"Ready to talk with the LTTE" says President Rajapakse

President Rajapakse told media at Thirupathy in Andhra Pradesh that he saw nothing wrong leaders having their own security when they travel abroad, a statement issued by the President's Media Unit said.

Answering to a question about a statement by the LTTE's political leader, P.Nadesan that the government was not willing to re-open negotiations President Rajapakse said government was ready even today.

"I am ready today. Let them keep their weapons down” and he said that there was no deadline but it was up to the LTTE to decide.

"See what happened in Kabul. Terrorism strikes in Kabul, New York, London and Colombo. It is all the same. You cannot achieve anything through terrorism", the statement said quoting President.

Asked whether he was interested in mediation, he said it should be possible to settle this matter by direct discussions.

We are all Sri Lankans; we are all brothers, whether we are from the north, east or south. Surely we can settle this by talking to each other", President said