Geneva talks - A pragmatic step forward by the President - M. Inamullah, Consul General of Sri Lanka

JEDDAH : "The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka is that of a multi-dimensional one. As it has regional, international and socio-economic implications, with a broader sense of diplomacy and responsibility, the President made a swift move towards the resumption of stalled peace process"

The move considered rather pragmatic and realistic by observers - said the Consul General of Sri Lanka Masihudeen Inamullah in Jeddah at a media briefing on the latest peace talks held in Geneva on February 22nd and 23rd, 2006.

The President no doubt is mindful of the diversified political views in the South, but he is confident of the unity in diversity among all the parties concerned to make peace not war.

Resumption of the stalled peace process itself considered as success for the Government of the newly elected President which brought the parties concerned together to the negotiating table. It is also considered an achievement as a move towards confidence building.

With regard to the Muslim factor is concerned, the Muslim community in Sri Lanka is grateful to President Mahinda Rajapakse for nominating the able lady.

Minister Mrs. Ferial Ashraff to represent the Muslims of Sri Lanka to the negotiating team amidst speculations by parties of vested interest that the Muslim would be left out of the process.

Mrs. Ferial Ashraff was the right choice, in view of her merits and experience of three decades in active Muslim politics and the greatest sacrifice she made when the great leader M.H.M. Ashraff - her beloved husband, the founder of the Muslim Congress was killed in a tragic incident. We urge the Muslim leaders to show solidarity with the Minister Mrs. Ferial Ashraff by all means.

It is the duty of the Muslims to set aside the political differences to strengthen the hands of the President who set sail the anchored process for a short while to achieve honourable and durable peace for the country.

Inamullah, a former high command member for Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and a member of the National Advisory Council for Peace and Reconciliation, reiterated that the peace process would no doubt yield its benefits in the near future to bring back peace, stability and prosperity to the Motherland.