Maximum devolution within undivided Sri Lanka

Government rejects military option

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa's vision is for a maximum devolution of power in an undivided Sri Lanka, the Government asserted yesterday.

"The Government is of the firm conviction that solutions to the issues at hand have to be sought only through political means and not through military means," a Government statement issued soon after the EU proclamation on the LTTE said yesterday.

"It therefore rejects any suggestions that those measures by the international community would or should encourage any military options by anyone," the Government said. The Government hoped that this [EU's] clear and firm message would provide a fresh impetus and encouragement to the LTTE to think afresh and resume talks with the assistance of the Norwegian facilitators.

It said: "The Government has noted the announcement by the European Union (EU) concerning the listing of the LTTE under EU Regulations.

As has been often stated, this action by the EU is the latest in a series of deterrent measures by the international community concerning acts of violence perpetrated against innocent civilians, ceasefire monitors and Security Forces undermining the Government's peace effort to engage the LTTE in a credible and sustainable process of negotiations.

The Government for its part reiterates its commitment to the continuation of talks with the LTTE, on both the ceasefire and substantive issues relevant to the peace process.

The Government has taken action to implement what has been agreed at Geneva I and is prepared to discuss at the future talks any remaining problems and build mutual confidence necessary to make progress.It is the fervent hope of the Government that the LTTE will take cognizance of the clearly expressed view of the international community and desist from further acts of violence and engage constructively in the peace process. The Government shall reciprocate this constructive spirit in full measure.

As articulated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government will press ahead with its search for a political solution based on democracy and human rights, that meets the aspirations of all communities in Sri Lanka and will preserve the territorial integrity of the country. To this end, work at expert level has already commenced within the All Party Conference framework to define President Rajapaksa's vision of a maximum devolution of power in an undivided Sri Lanka.

The Government appreciates the continued and constructive engagement of the EU in its efforts towards bringing the LTTE into the democratic main stream, especially their role as a member of the Co-Chairs in the peace process facilitated by Norway.

The Government encourages the continued role of the EU in this regard.

The Government of Sri Lanka looks forward to the strengthening of the SLMM's operational capacity and call on all concerned to ensure their safety and security as they continue their indispensable work supportive of the ceasefire.

The President and the Government are resolved to continue the consensus building process with the participation of all political parties as mandated by the All Party Conference seeking the participation of all communities in the governance of the country to fulfil their aspirations and to ensure human rights, democracy and pluralism."