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India rules out supply of arms to Sri Lanka in northern war |
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May 5, 2000 NEW DELHI, MAY 4 (AP) - Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ruled out helping Sri Lanka with arms in its battle against Tamil rebels, but offered food and medicine if it was required.
"There is no question of sending or selling arms to Sri Lanka.
Both are ruled out," Vajpayee was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India.
Indian news reports said Thursday quoting government sources that New Delhi was "actively considering" providing arms, ammunition and other logistical support to the Sri Lankan army.
India has said it would not step into the military conflict that is set to witness a final assault by the guerrillas on Jaffna, the northern town that was once their capital. But Vajpayee said India could provide humanitarian assistance.
"If the need arises, we can, for example, send food, medicine and cloth. This is what we visualize," Vajpayee said.
Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh told Parliament on Thursday the government was considering requests from the Sri Lankan administration, but did not give details.
"All these requests are receiving the urgent consideration of the government," Singh said. He added that India would be "guided by its commitment to a negotiated peaceful resolution of the conflict within the framework of Sri Lanka's unity and territorial integrity."
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