FM hails Chidambaram's statement

CHAMINDA Perera

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday welcomed the statement by Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram that the LTTE should lay down arms and allow the innocent Tamils to move into the cleared area.

"We welcome the statement made by Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram who knows Sri Lanka well.

He played an active role in the Rajiv Gandhi Government under which a peace accord was signed by President J. R. Jayewardene and Indian Premier Rajiv Gandhi.

The Indian Home Affairs Minister has clearly mentioned that the LTTE should be held responsible for the annihilating of the Tamil polity in Sri Lanka.

The Minister also welcomed the statement by the Co- Chairs that the LTTE should disarm itself.

He said the Foreign Ministry for the past two years maintained a firm stand that terrorism should be countered from all its manifestations and forms.

Ministry officials all over should be complimented for their regular engagement with the international community with regard to counter terrorism.

This dedication by the Ministry officials have started paying dividends, the Ministry said.

World wide condemnations and statements denouncing the LTTE atrocities and barbaric acts have started flowing in due to the Foreign Ministry's regular interact with the international community.