No secret agenda behind Mukherjee's visit

Shirley Wijesinghe

There is no secret agenda behind Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee's visit to Sri Lanka, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane said.

Minister Yapa was addressing the media condeming JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe's statement that there was a hidden motive behind the talks which the Government had with Mukherjee.

The Indian Minister on the eve of his departure to Sri Lanka told the media in New Delhi that the LTTE was a banned outfit and the Indian Government does not interfere with Sri Lanka's internal affairs.

Referring to President Mahinda Rajapaksa's appeal to the LTTE to allow free civilian movement within the next 48 hours, the Minister said the safety zone has been widened from yesterday.

The Minister said 3,506 civilians have arrived to the safe zone since January 1. The number of civilians who came yesterday was 342. Yapa said President Rajapaksa clearly explained to Mukherjee about the ground situation of Mullaitivu .

The Indian Minister also expressed his satisfaction over the Government's treatment of civilians who returned from LTTE dominated areas, he said.

Yapa said 'Indian Phobia' was seen on several occasions in Sri Lanka. It was observed in 1989 when the Indo-Lanka peace accord was signed, he said . He also thanked the Opposition for their positive comments for the first time on the victories achieved by the Armed Forces and the leadership given by the Government and the Cabinet.

He also appealed to the Opposition to support the Government with their proposals to end the conflict by attending the APRC sessions.