Indian Finance Minister optimistic on peace talks

Rohan Mathes

COLOMBO: Indian Finance Minister P. Chidambaram expressed his optimism on the resumption of peace talks and the re-settlement of Tamil refugees fleeing to Tamil Nadu.

Chidambaram who met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday had a cordial round of talks, in which many bi-lateral issues were discussed, including the 60th Commonwealth Countries Finance Ministers' meeting. Chidambaram had also expressed deep concern on the exodus of Tamil refugees to Tamil Nadu, to President Rajapaksa.

He had told the President that he would re-settle most of them immediately.

After the meeting, he told the Daily News, "As I learnt from the press, perhaps there is a likelihood of peace talks resuming soon, and I urge them to do so. Things will then change favourably".