Britain and India urged Sri Lanka to put forward a political solution

In a joint statement issued on the final day of the UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown's visit to India, he and the Indian Premier Manmohan Singh urged the Sri Lankan government to "put forward a credible devolution package as a key contribution to finding a political settlement".

They said that the devolution package should be "acceptable to all communities within the framework of a united Sri Lanka".

CFA withdrawal

The Indian government has made similar remarks after the Sri Lankan government decided to abrogate the truce signed withe the LTTE.

Put forward a credible devolution package as a key contribution to finding a political settlement Joint statement by UK and Indian Prime Ministers

In a statement on 04 January Indian Ministry of External Affairs said, "what is required in Sri Lanka is a settlement of political, constitutional and other issues within the framework of united Sri Lanka".

The statement added that Sri Lanka could only achieve lasting peace through such a settlement that is comfortable to all communities in Sri Lanka.

It added: "For India, any step that leads to a reduction in levels of violence and human suffering in Sri Lanka is welcome. Unfortunately, what we have seen recently has been an increase in violence, tension and conflict in Sri Lanka".

India's UN bid

The British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, said that his government strongly supports India's candidacy for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the Indian prime minister, Manmohan Singh, in Delhi, Mr Brown also spoke of increased co-operation between the two governments in taking a series of counter-terrorism measures.

Mr Brown also stressed the importance of free and fair elections in Pakistan -- both for the Pakistani people and for Pakistan's international standing.