Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] said on Saturday that he favoured a solution to the problems of Tamils within the
framework of a united and federal Sri Lanka [Images], notwithstanding Tamil parties including ally Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam [Images] pitching for a separate Eelam.
 
"There can be no military solution to the problems of Tamils in Sri Lanka. The legitimate aspirations of the Tamil speaking minority must be fulfilled within the framework of a united and federal Sri Lanka through a negotiated and
peaceful settlement," he said in a statement circulated at a press conference in Chennai.
 
The statement assumes significance in the backdrop of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and its allies demanding separate Eelam as a solution for the problems of Tamils. Even DMK had joined the bandwagon in demanding a separate Eelam.

"It is not easy to send army to a sovereign country," said the PM when asked to respond to demands for military intervention in Sri Lanka. 
        
 Responding to criticism about the UPA's foreign policy, The PM said, "The Nepal development is a matter of deep concern for India . Their situation is an internal problem, i hope Nepal's polity will be able to resolve it."

Taking on the Left the PM said that not many believed that the Third Front was a viable arrangement.        

The PM also said that the Cauvery issue was a sensitive one and a permanent solution has to be found. "If we come back to power, we will give it priority," Singh said.