Fishermen issue needs to be handled with care, says Krishna

The visiting Indian External Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna, on Tuesday emphasized that the issue of fishermen is an emotive issue and needs to be handled with care on both sides.

"I also took this opportunity to emphasize that the issue of fishermen is an emotive issue and needs to be handled with care on both sides. As we explore possible solutions, we must ensure that there is no use of force against the fishermen and that they are treated in a humane manner," said Krishna in his remarks at the joint press interaction with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris.

"We were happy to note that the Joint Working Group on Fisheries which met a couple of days ago, was able to look at various options to address this issue," he added.

Stating that India and Sri Lanka are bound by ties of history, geography and culture, Krishna said: " Our partnership must therefore progress in the spirit of being the closest of neighbours and friends, whose destinies are intertwined."

It may be recalled here that at the fourth meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries that was held in Colombo recently, the two countries agreed to step up dialogue among fishermen communities of both countries and discussed measures for faster release of those arrested for intrusion in each other's waters.

The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation to pursue fishing activity in a safe, secure and sustainable manner. (ANI)