India maintains suspense on UN resolution on Lanka

Notwithstanding intense pressure by Tamil parties, India today maintained suspense over its position on a resolution on human rights to be moved against Sri Lanka at the UN, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying it will depend on the final draft.
Singh maintained that India wants Sri Lanka to safeguard interest of ethnic Tamils and fulfil its "public commitment" for implementation of 13th amendment on devolution of powers.
"As regards the issue of a draft resolution expected to be tabled by the United States at the forthcoming session of UNHRC in Geneva, our decision will depend on the substance of the final text tabled in the council," Singh said.

"We will, however, be guided by our consistent position that we support proposals that seek to advance the achievement of a future for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka that is marked by equality, dignity, justice and self-respect.
"I wish to assure the House that our Government will remain engaged with the Government of Sri Lanka to promote a durable settlement of the Tamil problem that enables the Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka to lead a life of dignity and self-respect with equal rights," he said.
Singh was replying to the debate on Motion of Thanks on the President's address in the Lok Sabha.

His statement comes against the backdrop of strong demands by Tamil parties that India should vote in favour of the resolution to be moved by the US at the UNHRC meet in Geneva in the coming days.

Singh called for political settlement of Sri Lankan problem and said "issues of reconciliation need to be addressed with urgency."
He reiterated that elections to Northern province are held at the earliest.
At the same, he said, India will continue to engage with Sri Lanka over the fate of ethnic Tamils as also Indian fishermen.
Lok Sabha will discuss the issue tomorrow.