India’s National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon refused to commit to a stance on India’s satisfaction with the peace and reconciliation process, while speaking to Indian reporters on Friday.
Speaking after talks with President Mahinda Rajapakse, External Affairs Minister G L Peiris, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse and TNA leader R. Sampanthan, Menon told journalists that he “discussed recent developments, bilateral relations and areas of common concern" and that he was briefed about "steps being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka on political reconciliation and settlement".
"While this is a Sri Lankan issue and something that Sri Lanka has to do, we will continue to remain engaged with all concerned and offer any support required in this regard.” he told reporters.
Asked whether he was satisfied with progress on reconciliation, Mr. Menon said he was “not going to sit in judgement of anyone in this process”.
“This is something that has to get done. This is not a judgemental process — you like this, you don’t like this – That is not how it works.”
He said that the hopes of Tamils could only be achieved through an “internal political process."
