi is making all efforts through diplomatic channels.

Mr. Ravi, who is also holding additional portfolio of Parliamentary Affairs, charged the opposition with not cooperating with the government in adopting some of the important bills in the just concluded Budget session of Parliament.

Underlining the importance of the bills, Mr. Ravi said that the two bills relating to the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation provide for protection to farmers and local people displaced on account of the upcoming projects. He alleged that the opposition also blocked the passage of another bill on the expansion of Delhi Metro network in the capital and its surrounding areas. He said the Emigration Amendment Bill, aimed at protecting the Indian citizens, who are being cheated abroad, also could not get the seal of approval by Parliament.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said that the UPA government has adopted some of the landmark legislations during its five-year tenure. They included the Right to Information Act and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act scheme.

*******************************************************

*********************************************************************

****************************************************************************

*************************************************************************************