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Govt. asks LTTE to put forward alternative to A9
Thursday, 16 November 2006 - 4:07 AM SL Time
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The government yesterday told the LTTE to put forward an alternative to the A9 route after the rebels last week turned down the government`s proposal to use the Sangupitty crossing point at Pooneryn for civilian movement to Jaffna.
Government defense spokesman Keheliya Rambukwelle told the Daily Mirror as the immediate opening of the Muhamalai crossing point on the A9 was not possible owing to security concerns the government was ready to consider an alternative from the rebels.
Minister Rambukwelle however stressed any proposal from the rebels would be considered only if there was absolutely no threat to national security adding that at the moment apart from Pooneryn there were ?very few options.?
The LTTE last week rejected the government offer for civilians and aid groups to use the Kilinochchi, Pooneryn route and cross into the Jaffna peninsula at the Sangupitty jetty which was badly damaged following recent government shelling and aerial bombing on the location.
The LTTE was of the opinion that the damage at Sangupitty would take several months to repair to be fit for civilian movement and stressed on the need for an urgent remedial measure to address the humanitarian crisis which had arisen as a result of the A9 closure.
However Minister Rambukwelle is of the opinion it would take much longer to repair the damaged infrastructure at Muhamalai and reiterated if the rebels cooperated by ceasing attacks at the Muhamalai defence line then reopening the point would be made less contentious.
?We put forward a proposal but they rejected it. Now let them put forward an alternate proposal and we will consider it.
But keep in mind national security will be as always our utmost priority and any decision we take will be based on that,` Minister Rambukwelle said.
The Minister noted that the LTTE continued to act with duplicity by demanding the government to redress the humanitarian crisis in Jaffna but yet posed a threat to vessels both local and Indian which were prepared to meet the needs of the Jaffna people.
`The agenda of the LTTE is totally different. They are demanding us to open the A9 at Muhamalai to address humanitarian concerns but refused the alternative we proposed. Now they are threatening shippers and also attempted to attack the Green Ocean vessel transporting civilians from Trincomalee to KKS,` the Minister said.
Human Rights Watch, in an email to the Daily Mirror earlier this week, said the squabbling between the government and the LTTE on the A9 was `shameful` and stressed on the importance of both parties ensuring sea and land routes to Jaffna opened in order to meet the basic needs of the people.
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hashini
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15 Nov 2006 22:35:47 GMT Report for Abuse
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This is a dum suggestion
They do not have any alternatives for A9 - they want the A9 |
tarquin
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15 Nov 2006 22:40:23 GMT Report for Abuse
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This quibbling about the A9 is not going to be relevant soon because when all out war starts after 27 November we will see who crosses the FDL first at Muhamalai.
If the Tigers cross it first then the A9 will be opened. If the SLA crosses it first it will remain closed. |
hashini
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15 Nov 2006 22:46:06 GMT Report for Abuse
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If the Tigers cross it first then the A9 will be opened. If the SLA crosses it first it will remain closed.
So how many times had the tiger fired at Northern peninsula since 1995? How many times did they crossed the FDL? So it is under them or the GOSL?
Get over yourself with this 27th of November. Encourage leaders to find a solution not to fire at one another.
Waste of time on both parts. |
petijo1
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15 Nov 2006 22:50:28 GMT Report for Abuse
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We must keep the A9 closed. By all means.
But suffering Jaffna people desperately needed it to be opened? |
Revy
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15 Nov 2006 22:53:41 GMT Report for Abuse
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If the SLA crosses it first it will remain closed.
Tarquin I would bet there will be more initial SLA crossing than LTTE ones, if I were an LTTE commander I would not walk my men into their fortified positions first, let them come into ours and enjoy another Oct 11 type party then hit back hard when they are retreating in disarry. |
Freelancer
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15 Nov 2006 22:58:20 GMT Report for Abuse
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| My guess is that LTTE is planning to explode SLA sentry points using truck bombs - a reasonable excuse for SLA to close A9. Gov must explain people clearly why they have closed A9 instead giving lame excuses and alternatives. |
kandappa
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15 Nov 2006 22:58:37 GMT Report for Abuse
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If you want to really solve the ethnic problem A9 should be made a super highway. In 1957. when Nehru visited Ruwanweliseya we were allowed to be within 10-15 feet I happened to be on the front line shouted jai hind-jai bharath; he turned and waved at me. There was no security threat at that time. The security problem is the creation of the MEP government later 1958.
Edited By - kandappa - 15 Nov 2006 23:00:56 GMT |
DVLADV
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15 Nov 2006 22:58:54 GMT Report for Abuse
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Govt. asks LTTE to put forward alternative to A9
This is just a ploy before the co-chairs meet, to show that they are concerned about the people.
Srilankans might be ignorant to the political culture of the politicians but co-chairs are seasoned politicians and will see through this.
But suffering Jaffna people desperately needed it to be opened?
You are right, but who cares? Even LTTE is only giving lip service to this. The longer this is closed the favorable this is going to be for them in Jaffna. As far as the Govt. is concerned it protects the SLA. |
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