Need to keep implications in mind: Govt on UNHRC resolution on Lanka

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Amid pressure from various parties to support a UN resolution against Sri Lanka, Government on Wednesday made it clear that it will decide on its action keeping in mind the implications on the reconciliation process as it does not want deepening of confrontation in that country.

Making a statement in Parliament, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said the issue was sensitive and India needs to consider the implications carefully.

"Any assertion on India's part may have implications on our historically friendly relations with a neighbouring country," he said in identical statements in both Houses.

"We are engaged with all parties in an effort to achieve a forward looking outcome that is based on reconciliation and accountability rather than deepening confrontation and mistrust between the concerned parties," Krishna said.

He said since the human rights allegations against Sri Lanka are yet to come up for formal discussion at the 19th Session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, India will take a view 'as and when the time is finalised for consideration' of the draft resolution on Sri Lanka.

"We would also need to examine whether our actions will actually assist in the process of reconciliation in Sri Lanka, and enhance the current dialogue between the Government of Sri Lanka and Tamil parties, including the Tamil National Alliance," said Krishna.

AIADMK members were dissatisfied with his statement and its member A. Elavarasan tore a copy of the statement in the Rajya Sabha. They later walked out of the House.

AIADMK along with DMK and Left parties are demanding that India should support the resolution moved by the US, France and Norway against the alleged atrocities committed on Sri Lankan Tamils during the civil war.