India keen to revive political process in Sri Lanka: Krishna

New Delhi, Dec 4(ANI): External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Friday said that the Union Government has been keen to see the revival of political process in Sri Lanka.

While replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Krishna said: "The Government is keen to see the revival of political process in Sri Lanka which will meet the legitimate interests and aspirations of all communities, including Tamils and Muslims, within the framework of a united Sri Lanka."

Speaking on the Tamil refugees, who were diplaced during the war, Krishna said out of the 300,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in camps, more than half have been settled, while 145,000 still remain in camps.

He also mentioned that Colombo has assured India about proper resettlement of Tamil civilians displaced by civil war in the island nation by the end of January 2010.

"The Sri Lankan Government has given assurance that by the end-January 2010, all IDPs would be re-settled. We continue to work with the Sri Lankan Government to ensure the resettlement of all IDPs," Krishna added.

Some 260,000 Tamil refugees who fled fighting in the waning months of the war are now being held in military-run camps. Western countries, India and the United Nations are pressing the Government to send them home.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that 70 to 80 percent of the refugees would be resettled by January. (ANI)