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| Sunday, 26 June 2005 |
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World commends President The world community was quick to react positively to the signing of the MoU for establishing P-TOMS commending President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga for her courage in overcoming chauvinist, majoritarian agitation against the setting up of the structure. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday welcomed a tsunami aid-sharing deal between Sri Lanka's government and Tamil rebels as an "important day" for the island. Annan was "pleased" with the agreement between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), his spokesman said in a statement. "He would like to express his appreciation for the leadership shown by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in achieving this result, and the joint commitment of the parties to the rebuilding of the devastated areas. "They have done the right thing in placing people's needs first." The UN chief also "welcomes the inclusion of the Muslim minority in the committees that will administer the funds. The Secretary-General hopes the agreement will help place Sri Lanka on the road to full recovery from this unparalleled tragedy." The Hindu in its Editorial of yesterday June 25 said "In setting up the P-TOMS despite political difficulties especially after the JVP's withdrawal from the coalition, President Chandrika Kumaratunga has shown exemplary courage... As Sri Lanka's only truly non-chauvinist, non-majoritarian leader, President Kumaratunga has had one overriding goal through two terms as President: to bring peace to her country." "The Lanka Academic" in a report datelined June 25 says, "Kumaratunga has promoted the plan as a golden opportunity for the government to forge peace as the country recovers from the Dec. 26 tsunami, which struck both government and rebel held areas and killed at least 31,000 people." A News Release titled 'Canada welcomes agreement...' says, "We recognise the considerable challenges that the Government of Sri Lanka has faced in going ahead with this agreement and commended Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga for taking this bold step, said Minister Pettigrew. "We also commend both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE for agreeing to include equitable Muslim representation in the management of the structure. Canada hopes that, with the goodwill of all parties, an effective structure will foster an environment conducive to reinvigorating the stalled peace process." The 'Times News Network' quoting an Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said, "We had conveyed our understanding of and support to her (Chandrika Kumaratunga's) efforts to devise a mechanism by which relief could be channelled to the victims of the tsunami. Considering the scale and tragedy, it is important that the relief is made available to all victims regardless of their religion or ethnicity." |
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