Talks only with LTTE undemocratic – Minister Keheliya Rambukwella

Conducting talks, only with the LTTE on the national question should be considered as an undemocratic move. Therefore, opinions of all the Tamil and Muslim political parties will be secured, said the Defence Spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, at a press briefing on defence matters yesterday morning at the Media Centre.

Addressing the press conference the Defence Spokesman further said that the government rejects the idea that the LTTE is the sole representative of the Tamils and therefore the talks should be had with it. Even the Tamil parties reject this concept by submitting proposals to the All Party Conference. The peace talks should be meaningful. Solutions cannot be found by having talks only with the LTTE. The LTTE could be accepted as one important faction in the peace talks. In the meantime, the ideas of other parties importantly the Tamil and Muslim parties would have to be obtained.

The terrorism throughout the world has to be defeated. But in Sri Lanka when attacks are launched on terrorism, it is interpreted as act of violation of human rights. It is important to note that such allegations have been rejected by the UN Human Rights Commission. President Mahinda Rajapakse has explained in the UN assembly the steps taken by Sri Lanka to eradicate terrorism said Keheliya Rambukwella.