Govt encouraging LTTE to come to talks - Foreign Minister

Pramod de Silva at the United Nations in New York

US: Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday expressed the view that the LTTE would respond positively to attempts being made to bring it to the negotiating table. "The Government is ready for talks, has always been.

We want the LTTE to come to talks. We are hopeful they will do so," Minister Bogollagama told the world's press at the United Nations. Bogollagama said President Mahinda Rajapaksa, now in UN for the General Assembly sessions, has reiterated this position.

He said the terror group was getting isolated and was under pressure to enter the peace process. Its fundraising avenues had been stifled in many countries.

He explained that the LTTE did not adhere to the Ceasefire signed in 2002. His predecessor Lakshman Kadirgamar was assassinated during the ceasefire period.

"We need peace - peace that is honourable and sustainable. We cannot let the LTTE build capacity. We encourage the LTTE to stop violence." He explained that the All Party Representative Committee would put forward devolution proposals aimed at resolving the crisis. "As the President emphasised, an honourable end to the conflict is our aim."

Answering a question raised by a journalist, the Minister said the entire Eastern Province liberated from the terrorists, was being targeted for development. Several countries including India have already entered this process.

"We need the fullest support of the international community for this endeavour." Responding to another journalist, he said the Government totally dissociated itself the statement by a minister that UN Humanitarian Chief Sir John Holmes was a 'terrorist' in the payroll of the Tigers.

"We have put this matter to rest. We met him yesterday and had a cordial discussion on a number of issues." He stressed that the charges were untrue. "There is no foundation to these allegations."

Referring to the killing of aid workers, he said a high-powered probe was underway. The Commission of Inquiry will pursue the killing of 17 ACF workers in Muttur and similar cases. "Holmes participated in the commemoration ceremony for the 17 workers.

So did our Human Rights Minister. That signifies our commitment to resolving these issues."

He told the press that the suspects in the killing of two Red Cross workers were now believed to be hiding in the Wanni, an area dominated by the terrorists. "This throws light on these matters.

How could they seek refuge in the Wanni if they had no links with Prabhakaran's terror outfit?" he questioned. He said the Government was addressing in earnest the human rights concerns raised by the international and local community.

The Government was probing child recruitment by the LTTE and the Karuna Group, he said. "We have a zero tolerance policy on child recruitment.

We have ratified all Conventions with regard to women and children. A Committee of Inquiry is probing allegations against Karuna's group. One must remember that it is a breakaway group of the LTTE."

Replying to another question, the Minister said the Government had no desire to 'cover-up' the MiG-27 transaction as alleged by some. "A Parliamentary Select Committee will probe this matter. Ours is a transparent Government. We have nothing to hide," he added. He said there is no threat on the life of defence columnist Iqbal Athas who wrote about the deal.

"Our Government is committed to ensuring media freedom. We will not attack the media. We are a pluralistic democracy that respects all shades of opinion."

He said the Presdent projected the country's identity by speaking in Sinhala. It should be emulated by future leaders.