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| Tuesday, 2 March 2004 |
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| We want to continue peace process - PM by Ariyaratne Ganegoda and Matale District Group corr. A. A. L. Dias Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last Sunday criticising the Freedom Alliance's pledge to initiate a dialogue with the LTTE urged the Alliance to reveal to the people its plans for conducting such negotiations. "It is better to hold talks with the LTTE. But what is the foundation going to be for such future talks ? Are they going to hold those talks as in 1994, questioned the Premier adding that if the Alliance holds these talks as happened in 1994, the country would return to a severe war again and face dire consequences. The Premier made these remarks addressing election rallies held in Dambulla, Rattota and Matale. He urged the Alliance leaders to further explain their stance over these proposed talks with the LTTE. " Even the LTTE's theoretician Anton Balasingham had criticised this alliance and had explained that it would not be able to find sustainable solutions to the problems faced by the Tamil people.This is going to be very critical issue." he added. The Premier explained that his Government will take steps to continue the peace process with the assistance of the International Community. " We will also obtain the support of India and all other relevant parties to bring a lasting peace to this country." Referring to a recent media briefing held by the Freedom Alliance, the Premier criticised the Freedom Alliance's claim that they are going for negotiations without any pre-condition." The Alliance must explain to the people how they are going to hold these negotiations ? Are they going for new conditions or for a new agreement ?" He also questioned the stance of the Freedom Alliance over the devolution of power. Premier Wickremesinghe recalled that within the last two years, his Government was able to create a peaceful atmosphere." We were successful in our attempt to stop the long-fought war and bring peace to every village of this country. We want to continue this peace process to establish a lasting peace." The Premier who described that April 02 election would be a very decisive one for everyone as it would determine the future of the country, urged the people to vote for the UNF to safeguard their future. "Your decision at this forthcoming election will determine whether the country will move on the peace process or return to war. Both these factors will affect your lives. If you take a wrong decision, the whole country will be in jeopardy." The Premier stressed that it is necessary to pursue the current peace process in order to revive the economy and create a vibrant future for the country. Matale District UNF leader and Minister Alick Aluvihare, candidates Nandimithra Ekanayake, Sanjeewa Kaviratne and Ranjith Aluvihare also spoke. |
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