Srilanka developments were unfortunate: Jaswant

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) Former External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh today expressed concern over the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka and welcomed the temporary truce between the Government and the LTTE.

Talking to newspersons, he hoped the government would initiate a process of negotiations and involve all warring parties, including the LTTE, to establish long lasting peace in the island nation.

He said continued strife in the country was neither in the interest of Sri Lanka nor India.

''We, the NDA, always stand for territorial integrity of Sri Lanka which is very important for India. This must not be diluted or compromised,'' he said, adding that an answer within the constitution of Sri Lanka could be found to all issues.

Mr Singh said all citizens of Sri Lanka, including Tamil people, must have full say in their own development and protect their interests through peaceful means.

Describing violence in the island nation as unfortunate, Mr Singh said Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera was due to visit India early next month.

''I will be meeting him during his stay here and discuss the matter,'' he said.

Mr Singh said he might visit Sri Lanka later.

UNI KAS AK HS1924