SLMC welcomes truce talks outcome
 

Rajmi MANATUNGA

COLOMBO: The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) yesterday welcomed the outcome of the ceasefire talks.

SLMC General Secretary Hassan Ali told the Daily News that the party welcomed the agreement reached by the Government and the LTTE to adhere to the regulations of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA).

"According to the information we have received, both parties have pledged to ensure the proper implementation of the CFA. It is a good move. We welcome all attempts to usher in an honourable peace to the country," he said.

Ali said that the only reservation of the SLMC regarding the Geneva talks was a statement by Anton Balasingham referring to a Muslim paramilitary group in the North-East.

"We are disturbed by this statement. As far as we know, there is no such paramilitary movement in the North and East," he said.

The SLMC Secretary also urged the Government to make room for a separate Muslim representation at the next round of talks.

"We do not believe that one person could represent the entire Muslim community at the negotiations. A separate Muslim delegation is vital for finding solutions for our grievances," he added.