|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 1 August 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
'Our party will support any government pursuing peace' - Raviraj
Question: In a statement to the press you have said the parliamentarians of Tamil Arasu Kachchi will support the government if it recommences the peace talks on the basis of the proposal on the Interim Self-Governing Authority. Is it the stand of your party? Answer: Our party will support any government irrespective of political considerations if it carries out the mandate given to us by Tamil people which is to find a lasting solution to the ethnic crisis. But, our party will never become part of any government. We have our permanent seats at the Opposition side in the parliament. Our only concern is to resume the peace talks and find a permanent solution to the national question and keep the government in power that is active in that process. We are not concerned about ministerial portfolios and other facilities. We stand for peace and will sincerely work towards it. Question: The President has said that she was prepared to negotiate on the basis of ISGA proposal. Any comment? Answer: Our party welcomes her position. We feel the direct victims of war are Tamil people. Although a ceasefire is in force for the past two years, normalcy has not returned to the Northeast. No reconstruction and rehabilitation measures were carried out. The biggest obstacle is the High Security Zones. This kind of immediate humanitarian problems should be addressed and thereby a conducive situation could be created for Tamils to have confidence in the government. The Tamil Arasu Kachchi urges the government to consider creating an interim administration to give a breathing space for the Tamil people who have suffered tremendously due to war, and thereafter to have talks on core issues linked with the lasting solution to the problem within a united Sri Lanka. Question: Does the constitution have any arrangements for the establishment of ISGA? Answer: Although there are no direct provisions in the Constitution for the establishment of ISGA, there could be some sort of adjustments. We all can get together and find alternative ways to create the ISGA. Question: There is a view that the ISGA lacks democracy, and it is tantamount to virtual separation. What is your opinion? Answer: This should be looked upon in a constructive manner, rather than with suspicion. The LTTE, has in the Oslo Declaration without its willingness to find a solution on the federal system within a united Sri Lanka. Therefore, the formation of the ISGA is not a means for creating a separate state. They are ready to conduct talks on the proposals. Therefore, one should not come to a hasty decision. In respect of democracy, it is clear to everyone that the LTTE is a group that engaged in armed struggle for more than two decades. Therefore, one cannot expect them to come to the democratic mainstream all of a sudden. It is the duty of moderates to create a conducive climate and building confidence measures. Question: A parliamentary delegation of Tamil Arasu Kachchi is to have talks with Indian leaders next month. What is the purpose of this visit? Answer: The Tamil nation looks upon India as a friendly neighbouring country. Our party also takes the same view. Due to unavoidable circumstances our relationship with India deteriorated. We cannot allow this situation to continue. With the political changes in India, especially in New Delhi and Tamil Nadu, we are of the view that we should initiate the resumption of friendly relations. We would have talks with Indian leaders on the question of solving ethnic problem. Question: What do you think about the future of the peace process? Answer: I am optimistic. I am confident that peace talks between the government and the LTTE would begin soon. That is the only way for the prosperity of Sri Lanka. Any country should have peace and harmony and every citizen should treated equally. Only through a federal system this could be achieved. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
Former Mayor of Jaffna and parliamentarian of Tamil Arasu Kacchi
NADARAJAH RAVIRAJ in an interview with the SUNDAY OBSERVER staffer
P.MUTHIAH says his party would extend its cooperation and support to any
government that is in power, provided that it carries on with the peace
process. He has also welcomed President Chandrika Bandaranaike
Kumaratunga's recent statements that the government would continue with
the peace efforts.
