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Official Spokesperson:
Good evening. The Government of India unreservedly
condemns the terrorist bombing incident outside
Colombo, Sri Lanka today in which the Deputy Chief
of Staff of the Sri Lankan Army, Major General
Parami Kulathunga was tragically killed, along with
other defence personnel. Several innocent civilians
have been seriously injured.
This incident is the latest in a series of recent
terrorist attacks which are aimed at undermining the
ceasefire and vitiate the environment for a
political dialogue.
The Government of India extends its sincere
condolences to the Government of Sri Lanka and to
the members of the bereaved families. India is
determined to stand by the people of Sri Lanka in
our common struggle against terrorism, of which both
our countries are victims.
It is our view that political processes must be
activated through sincere dialogue to arrive at a
settlement which takes into account the aspirations
of all the sections of the Sri Lankan society, while
upholding the unity, sovereignty and territorial
integrity of Sri Lanka.
We welcome the efforts
being made by the Government of Sri Lanka to evolve
a political consensus in this regard and stand ready
to share our own constitutional experience to
contribute to this process.
Question: Regarding Sri Lanka, you referred
to ‘terrorist bombing’. Would this terrorist mean
‘LTTE’ because the Sri Lankan government has blamed
the LTTE for the attacks?
Official Spokesperson: I think we have
clearly categorized it in our statement. Let me not
get into more details.
Question: Regarding the Sri Lankan Foreign
Minister’s visit. Was there anything about India’s
involvement?
Official Spokesperson:
I think we did issue a statement after the talks.
That’s all that I have. But clearly, as I have told
you today, our view remains that the political
processes must be activated through sincere dialogue
and you must come to a settlement within Sri Lanka
which takes care of the aspirations of all sections
of Sri Lankan society. And in this regard we are
ready to share our own constitutional experience to
contribute towards the same.
Question: In your statement there is repeated
referral to ‘dialogue’ and ‘peace process’. Is it
not incongruous for a war-like situation?
Official Spokesperson: You cannot give up the
option of dialogue and a peaceful settlement.
Clearly, war is not a viable option.
Thank you.
New Delhi,
26 June 2006 |
