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| Sunday, 29 February 2004 |
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Kadirgamar: 'UNP propagating fear psychosis' 'Alliance committed to talks with LTTE' by Deepal Warnakulasuriya The United People's Freedom Alliance last week re-confirmed its steady commitment to a negotiated political settlement with the LTTE to bring about a final solution to the ethnic problem. In a well-attended briefing in Colombo on Friday, Information and Telecommunication Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar said they would solve the country's major problem by consulting all parties in the country. The Media Minister said the President will call for the recommencement of the peace talks with the LTTE after the formation of a Freedom Alliance Government. He further said that talks will be held within a time frame and will be open and transparent. Minister Kadirgamar also said that the six rounds of talks conducted by the UNF was a waste of time as nothing had been achieved. The Alliance at the same time pledged an all inclusive and participatory process that could lead to durable peace "The President on behalf of the Freedom Alliance will correct where the Prime Minister went wrong in the peace process", he added. The Alliance, which confirmed that the ceasefire will stand, questioned what peace dividends the people had got during the last two years. They also pledged to do their utmost to conduct a free and fair election on April 2. Minister Kadirgamar said they have urged the candidates and party supporters to behave peacefully and allow the public to express their will freely. Minister Kadirgamar also said that the People's Alliance has clearly explained that it is not satisfied with the ISGA proposals forwarded by the LTTE, but added that a compromise is possible through negotiations. He also said that it would give the opportunity for practical and realistic talks. He further stressed that consequent to the take-over of the defence portfolio by the President on November 4, 2003, there has not been a single incident of confrontation with the LTTE and the ceasefire has held more effectively than during the UNF period. |
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