"It is time for the LTTE to lay down arms"

President addressing the All Party Conference on Saturday repeated his call to the LTTE to lay down arms and surrender.

“I wish to once again very clearly call on the LTTE to lay down their arms and surrender. They should act in this manner and enter the democratic political process. Our aim should be to ensure the democratic political rights of our Tamil brethren.”, the President said.

All Party Conference was summoned to apprise its members of the current developments with regard to the operations to eradicate terrorism, establish peace, and restore democracy throughout the country.

President told the All Party Conference that efforts to find political solutions to political issues should be continued.

“I is my belief that there are no military solutions to political questions. The people have elected us to realize their aims and aspirations. It is our duty to ensure to the Tamil people of the North the same democratic rights as enjoyed by the people in all other parts of the country”, the President said

The leader of the Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TVMP) Muralitharan Karuna Amman, who was present at the APC emphasized that it was necessary to defeat the LTTE militarily.

“This was necessary in the interests of the people of the North, who have already rejected the LTTE, but controlled by the military power of the organization.” he said.

Representatives from Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Communist Party of Sri Lanka, Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, Jathika Hela Urumaya, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Ceylon Workers Congress,Up Country People’s Front, National Unity Alliance, United National Party Democratic Group, Eelam People’s Democratic Party, All Ceylon Muslim Congress, National Congress, Western People’s Front, Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal, National Freedom Front were present at the All Party Conference.