LTTE's air strike capability a threat to other countries too -
President
COLOMBO: The LTTE air attacks threaten not only us. It is a
threat to other countries, too.
At a time when terrorism manifests itself in different ways, the
LTTE's air strike capability would become a threat to the international
community, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The President was
addressing the party leaders at Temple Trees yesterday at the invitation
of the President, following the LTTE's air strike on the Katunayake Air
Force Base.
Following is the text of the President's address to the party
leaders: The LTTE has used the respite gained by the Ceasefire to
enhance their offensive strength in all aspects. Minister Lakshman
Kadirgamar did much to enlighten the international community about it.
Accordingly, we have periodically informed it of this situation.
Even after I became the President we have very clearly briefed the
international community on the dangers inherent in the LTTE's possession
of two aircraft. Thereafter, we targeted several of their airstrips.
I believe we have a duty by the country and that everybody will unite
now, setting aside petty political differences. It is our duty by the
country and the nation to meet the LTTE terrorist threat.
During the past whenever the LTTE has launched attacks, it has tried
to achieve their target by drawing the attention of the people and the
Government away. We have understood this strategy. That is why we have
taken steps to increase security and fortify certain locations.
We clearly saw their intention to assassinate our leaders. They
attempted to kill the Army Commander and the Defence Secretary.
The LTTE air attacks threatent not only us. It is a threat to other
countries, too. We are not alone in facing the terrorist threat. India
and Indonesia too have similar threats. At a time when terrorism
manifests itself in different ways, the LTTE's air strike capability
would become a threat to the international community.
I need not tell you when they brought the aircraft and the background
that prevailed then. I need not waste your time by utilising this moment
to seek answers to the questions as to who gave permission to them to
bring these aircraft and how details about the airport came to their
possession.
Yet, we all have a duty and a responsibility to use all our strength
to eliminate this terrorism. We are confident of your support in this.
Attempting to gain petty political gains at this juncture, I believe, is
treachery by the country and the nation.
The terrorists failed to achieve their targets due to the vigilance
of the Air Force. You must pay attention to the activities of certain
groups who try to give wrong and false interpretations when we are
engaged in defeating terrorism, which is a national necessity.
In that context, recently we had to bring the Air Force Commander and
the Defence Secretary before the media. In taking measures to meet this
situation, I would like to listen to your views.
We enlightened intellectuals and academics on the recent actions of
the security forces. I would like to give you too a similar opportunity.
We have done much to liberate the people from terrorism and bring in
peace. I believe all of us should achieve a consensus on the National
Question. Unfair criticism of the security forces and security related
information is an obstacle to our attempts to defeat terrorism.
Following this meeting 13 political parties issued a joint statement
condemning the LTTE's attack and supporting the Government's moves to
eliminate separatist terrorism. |