(Reopens MDS4)

In New Delhi, the AICC sought to downplay contentions of a rift between Congress and DMK on the issue and questions on how the ruling party will placate its southern ally. Congress spokesperson Sandip Dikshit said it is "not just an issue of placating, but an issue of foreign affairs. And I am sure we will get the support (of allies) in the steps that we take". India has always the raised the humanitarian issues concerning Sri Lankan Tamils, he said. Regarding the tapes related to the alleged cold-blooded killing of LTTE chief V Prabhakaran's 12 year-old son Balachandran, the Congress spokesperson said, "some tapes have emerged. The Minister of External Affairs has said that we do not know they are right or not. Let us leave it at that."