<b>Mere granting of all that LTTE asks will not bring peace - CBK</b>

The Island

President Chandrika Kumaratunga highlighted the need for dialogue between communities to build a multi-ethnic plural society. "An agreement between the LTTE and government alone will not bring peace. We must instil peace in the hearts of people," she said. She was addressing a gathering of soldier families at the Ambanpola Maha Vidyalaya in Yapahuva on Tuesday. br>

The President pointed out that the PA did much to instil peace in the hearts of people during its term in office. "The UNP government is able to take the process forward because of the work that was done by us. A majority of Sinhalese are no longer anti-Tamil because of the work we did through movements like the Sudu Nelum."

She regretted that many had forgotten the work done by her government to further peace. "Today some say that the greatest obstacle to peace is Chandrika. The only thing that Chandrika did not sacrifice for peace was her life", she said.

She commended the ceasefire that has lasted these past seven months. "Many lives have been saved," she said. She observed that the UNP was taking forward a process begun by the PA, and for its success it was imperative to bring the LTTE to the table for talks. "Granting the LTTE their every wish will not bring peace. Talks must commence immediately," she said.

She pointed out that as the head of state she would be responsible for the outcome of the ceasefire agreement between the LTTE and the government. "However because of my great desire for peace I have not obstructed the process. The peace we achieve must be an honourable one," she said.

She also stressed the importance of providing adequate assistance to the families of soldiers killed in the war. Noting that the Samurdhi benefits to this sector had been curtailed, she said that she would raise the matter with both the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister.

Courtesy - The Island.