Peace process:

Mangala briefs Indian leaders

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has briefed Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed on the policy President Mahinda Rajapakse seeks to follow with regard to the peace process.

Samaraweera has emphasised the Government's continued commitment to maintain the ceasefire and the desire for a review of its operations, so that the implementation can be made more effective.

He said the Government has extended a firm invitation to the LTTE for negotiations to discuss a political solution. President Rajapakse views the greatest possible degree of openness, transparency and inclusivity in the peace process, as being essential for its acceptance and eventual success, Samaraweera told Indian leaders.

The Minister spelt out the approaches that President Rajapakse and his administration would adopt towards arriving at a broad national consensus. Parallel to this endeavour, reconstruction and development in the North and East would be accorded the highest priority.

He affirmed that the Government of Sri Lanka would, in the tradition of close dialogue between the two countries, continue to apprise the Government of India on the ways and means by which the peace process could be made more effective.

The Indian side thanked the Foreign Minister for outlining the approach of President Rajapakse and his administration towards the peace process.

India believes that an enduring solution can only emerge essentially through internal political processes. India supports the process of seeking a negotiated settlement acceptable to all sections of Sri Lanka society within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, and consistent with democracy, pluralism and respect for human rights. India continues to maintain an abiding interest in the security of Sri Lanka and remains committed to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Several other matters of mutual interest, including further strengthening of economic and commercial cooperations, were addressed during the visit of Minister Samaraweera. Both sides emphasised the need to conclude, as early as possible, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

The Indian Government reiterated to Minister Samaraweera the invitation already extended by it to President Rajapakse to pay a State Visit to India at the earliest opportunity.