An Independent and Interactive Tamil Community Web Site

25-04-2006

Give national interest top priority

COLOMBO: Expressing his regret over the escalation of violence in the North and East and the killing of innocent civilians and children, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said he wanted the LTTE to come to the negotiating table to resolve the issues through discussion.

Addressing the media heads at Temple Trees last evening, in a bid to keep the nation's watch dogs informed of the government's stance on the Peace Process, amidst fears of the LTTE's alleged efforts to keep away from the Geneva 2 talks, the President assured that the Government would take whatever efforts needed to get the LTTE back to the negotiating table.

He said, "We need peace and we need to resolve the problem through negotiations."

Reiterating his government's commitment for peace the President said that despite provocations he would continue to stick to his non-violent policy and strive to find solutions to the present crisis through peaceful means.

President Rajapaksa told the media heads that it was vital to give the national interest top priority when dealing with developments concerning the peace process. He underlined that it was crucial to be sensitive to communal issues to ensure peace and harmony among ethnic groups.

"You have the right to criticise the Government, Government institutions and the President. But on the national question act with responsibility," he said adding that they have come to a decisive point in the peace process where everyone's contribution is as crucial as ever.

Appealing to the media organisations to maintain the restraint they have shown so far, he thanked the heads for their cooperation with his and his government's efforts to keep the peace process on track.

"Don't create hatred and tension among the communities. It is important to create communal harmony," the President emphasised also adding that he was pleased with the restraint shown by the military in the face of continuing LTTE provocations.

Source-Daily News