Official Spokesperson (Shri Vishnu Prakash): Good evening. You are aware that the Prime Minister of India has had three important bilateral meetings today, first with the newly elected Prime Minister of Japan, next with the President of Iran, and just recently in the evening with the President of Sri Lanka. Also in parallel, the External Affairs Minister participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting as well as the G4 Foreign Ministers meeting. The Foreign Secretary is here to brief you about these meetings, especially the engagements of the Prime Minister today.

Foreign Secretary (Shri Ranjan Mathai): Thank you.

Later in the evening PM met the President of Sri Lanka. He was accompanied by the EAM and the Sri Lanka EAM Prof G.L.Peiris was present. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and other matters of mutual interest. President Rajapakse briefed PM on developments relating to the devolution of powers through discussions between the Government of Sri Lanka and the TNA as the representatives of the Tamil parties. They also mentioned that parallel discussions are taking place within the Parliamentary Select Committee.

PM and President Rajapakse also discussed the issues of the resettlement of the displaced persons including the housing project which is being undertaken with Indian assistance. They also had a detailed discussion on the fisheries issue, and it was noted that another meeting of the Joint Working Group on Fisheries would soon be convened. It was felt also that further meetings between fishermen of the two countries should also be held as these are found to be useful.

Question: Was there any kind of discussion about the reports of human rights abuses during the war against Tamil Tigers? There has also been a case that is filed today in the US Federal Court alleging human rights abuses, and there have been protests against Mr. Rajapakse’s visit to the United States. Any kind of informal discussion between the two leaders?

Foreign Secretary: I think the discussion was in general terms on the need for addressing the issue in Sri Lanka. Our Prime Minister reiterated that a successful conclusion of negotiations and discussions with the representatives of the Tamil parties would in fact obviate the need for outsiders to start passing judgment or to get involved. So, the emphasis was more on the political dialogue within Sri Lanka.

H.E. The Prime Minister of India meeting with President of Sri Lanka H.E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa on the sidelines of the UNGA

H.E. The Prime Minister of India with the President of Srilanka H.E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa in a bilateral meeting, on the sidelines of the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York