India favours early start of peace talks in Lanka

India today voiced concern over escalation of violence in Sri Lanka and favoured early talks to strengthen the cease-fire but was non-committal on its direct involvement in the peace process.

The situation and status of the peace process in the island nation figured prominently in the talks visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse had with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here. Other bilateral issues like increasing economic co-operation and in the area of energy areas also came up at the meeting.

Briefing reporters on the 40-minute meeting, Navtej Sarna, external affairs ministry spokesman, said India was concerned over the recent escalation of violence and "repeated violations" of the cease-fire in Sri Lanka.

This trend, he said, could "only undermine the search for a negotiated political settlement, which is critical for maintenance of peace and for resumption of talks aimed at finding a just solution" to Sri Lanka's ethnic problems.

He said Rajapakse briefed Singh of his assessment of the current status of the peace process in Sri Lanka. Sarna said, "Both sides agreed that peace talks aimed at strengthening the cease-fire should begin at the earliest."

Asked whether India was ready to play a greater role in the Lankan peace process as desired by Rajapakse, the spokesman evaded a direct reply, saying New Delhi's position was "well known" in this regard.

India has been cautious in getting directly involved in the peace process despite calls made by various sections, including the Sri Lankan government, Buddhists and Norwegian negotiators.

Sarna said Rajapakse had welcomed India's commitment to peace and security in Sri Lanka.