Ravi to discuss ethnic Indians problem with Malaysian authorities

New Delhi, Jan 4 (UNI) Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi today hoped that the situation arising from violence against ethnic Indians in Malaysia would soon be resolved while admitting that Indians have suffered in widespread violence in Kenya following last week's disputed Presidential elections.

Addressing a press conference, he said a delegation from Malaysia would be in New Delhi for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conference on January 8-9. ''If there is an opportunity, I will discuss with the delegation the issue of the recent violence against ethnic Indians in Malaysia though primarily the matter has to be dealt with the External Affairs Ministry,'' he added.

Mr Ravi said the situation in the South East Asian country was ''cooling down'' and noted that the Malaysian Prime Minister has already made a detailed statement on the issue.

On the developments in Kenya, he said, the violence in the African country did not directly involve Indians but entailed a conflict between the government and the Opposition. The anger of the people was not directed against the Indians even though they inadvertently did suffer in the violence.

UNI GS/ AT SHB HT1648