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The President yesterday held an all party conference at the Presidential Secretariat premises, to intimate about the latest situation in the North and to avoid differences to ensure a united nation. The President stressed that the government would never withdraw the armed forces from the North. Each attempt of the government to arrive at a peaceful negotiation was cheatingly denied by the LTTE. The President Kumaratunge stated, "the government has always been positive towards the restoration of the rights of the Tamil people, which the LTTE always opposed. Although the government is willing to compromise on the issues it will not ease their stand on withdrawing the forces from the North and the East. According to the President, the Government's devolution package would be presented in parliament in August with or without the support of the other parties. President Kumaratunge highlighted in her statement that " in this crucial hour we must transcend all differences and work for an undivided Sri Lanka as a united nation. In doing so we must guarantee the rights of the minorities”. “ Then I am sure that the international communities will take steps to flow in all forms of assistance to the LTTE. After the intensified battles in Jaffna after the 20th of April, there had been certain setbacks in facing the battles with the LTTE. Yet we have reached a stronger position now”, she said. According to the President, “Although certain media distorted facts and spread false rumours, we have supplied the Army with sufficient and necessary weapons. The LTTE is merely strengthened by several financial supporters in different foreign countries. However the government forces today are in a position to match them at all levels." Twenty-six political parties and several ministers attended the meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat. Deputy Minister of Defence, Anuruddha Ratwatte, illustrated the manner of the recent growth of the LTTE. The meeting was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. though it was started at 11.40 a.m. The JVP delegation including Thilvin Silva and Wimal Weerawamsa left the venue due to the delay. The UNP delegation left the meeting while it was in progress, while giving the excuse, that they had to attend a scheduled meeting with other parties at the parliamentary complex. The TELO leader N. Srikanthan urged the President to request India to give assistance to bring about a negotiated settlement. MEP leader Dinesh Gunewardena suggested to send signed letters by all parties to the members of the armed forces as a sign of support, to them. Which will in turn boost their morals. Further, to sign a statement by all parties favouring the defeat of LTTE terrorism and condemning the attempts of dividing the country. Dr. Kamal Karunaratne, the leader of Janavimukthi Sahayogitha Peramuna, seconded this. The TULF senior vice President V. Anadasangary said, " This situation should not be used as an opportunity to corner the Tamil minority. If MEP is prepared to sign an agreement for federal constitution then we are ready to sign the document, which Gunawardena suggested. The Muslim United Liberation Federation noted the government cannot win the war without the support of minority communities and protested against the renewal of diplomatic ties with the Israel Government.
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