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| Friday, 2 July 2004 |
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Army-LTTE dialogue vital for peace - Army Chief by Ranil Wijayapala The Sri Lanka Army should commence a dialogue with the LTTE to dispel any mistrust between the two sides that has arisen following recent incidents in the East, Army Commander Lieutenant General Shantha Kottegoda said yesterday. Addressing the media after assuming duties as the 17th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, General Kottegoda said a dialogue between the two parties was 'vital' in sorting out problems. He said the LTTE withdrawal from talks with the Sri Lanka Army in the East was damaging the truce agreement and they should start a dialogue soon to settle this problem. "If we do not trust the LTTE and the LTTE does not trust us, that won't help us to settle problems. So we have to talk to them to dispel that mistrust," Kottegoda added. "The LTTE withdrawal from the meetings with the Army will not help settle this issue. It is damaging the ceasefire and the peace process," he added. Kottegoda said as the Overall Security Forces Commander in the East he was able to sort out problems with the LTTE when there was a series of killings in the East. "I was able to convince them that if such killings continue in the East it would lead to hostilities between the two parties. Following that no such incidents were reported from the East," Kottegoda added. Asked about the LTTE's accusation that the Army was harbouring LTTE renegade leader Karuna, Kottegoda said the Army was not aware about the whereabouts of Karuna. "Actually I do not know where Karuna is. I am telling you the gospel truth," he added. He said the Army was committed to support the peace efforts of the Government and to abide by the Ceasefire Agreement. |
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