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| Thursday, 22 January 2004 |
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| Inaugural JVP-SLFP media briefing: Alliance to forge peace, prosperity, says Kadirgamar by Uditha Kumarasinghe The SLFP-JVP alliance has clearly demonstrated that both parties agree to enter into a political dialogue with the LTTE and all other relevant groups and communities on a correct basis, including granting their rights and eliminating inequality and mistrust among them and consolidating democracy. Presidential Advisor and Former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar said yesterday at the inaugural SLFP-JVP alliance media briefing at the BMICH, Colombo to outline the proposed programs of the newly formed Alliance. "Both parties further agree to go forward to find a final solution and abide by the results of the negotiation process and the wish of the majority of the people," he said. Kadirgamar said: "Therefore, the intention of the alliance is very clear. Both parties have agreed to resume talks with the LTTE and go for a final solution to the ethnic issue. However, the direction of the talks will move on a correct path with the intention of finding a lasting solution to the ethnic problem which can be accepted by all the communities in the country." He said JVP's entry has widened the process of the SLFP to find a final settlement to the ethnic question. "The entry of the JVP has shared the burden and responsibility of governance. This is a significant change in Sri Lankan politics," he said. The former Foreign Minister said a much broader consensus was needed to the peace process. "But we cannot be satisfied with peace negotiations conducted for the past two years. It has raised several questions on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Therefore the SLFP-JVP Alliance hope to widen the negotiating process," he said. "If the LTTE is willing to continue the peace process, there is no question of any Sri Lankan Government going back to war. As long as the LTTE is on the path to negotiations, the ceasefire will stand," Kadirgamar said. Commenting on the LTTE proposals for an Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA), Kadirgamar said the Alliance will widely discuss the matter in a wider perspective. Asked on the structure of the process in which both parties were willing to continue the peace process, he said: "We'll wait and see". He said the SLFP-JVP MoU had clear references to promote the economy which would give priority to local production in both agriculture and industrial sectors. It has laid emphasis on increasing productivity in both the public and private sector by developing the economy. The document had outlined ways and means to strengthen democracy and to safeguard rights of all communities. "In addition, the two parties agree that our foreign policy should be based on safeguarding our sovereignty and independence while maintaining friendship and goodwill with all States and international organisations," he said. JVP General Secretary Tylvin Silva said dissatisfaction was evident among the people on the role of Norway in the peace process. He said they would review Norway's role at the appropriate time. There were many shortcomings of a serious nature in the MoU signed between the UNF Government and the LTTE. "At present this MoU is not operative in the country. Therefore a newly formed SLFP-JVP Government will resume peace negotiations under a new set of policies," he added. Silva said the Government launched various attacks against the SLFP-JVP Alliance. This clearly indicates the Government's fear towards the Alliance. When all progressive people enjoyed it with pleasure, the UNP hoisted white flags which indicated their defeat, he said. SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena said the Alliance's sole intention was to defeat the UNF Government and strengthen the centrist policy weakened by the present Government. "After the SLFP-JVP signed this historic agreement, there is a remarkable rejoicing among all the progressive forces supporting the alliance. The present Government which could not tolerate it harassed our partymen. As a result, two PA supporters were killed," he said. Sirisena said the Government should take full responsibility for these two killings and the Alliance will take appropriate action on these murders to ensure justice. Meanwhile, the SLFP-JVP Alliance will conduct its first national rally in Colombo on January 29 at 2.00 pm. This rally will unfold the policies of the Alliance to the public. The office-bearers of the Alliance are expected to be notified this week, he said. |
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