Govt striving to end terrorism, enthrone democracy
“I wish to once again very clearly call on the LTTE to lay down their
arms and surrender. They should act in this manner and enter the
democratic political process. Our aim should be to ensure the democratic
political rights of our Tamil brethren,” President Mahinda Rajapaksa
told All Party Conference (APC) on Saturday.
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing
the All Party Conference (APC) on Saturday. Picture by
Sudath Silva |
The text of the President’s statement: “We have today reached an
important juncture in the difficult path of eradicating terrorism from
our Motherland and ensuring the dawn of peace. We seek this peace for
all the people of our country. Similarly, what we look forward to is a
peace that will ensure to all citizens, whether in the North, South,
East or West equal rights and privileges, to be enjoyed in freedom and
dignity.
“The political parties gathered here are those that have the highest
regard to the democratic system, and have great confidence in it; it is
satisfying that they all value democratic thinking and follow the
principles of democracy. We are also encouraged by the fact that all of
these parties comprise those who take great pains to achieve the
economic, social, cultural and political aspirations of our people.
“I wish to emphasise the importance of all of us have come together
so as not to betray the people in their eager search for democracy and
peace, away from the path of violence.
“However difficult it may be, it is my belief that the efforts to
find political solutions to political issues should be continued. It is
my belief that there are no military solutions to political questions.
The people have elected us to realise their aims and aspirations. It
is our duty to ensure to the Tamil people of the North the same
democratic rights as enjoyed by the people min all other parts of the
country. Military operations have become necessary to eradicate
terrorism from the country and enthrone democracy throughout the land.
“You will recall that in January this year the All Party
Representative Committee presented a set of proposals. It is the
expectation of the government to carry these proposals forward and
implement them. Especially, in the context of our Constitution not being
properly implemented, such the full implementing of these proposals
cannot be done immediately. They should be done step by step. Already
this is being implemented well in the Eastern Province.
At the same time, the military operations are continuing in the
North, to free the people there from the yoke of terrorism and ensure
them of their democratic rights and freedoms.
“There should be a proper environment to fully implement the
proposals of the All Party Conference and the All Party Representative
Committee. The current military operations are being carried out to
build that required environment. They are not intended to harass the
ordinary people, or cause harm or hardship to them. Our policy in this
regard is very clear.
It is that we continue with these operations to free another group of
our own brothers and sisters from the cruel grip of terror.
“I wish to state our satisfaction that the entire machinery of
Government led by the respective Government Agents, is carrying out
fully coordinated work together with the International Red Cross and the
United Nations to ensure the welfare of the civilians who are faced with
some hardship and have been temporarily displaced due to the current
military operations in the North.
“All hardships faced temporarily by our brothers and sisters in the
North will be brought to an end in a short time. Similar to what we did
in the East, we will soon make arrangements to bring normality to the
lives of our fraternal citizens in the North, and provide them the
opportunity to elect their own political representatives to the
constitutionally established political institutions.
“You are aware that we are taking action to properly implement our
Constitution. Similarly, the Local Government bodies and provincial
councils are being strengthened.
What the All Party Conference should do now is to discuss and agree
on measures towards stabilising this political process, and discuss the
further measures necessary to achieve peace. This should be done in a
manner that is fair by all communities. Such measures should help in
raising the living standards of all communities. Also, we should build
an environment in which every citizen will be able to live in peace and
satisfaction.
“I wish to once again very clearly call on the LTTE to lay down their
arms and surrender. They should act in this manner and enter the
democratic political process. Our aim should be to ensure the democratic
political rights of our Tamil brethren.”
The President summoned the All Party Conference to apprise its
members of the current developments with regard to the operations to
eradicate terrorism, establish peace and restore democracy throughout
the country. |