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External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh’s statement on the situation in Sri Lanka

New Delhi
May 3, 2000

The Government of India is monitoring the situation in northern Sri Lanka closely.  The Government of Sri Lanka has been in touch with the Government of India on the evolving situation.

The Government of India will be guided in its response to development by its continued commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, where all communities can realize their aspirations.

India will work to mitigate the hardship inflicted upon civilians by the conflict, taking such humanitarian measures as become necessary, in consultation with Sri Lanka.  India is already host to over 100,000 Sri Lankan refugees.

It is India’s hope that the peace sought by all Sri Lankans will soon return to a country that is a close and friendly neighbor.  India is ready to contribute to making that hope a reality.