Vaiko to address EU parliament in Brussels

CHENNAI: Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko is in Brussels to attend a hearing aimed to discuss the way forward for Tamils in Lanka. The hearing, organised by  Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left of the European Parliament, will see Vaiko address a session on what activities the group can take up to assist Lankan Tamils in the aftermath of the Eelam War IV.Vaiko is taking part in the hearing, scheduled for June 1, on invitation from Member of the European Parliament (MEP)Paul Murphy. The hearing will be attended by a number of MEPs and leading lights of the international human rights community.“Given your experience as general secretary, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, we would much appreciate your participation in this hearing. You will be invited to speak at the event. We want you to give an overall picture, specific examples and directions to MEPs present to enable them to work out how they can help to protect human rights in Sri Lanka,” read a letter sent to Vaiko that invited him to Brussels for the hearing. The hearing is aimed at coming out with a statement on the plight of Tamils and human rights in Sri Lanka. It will also discuss the feasibility of a fact-finding team to Sri Lanka and decide on the same.Vaiko may be expected to contribute to three sessions of the hearing that deal with the genesis of Sri Lankan war, its aftermath and solutions for lasting peace in the island nation.10 Sri Lankan fishermen heldMeanwhile, Marine Police and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) arrested 10 Sri Lankan fishermen on Saturday night for intruding into the Exclusive Economic Zone of India, Express reports from Kakinada.     Marine police station inspector A Bala Gangadhar Tilak said two boats and 2,300 kg of fish were seized from the Lankan fishermen.The ICG and marine police arrested the Lankan fishermen while they were jointly patrolling the Exclusive Economic Zone of India on Sahara vessel. The arrested fishermen will be produced in court on Tuesday.