|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 27 April 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Politics |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Withdrawal a matter for regret -Kadirgamar by Deepal Warnakulasuriya 'The LTTE's temporary withdrawal from the 'peace talks' is a matter for regret, but not very surprising', PA MP and President's Counsel Lakshman Kadirgamar said adding that the Opposition would view the LTTE's decision as a tactic to bring maximum pressure to bear on the UNP government to yield to its unreasonable demands as the price for returning to the negotiating table. MP Kadirgamar said that the Opposition would be vigilant to ensure that the UNP Government does not accede to the LTTE's demands such as recognition for the Sea Tigers as a de facto naval unit and the withdrawal of armed forces from the HSZs in Jaffna, or enter into any more secret understandings with the LTTE in the name of the peace process. Mr. Kadirgamar also said that as a joint opposition, they would urge the President to take all necessary constitutional steps to protect the territorial integrity of the country. Party Leader and General Secretary, Sihala Urumaya, Thilak Karunaratne described the LTTE's decision as a case of arm twisting by the LTTE to force the government to agree to their most unreasonable demands such as withdrawal of the armed forces from HSZs in the North and East and to grant equal status to the LTTE's Sea Tigers. He said that the LTTE earned political recognition from the international community under the so-called peace talks and at the same time they developed both military and political strength. "Therefore, the Sihala Urumaya unequivocally calls upon the government not to give into LTTE arm twisting and enter into another round of futile peace talks which will jeopardize the security of our forces." Karunaratne also said that they would launch a massive national campaign against this treachery by joining hands with all patriotic forces if the government does not follow the demand of the majority in the country. JVP Propaganda Secretary Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa said that the LTTE was tactically putting more pressure on the Government to get many things done for them. He also said that the Norwegian agent is totally partial to the LTTE, and the UNF government had to kneel in front of them without any conditions. Weerawansa also said that the LTTE has also launched an assassination drive against the members of Sri Lanka Army Intelligence as well as against Tamil informers. "Tigers have also showed their military power against the Muslim people of Muttur. How does the SLMM Chief dare to advise the government to allow such a terror organisation to operate in Sri Lankan territorial seas and launch military training at sea?" he asked. Wimal Weerawansa reiterated that the patriotic people of this country will not allow betrayal of the country. The JVP will come forward to prevent any such betrayal of the motherland by the UNF government as desired by Norway's Tiger agents. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
