LTTE can come for talks - FM

SINGAPORE: Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said although LTTE terrorism would be countered militarily, the outfit is still welcome for talks to sort out matters.

In an interview with Channel News in Singapore Minister Bogollagama said the newly liberated Eastern Province would be made a showcase of democratic pluralism to the outside world.

“Post conflict development is our major theme today and we will ensure peace for all the people of Sri Lanka”, he said.

He described the capture of East as a major achievement in that it was able to explode the hitherto entertained notion of the LTTE’s invincibility.

“Today we have proved that we have not only taken control of the area but are pursuing goals for the people in terms of development”.

“This is an area that was held by the LTTE. They suppressed the people and recruited children as child soldiers. Today we are happy to announce that the Eastern Province has been entirely cleared and people are free to get about”, Bogollagama stated.

Asked if the Government plans a fight to the finish, the Minister said they (the Government) was only trying to maintain law and order and the security of the people and that of the country as a sovereign state.

He said the Government was committed to fighting terrorism in every form of its manifestation.

“At the same time we want to have a political process. There is no offensive by the Government rather than maintaining the security of our people.”

Bogollagama said the Ceasefire was a farce pointing out that during the so called Ceasefire 740 killings were committed by the LTTE including that of the former Foreign Minister.

Asked why the Sri Lanka Government was not banning the LTTE while calling on others to do so, Bogollagama said the Government had a legal framework to deal with terrorism such as counter terrorism legislation whereas what they expected from the outside world is to halt the LTTE’s fund collection through imposing bans.

Full interview