Ms. Rao: Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, before I go on to making my announcement for today, I just wanted to brief you also about the visit of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, who arrived this morning.
He has had meetings with the Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha and the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Murasoli Maran. Later in the evening, the Leader of the Opposition will call on him and former Prime Minister, Mr. Narasimha Rao will also be meeting him. Mr. Wickremesinghe will call on Rashtrapatiji in the evening. His meetings with Prime Minister are scheduled for tomorrow morning followed by lunch, and the External Affairs Minister and Home Minister will also be meeting him tomorrow. As you know, Mr. Wickremesinghe was here last December. Our relationship with Sri Lanka is extremely important to us and our commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and to the restoration of lasting peace through a peaceful negotiated settlement in that country which meets the just aspirations of all elements of Sri Lankan society remains undiminished. India is Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour both historically and physically, separated as we are only by the Palk Strait.
During this visit, besides the ongoing Peace Process in Sri Lanka there will also be discussions on trade and economic matters, the strengthening of economic and commercial cooperation and interaction between the two countries. I will give you the details of the visit tomorrow when the discussions get over.
What is India’s stand on extradition of Prabakaran
Well, the extradition request was made in 1995. It continues to be operative. There is no change in the situation.
Ms. Rao: Now I will go on to my announcement.
The Government of India has decided that with effect from today the 10th June 2002 all restrictions placed since 1 January this year on Pakistani Aircraft and Pakistan Airlines to over-fly Indian Territory are lifted. Of course as before normal procedures for approval involving the Ministries of External Affairs, Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation as appropriate would apply.
On what basis has this decision been taken?
Well, this is in response to what we had stated just the other day about the fact that we welcomed the assurances made by President Musharraf about putting a permanent end to infiltration and cross border terrorism. We had mentioned at that time that India would respond appropriately and positively at the right moment. So this is a follow up to that.
But you also said that we would assess the situation on the ground?
This is the decision of the Government of India. Yes, we are engaged in a very detailed assessment of the situation on the ground and there is reason to believe that there has been some improvement in the situation and we have decided to make this announcement today as a follow up.
What about the re-deployment of ships?
This is the only announcement I have to make.
Ms. Rao, Government of India had laid down two pre-conditions for reciprocity. What information do you have to take this decision?