Archives

by Manjula Fernando and Rajmi Manatunga

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has expressed her appreciation to the Thai and Norwegian governments for hosting and facilitating peace talks between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE.

Addressing the monthly media conference yesterday, Presidential spokesman Harim Peiris said the President was pleased that the direct negotiations between the Government and the LTTE has commenced, but emphasised that she wanted the talks to move from rehabilitation and resettlement to more substantive matters necessary to achieve a durable settlement.

"The mere absence of war is not a substitute for a permanent solution. For that we should move from de-mining to de-commissioning of weapons by the LTTE.

They must certainly put a stop to their rearming going at a hectic pace," Peiris said. He said the LTTE should hand over their weapons to the Government if they are committed to the peace process and express willingness to enter civil administration.

Otherwise there will be more episodes like the recent Wilgamvehera incident where seven soldiers were arrested and detained.

"This was a clear violation of the cease fire agreement and the President has directed action for the soldiers' release immediately."

Peiris said: "It is untenable for the LTTE to operate in Vanni or the government controlled areas, heavily armed. The two LTTE cadres demanded in exchange for the release of seven soldiers, had been armed when they were arrested by the Army.

Therefore the two incidents cannot be compared."

He said human rights situation in north and east should be emphasised at the negotiating table.

The President also believed that forcible recruitment and utilisation of minors and children in the armed forces and extortion campaigns especially in government controlled areas must immediately cease.

Peiris said the President is awaiting a formal briefing on the first round of peace talks by the Government. "We expect to hear the government's position on the President's nominee for the coming rounds of talks during these sessions," he said.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager