Archives

by Manjula Fernando

The Government yesterday declared that the two major political parties will have to decide on alternative means to resolve the current political crisis, if the on going talks for a national consensus on critical policies fail to reach a conclusion by December 15.

Cabinet spokesman Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris told the Cabinet press briefing: "In an unfortunate contingency, one will have to take stock of the situation and resort to practical measures to resolve the situation."

However, he refused to disclose what this alternative means the Government had in mind, in reply to inquires by the media.

The Minister said if the two parties cannot come up with a 'desired solution' before the set deadline, it would be necessary to seek alternative ways for a 'practical solution' so as to gain much needed political clarity to revive the peace process. "A long pause between the peace talks can put the peace process in a fragile situation," he emphasised adding that the Eastern situation can be effectively addressed in a more stable political set up.

Referring to the recent set of conciliatory proposals by the President which included the appointment of a minister assisting Ministry of Defence, Prof. Peiris said the suggestion was unacceptable since the set up would not give full authority to the PM on matters concerning the defence.

Explaining the Government stance, the minister said, "There was no desire to embarrass the President or to create undue conflicts."

Nevertheless, he added that the government cannot be entirely satisfied unless the PM is in total control over all aspects concerning the peace process.

He reiterated that the immediate need of the hour was for a national consensus not a national government.

According to the Cabinet spokesman, another crucial meeting between President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is to take place at President's House today. The ground work for this meeting was laid by the PM's special representatives Bradman Weerakoon and Malik Samarawickrema who had a direct meeting with the President on Wednesday.

Prof. Peiris expected a turn of the events given the President's acceptance to a direct meeting with the two representatives who earlier had discussions with her two emissaries, Karunaratne and Mano Tittawela.

www.ppilk.com

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

Produced by Lake House
Copyright © 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager