Ongoing protests an internal matter of India: US

Washington, Aug 19: Asserting that the ongoing protests on Lok Pal bill is an internal matter of India, the US today (Aug 19) exuded confidence that New Delhi would be able to address its current political disputes and tackle popular concerns about corruption using its democratic system.

"Let me start by saying that the ongoing situation in India is an internal matter for Indians. The US does not play a role in this," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters at her daily news conference in response to a question on the ongoing anti-corruption movement in India.

"As we said, though, the United States supports peaceful freedom of expression and assembly, and we encourage all countries and all parties to do the same. The US and India share common principles, common ideals, and common goals for our people," she said.

"So we're confident that India will be able to address its current political disputes and tackle popular concerns about corruption using its democratic system," Nuland said.

When asked that would she consider that the right of people to conduct a hunger strike, as the Indian Government seems to argue that that hunger strike is trying to subvert the authority of Parliament, Nuland said: "This is an issue for Indians to solve together and to solve it in the strong tradition of India's democracy."

PTI