Vasan backs Cameron’s probe call

Chennai: Un­ion shipping minister G. K. Vasan on Monday ha­iled the “positive”  the efforts by British Prime Minister David Cam­eron in seeking an inde­pen­dent probe into the  alleged human rights violations against ethnic Tamils during the just concluded Comm­onwealth Heads of Gov­ernment meet in Sri Lanka.

“Nobody can deny his positive efforts in two days,” Vasan said while speaking to the press on the sidelines of a function here. To a query he said External Affairs Minister Salman Khu­rshid, who represented India at the meet could have discussed with his counterparts from other member countries about the alleged human rights violations.

“I am convinced and justified on India’s representation led by Khu­rshid and the long pending demand of India for welfare of Ta­m­ils living in Sri Lanka.” Vasan refused to be drawn into discussions on TESO, a pro-Eelam outfit’s dem­and for Parliament to pass a resolution, urging Sri Lanka to probe human rights violations. “I have already stated whatever I had to say on the issue,” he said.

Cameron had urged Sri Lanka to complete an independent probe into alleged human rights violations by March next year. The DMK supported TESO at its meet yesterday had called for passing a resolution in the coming Parliament session pressing for a probe into human rights violations in the neighbouring Island nation.

Vasan, who had dem­anded for Man­mohan Singh’s boycott to the CHOGM meet, exp­re­ssed confidence that Khurshid must have spoken with other leaders on the alleged human rights violations against Tamils in Sri Lanka.

“I am sure Khurshid must have had the time to meet all the leaders (who had participated in CHOGM) and tell them about India’s demand with Sri Lanka (for Ta­mils’ welfare),” he said. India, among others, is for implementation of the 13th Amendment to Lankan Constitution for devolution of powers to Tamil provinces. Vasan pointed out the UPA government has been implementing various welfare activities for Lankan Tamils.