LTTE must lay down arms before talks - UNP General Secretary

by Ananda Kannangara

Newly appointed UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake yesterday commended the decision taken by the two major political parties, the UNP and the SLFP to create a new political culture in and outside Parliament. In an interview with the Sunday Observer, he said his party's intention was to work amicably with the Government to find a lasting solution to the North East conflict.

Here are the excerpts of the interview:

Q: Why don't your party directly join the SLFP and form a national Government. Then, it will be easier to solve the present crisis?

A: Forming a national Government means, expecting portfolios. But our objective is to help the Government to solve the national crisis and not to accept portfolios.

Q: The LTTE has agreed to start talks with the Government. What's your comment on this?

A: It is a very good sign. This will immensely help overcome the prevailing situation in the country.

However, the LTTE must lay down arms and come for talks.

Q: Are there two factions in the UNP?

A: As far as I know, there are only one faction, but party members may have different views on current issues. This does not means the party is divided. However we are trying to discuss each other over certain matters and come to one opinion.