|
|
Peace is not far away - President
Saturday, 1 September 2007 - 8:19 AM SL Time
|
|
|
BJ - The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed on July 28, 1987 completed its 20th anniversary recently. Does the accord still have relevance?
MR - It is necessary to understand that subjective conditions have changed since this accord was signed 20 years ago. The situation in the east of Sri Lanka has changed significantly with the government being able to liberate it from the LTTE. There is also the decision of the Supreme Court which held that the temporary merger of the north and east carried out under the accord was not legally valid. It is necessary for us to respect the views of the highest judiciary of the country. Also, while we can see these changes, there is one unchanged factor still in place which the accord sought to change. I refer to the fact that the LTTE is still carrying arms and threatening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. They have not abandoned the demand for a separate state within the territory of Sri Lanka.
As to the relevance of the accord, there was a symposium held in Colombo to mark 20 years of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord where many interesting points were made by Indian and Sri Lankan analysts about the success and failure of this agreement. It is necessary to view the accord in the context of the many changes that have taken place since it was signed. What are the lessons to be learnt from the accord? I think the most important lesson is that we should not let things develop in Sri Lanka which would require the intervention of even our best and closest neighbour. We should learn to resolve our own disputes within our country. Another lesson is the need for a more inclusive democracy in our country where no section of the people is left out of the structures of power. We should be able to better manage inter-communal relations among our people and provide all sections of the people with the necessary constitutional guarantees. They should not feel excluded from power or discriminated against.
BJ - Do you seriously think peace in Sri Lanka is possible in the near future?
MR - Yes, I think peace is possible in the near future. Of course, with this dispute dragging with more than two decades of violent conflict, there can be a question of what is meant by the near future. But I think peace is not far away. My government is consciously working towards peace. I think it can be achieved sooner than many think it may be possible.
BJ - How do you achieve it?
MR - There are many approaches possible for peace. We shall have to settle for the best. It must suit the aspirations of the Tamil people who are at present held in bondage by the LTTE. Whatever solution that we find must have the overall acceptance of all the people of Sri Lanka. This is where consensus, understanding and give and take are required.
BJ - Some feel your stress has been more to look for a resolution of the conflict at the military level and not so much at the political level. Is that correct?
This is totally incorrect. I do not believe or seek a military solution. I firmly believe in the need for a political solution. But one must not forget that the enemy I face is fully armed. It believes in violence and terror. It has shown no serious interest in a negotiated political solution. In that situation, I am duty bound to defend my country and its people. There are situations when a military response is needed for armed attacks on the government, its property and the people. That does not mean I seek a military solution.
BJ - How do you go about the devolution package where aspirations of people in the north and east are realised?
MR - As I have repeatedly stated, it is my policy, and also in keeping with the mandate I have received, to bring about the widest possible measure of devolution which will meet the aspirations of the people in the north, the east and rest of the country. We must be aware of the aspirations of all our people, and work towards a solution that will reflect those aspirations. We must not be unfair towards any section of the people. When our policies are based on justice and fair-play for all, I think we can bring about the best devolution for the country and the people.
BJ - You have been insisting that India has to get involved in the peace process to make it workable at some time or the other. But given the political realities in New Delhi, do you think this is feasible in the next few months or years?
MR - I believe in the important and useful role that India can play in helping resolve this crisis. I am also aware of the political realities in New Delhi. I cannot blind myself to these realities. I cannot set a time-table for when India can get involved in the peace process here. But I fully appreciate how India has acted to control the activities of the LTTE in Tamil Nadu which has been reported in recent months. Such co¬operation is most encouraging.
BJ - Is LTTE the cause or the effect of the decade long ethnic strife in Sri Lanka?
MR - All I can say is that the LTTE is very much the cause of most of the violence and terror this country has seen in the past decade. As for ethnic strife, it is a larger issue. This goes much beyond a decade and requires a serious political solution.
|
|
|
Saint
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7890
Member Profile
|
 1 Sep 2007 01:20:52 GMT Report for Abuse
|
Sri Lankans are tired of this unending war!
There were leaders who talked same but fell short when it comes to achieve the goal, but the uniqueness of this President is he took the initiative without thinking too much of his political career.
He is entitled to guide Sri Lanka.
Edited By - Saint - 1 Sep 2007 01:35:04 GMT |
kotia
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2827
Member Profile
|
 1 Sep 2007 01:24:55 GMT Report for Abuse
|
All I can say is that the LTTE is very much the cause of most of the violence and terror this country has seen in the past decade.
yes it is |
chinthanaya
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1774
Member Profile
|
 1 Sep 2007 01:28:55 GMT Report for Abuse
|
Peace is not far away
All past presidents also said the same thing time to time!
Now, the reason is to cheat the people against COL.
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/09/01/front/01.asp
Shell shock: Staggering increase of Rs. 213 for a cylinder Piling another staggering burden on a virtually crippled people, the Consumer Affairs Authority yesterday permitted Shell Gas to increase the price of a 12.5 Kg cylinder of LPG to a stunning Rs. 1,298 from today ? an unprecedented increase of Rs. 213.
Edited By - chinthanaya - 1 Sep 2007 01:37:20 GMT |
jacktheliger
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 673
Member Profile
|
 1 Sep 2007 01:31:09 GMT Report for Abuse
|
As for ethnic strife, it is a larger issue. This goes much beyond a decade and requires a serious political solution.
But what exactly is this solution? |
EEELamaya
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3528
Member Profile
|
 1 Sep 2007 01:51:45 GMT Report for Abuse
|
But what exactly is this solution?
Tamils endured 50 years....solution did not come
Tamils demonstrated peacefully.... solution did not come
Tamils are waiting for 30 years.....solution did not come
Give a solution, then peace will come.
|
vimukth
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 130
Member Profile
|
1 Sep 2007 02:01:22 GMT Report for Abuse
|
| If peace could be brought to S/L again that will be the most noblest thing he could do..........President will have to work extremely hard to achieve this....giving up many personal agendas and being extremely patient & Diplomatic with Foreign Govts., both the Govt & Opposition Members/Ministers AND at the same time NOT giving a safe haven & no hiding place for those who practice Terrorist violence OR preach Terrorist extremism. He has to seriously look at Public Opinion & keep his ear on the ground.....He could definitely do this if he is serious....it will be good for All the Citizens of S/L Tamil,Sinhala, Muslim, Burgher etc., etc., and finally for him too...... |
Revy
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11220
Member Profile
|
 1 Sep 2007 02:06:52 GMT Report for Abuse
|
the uniqueness of this President is he took the initiative without thinking too much of his political career.
Bro this president is the Sri Lankan embodiment of Bill Clinton, he thinks about NOTHING BUT his political career, and he promises everything to everyone but delivers on nothing to anyone, he is the perfect Bill Clinton clone minus the Monica.
Oh and he steals left and right, just like the Clintons who looted the white house on their last days, besides selling nuclear secrets to the Chinese. Even today Hilalry has a convicted fellon gathering funds for her. |
kotia
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2827
Member Profile
|
1 Sep 2007 02:07:22 GMT Report for Abuse
|
Tamils endured 50 years....
How was there life when there was British Control?
Tamils demonstrated peacefully....
With the weapons and killing over 70,000 both sides.
Though you were blind most are not like that and do not compare others with your knowledge.
Tamils are waiting for 30 years....
You are repeting the same thing
You must say the LTTE terrorists have been fighting for 30 yars.
it is unfair to have all Tamils because as your heart knows there are thousands of Tamils in Sri lnaka with out any problem |
LankanWay
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 743
Member Profile
|
1 Sep 2007 02:23:10 GMT Report for Abuse
|
MR - Yes, I think peace is possible in the near future. Of course, with this dispute dragging with more than two decades of violent conflict, there can be a question of what is meant by the near future. But I think peace is not far away. My government is consciously working towards peace. I think it can be achieved sooner than many think it may be possible.
MR: We Sri Lankans are with you. You can put an end to this bloody terrorism in our country. All the best
|
Saint
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7890
Member Profile
|
1 Sep 2007 02:26:15 GMT Report for Abuse
|
Let's see the brighter side bro,
he is the perfect Bill Clinton clone minus the Monica.
At least he is ...
:-D :-D
|
|
Search All News and Discussions