Doors still wide open for LTTE to enter talks

President tells Asian envoys:

Rohan MATHES

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa reiterated that despite the new regulations that are to be implemented, the doors are still wide open for the LTTE to come back to the negotiating table to search for a political solution.

The Heads of Missions of the SAARC region including India, Pakistan,, Bangladesh, Maldives and Nepal, South East Asian countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Korea, Japan, and China, Middle Eastern countries including UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Palestine, Iran, Libya and Egypt, called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday morning. They were briefed on the current political developments pertaining to the LTTE.

The President told the envoys that the new regulations introduced will in no way impede the exercise of human rights, trade union activities or end the discussions with or ban the LTTE.

He said that from past experience they have learnt the LTTE has engaged in talks when they are weak in the battlefield, and later when they build up in strength, they demand the impossible and retire from the talks. Whoever assisted them too has been killed by them. A classic example was the former Indian Premier Rajiv Gandhi, who sought to bring them together.

President Rajapaksa said that the Government has appointed two committees, the All Party Representatives Committee and an 'Experts Committee'.

Responding to a question from the Palestine envoy whether a 'deadlock' situation would arise regarding a peaceful solution to the ethnic issue with the LTTE, the President said: "We have not banned the LTTE. The doors are open for the LTTE to come to the negotiating table.

Although the LTTE leader Prabhakaran in his speech on the 27th said the CFA is now defunct, we are ready to talk with the LTTE. If we were to declare war on them, I would not have permitted the Norwegian envoy Bauer to go to Kilinochchi to meet the LTTE, and instead told them that we will take care of it".

Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga addressing the envoys said that the regulations will not end the discussions or ban the LTTE.

The proclamations will deal with anyone who promotes terrorism in accordance with the laws of the country, viz the 'Prevention of Terrorism Act' which has been passed in Parliament, but not been used since 2002. It has been drafted with caution so as not to lead to a deadlock with the LTTE.

Weeratunga said that the promulgation of the Emergency Regulations will permit the Government to carry out its functions in a more efficient and streamlined manner, by which the normal life will not be disrupted.

He urged the support of the international community in the investigations of the various commissions appointed.

He pointed out that the tonnage of essential goods transported by sea was comparatively much higher than when they were taken by road via A9. Six ships have been deployed to supply goods to the Jaffna peninsula and they intend to send a 'one time offer' of convoy of lorries laden with goods, provided the LTTE permits.

The supply route had been very satisfactory, except for the inclement whether which has had an adverse effect on the unloading. An alternative land route via Pooneryn had also been offered, but turned down by the LTTE. A local NGO the Sarvodaya, too had volunteered to work in Jaffna.

Replying to a question from the Malaysian envoy pertaining to the safety of tourists, the President was of the view that tourism was not effected.

Head of the Peace Secretariat Palitha Kohona said that the tourists have not come under attack by the LTTE yet. In Galle too, it was the Naval institution which was attacked by the LTTE and not the tourist interests there.

Kohona said the Government has succeeded in bringing about a Southern consensus among the parties.

The APRC and the Experts Committee are very close to providing a solution and they would have something useful within the next few weeks. He was optimistic that the LTTE too would hopefully join the fray, rather than resorting to violence and bloodshed.

Kohona sad that despite the regulations, the Government remains fully committed to the humanitarian aspects, emergency and medical situations.

They would ensure that normal citizens are not penalised and the provision of essentials are not restricted.