MNA backs call to include India a member of Co-chairs

The Muslims National Alliance (MNA) has backed the call to include India a member of the Co-chairs in the handling of the peace process with Norway, USA, European Union and Japan. Welcoming the idea to include India, the MNA has also suggested China and Pakistan as members of the Co-chairs.

In a letter to President Mahinda Rajapakse, MNA leader Nazeer Ahmed has pointed out the inclusion of China and Pakistan would serve to enhance the Asian presence.

The release:" Over the past few days there have been numerous calls, requesting India to be included in the Co-Chairs comprising Norway, America, European Union and Japan. While we consider this to be a good move, we suggest that Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan also be incorporated into the Co-Chairs Conference.

The inclusion of China and Pakistan would serve to enhance the Asian participation in the peace process and also would be an expression of our Nation's gratitude to these two Nations for the friendship they have extended to us in the past.

Moreover, these two Nations would have our country's interest at heart and would dedicate themselves to ensure that Sri Lanka's sovereignty is not jeopardised in any way.

At this juncture we like to recall the strong bonds of friendship that Sri Lanka enjoys with these two countries and also that when we were in dire straights as a nation it were these two countries that came to our rescue.