|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 18 February 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Security | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
No cancellation of ceasefire if new Govt. elected - G.L. by Manjula Fernando Cabinet spokesman Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday that it was evident now the ceasefire agreement will definitely be jeopardised if a new government is elected at the April 2 General Election. However, in response to a question by the media, the minister admitted that an election of a new Government would not lead to the cancellation of the ceasefire agreement with the LTTE. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing at the Gramodaya Centre yesterday the Minister said both main parties of the Alliance have refused to accept the MoU between the LTTE and the Government as a valid document and this would pose a great threat to the continuation of the ceasefire. "The JVP has categorically stated that the ceasefire agreement, in its existing form was unacceptable. A clarification on this was issued afterwards but it was worse than the statement itself. The clarification has questioned the validity of the MoU." "Without accepting the ceasefire agreement how can you continue the ceasefire," he questioned. He said the ceasefire between the warring parties since 22 February 2002 has gained the country enormous economic and other benefits and without the ceasefire there would have been nothing. "Issuing a statement on the LTTE proposals for an Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) the SLFP maintained that the proposals were not a basis for discussion. The President contradicted that, saying the proposals do offer a basis for discussions." "There is inconsistency with regard to the opinions of the two parties and thus it is very difficult to identify the policy of the Freedom Alliance on the peace process," Prof. Peiris added. The minister further said the new Alliance between the SLFP and the JVP has been made for the sole purpose of winning the forthcoming general election and it would pave the way for the destruction of the SLFP. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
