Continue peace talks, Pranab tells Lanka

With the LTTE threatening to pull out of the peace process, India has urged Sri Lanka to continue with the talks, reiterating that the only solution to the ethnic conflict in the country was political and not military.

With the LTTE threatening to pull out of the peace process, India has urged Sri Lanka to continue with the talks, reiterating that the only solution to the ethnic conflict in the country was political and not military.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today held a 8220;detailed discussion8221; with visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse on the peace process even as support for the Tamil cause gathers political steam in India with Dravidian parties upping the ante.

India feels the best bet to end the conflict is a devolution model, which is expected to be ready in December. India also wants all Lankan political parties to be engaged in talks with the LTTE so that there is a political unanimity in addressing the ethnic question.

It may be recalled that India has already shared with Lanka its constitutional experience in 8220;power sharing8221; and 8220;devolution of power8221; such as the Centre List, State List, Gorkhaland and Bodoland accords, and Sarkaria Commission Report on Centre-State relationship.

8220;The External Affairs Minister conveyed the hope that there would be early progress in the peace process so that all ethnic communities in Sri Lanka can live harmoniously and are able to achieve their aspirations,8221; the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said. Meanwhile, following the talks with Rajapakse, Mukherjee held delegation-level talks with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera. 8220;During these talks, several ongoing economic projects between the two countries were also reviewed,8221; the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said.

According to sources, India would like to see Lanka make tangible proposals to the LTTE so that the peace talks remain on track.

Security breach

NEW DELHI: A man, suspected to be a Sri Lankan national, was detained late on Tuesday night after he was found loitering near the Maurya Sheraton Hotel where Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse is staying. He was later handed over to the Delhi Police and is being interrogated. Police refused to divulge further details.