By NNN-Govt Portal,
Colombo : President Mahinda Rajapaksa, pointing out that the struggle to eradicate terrorism from the Motherland has reached a critical point, emphasized that he will inform the LTTE that it can now lay down arms and embrace democracy.
The President made this statement while addressing the All Party Representatives Conference at the Presidential Secretariate on Saturday.
Regardless of how difficult it is to develop political solutions to political issues in the country, this is an effort that has to be made, the President pointed out.
He also said that political problems do not have military solutions and that the military offensive was nothing more than an effort to defeat terrorism and to ensure that the people in the North are also able to enjoy the freedoms and benefits of democracy.
Party leaders, during the discussion, spoke at length about the prerogatives pertaining to establishing a lasting peace.
Representatives of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Jathika Hela Urumaya, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, National Unity Alliance, Western Province People’s Front, Ceylon Workers Congress, Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal and the United National Party (Democratic Group), participated in the meeting.