THE Sri Lankan government announced the creation of a “no-man’s land” along the island’s northern coast and ordered residents to move out of the area in their own interest as part of a series of stringent security measures to combat terrorism. National Security Minister Lalith Athulathmudali said, “No person shall remain in or enter into that zone for any purpose whatsoever without the authority of the superintendent of police.”

Support to Palestine

ON NOVEMBER 29, INDIA firmly reaffirmed its commitment to exert all efforts in the service of the Palestinian cause. In a message to the chairman of the UN committee on Palestine, Massamba Saree, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi stated, “I reaffirm India’s full commitment to the Palestinian people in their struggle for just and inalienable right to self-determination and national homeland”.

Indo-US relations

PRIME MINISTER Rajiv Gandhi expressed satisfaction at the way Indo-US relations were developing. Talking to American Democrat senators, who were in Delhi on a visit, Gandhi said the trade between the two countries had expanded significantly in the recent past. The Senators are expected to have detailed talks with government officials on bilateral relations and the security environment.

India-Iran trade talks

IRAN IS UNDERSTOOD to have agreed to substantially step up its imports from India to cover up the huge adverse trade balance India has at present with the country. The understanding was reached after the meeting of the Indo-Iranian Joint Commission. Various matters such as trade, industry, commerce, agriculture, and science, were discussed. The trade at present is very much in favour of Iran.