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Change discernible in LTTE - PM

For the first time in the history a change is discernible in LTTE, said Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing a workshop for Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Chairmen and Deputy Chairman of recently elected local government bodies at the BMICH yesterday.

The LTTE leader told the international and local media that the LTTE is ready to accept a solution based on internal self-determination, which means a solution within an undivided Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister said.

"This is a big metamorphosis compared with the time of the LTTE's inception. They said North and East is their homeland. They chased away the Muslims saying the North-East belongs to them. But now, the LTTE leader accepted that the North-East belongs to the Muslims too", the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister drew attention to the pronouncements made by the LTTE that they would not have any negotiations till the ban on LTTE is lifted. They refused to meet any Minister of the Government as long as the ban lasts, he added.

However, three Ministers, Arumugam Thondaman, Periyasami Chandrasekeran and Rauf Hakeem will be meeting Prabhakaran this weekend. This is a remarkable change, Prime Minster said.

The Premier further said:

"We started discussions with the LTTE on the peace process through the Norwegian Government at a time when the majority of people in this country did not trust the LTTE. Similarly, the LTTE also does not trust the Government. This mistrust still exists. However, confidence of the people in peace has grown. We must start from this premise and go forward.

"It was after serious consideration that we embarked on the peace process because we have no other alternative. Peace could be achieved only if the people want peace. The people have given a mandate for peace. They want the government and the LTTE to implement it. Now we are at this point, we must go forward.

"We will start negotiations in June. At present, we are implementing the Ceasefire Agreement. Although there are certain violations reported, we are not shooting at each other. We are complaining to the Norwegian monitors.

"There is a problem regarding passenger transport on A9 road. We are prepared to issue permits even to those operating buses in the Vanni. We are prepared to issue permits to run buses from Colombo to Jaffna and not from Colombo to Omanthai or Muhamalai. Although A9 road has been opened it will take another four weeks or so to clear the immediate surroundings of the road of land mines.

"We hope to start the bus services in a months' time. The road ahead is not easy. Though it is difficult, there won't be death and destruction of property. We will travel on this road, we will carry world opinion with us. That is our strength".

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