No truce talks with LTTE until decommissioning of weapons -- President of Sri Lanka

Thursday, 13 November 2008 The Government is ready to negotiate with LTTE, but only if they lay down arms, asserted President Mahinda Rajapaksa when he called over the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in New Delhi today (13).  President Rajapaksa also noted that all Sri Lankans, regardless ethnic identity or religious faith are treated equally and are entitled to enjoy all the benefits of a democratic society.

The President explained to Dr. Singh that his main desire is to liberate the country from the grips of terrorism and build a country where all people can live in peace and harmony within a unitary nation.

President Rajapaksa emphasized that the Government will continue to address the humanitarian needs of the northern masses while taking steps to eradicate terrorism.

While reiterating that the Government is committed to bringing freedom to the people in the North, as done is the Eastern Province, President Rajapaksa disclosed that the Government's firm decision to eradicate terrorism will not be turned back.

Addressing the media following the meeting with the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Singh, President Rajapaksa noted that the Government will take all steps to ensure that the rights of Tamils are safeguarded, observing that youth deprived of their rights under the tyranny of LTTE have now entered the democratic path in the East.