PA welcomes PM’s plans
[October 23, 2003 - 7.00 GMT]

The main opposition, the Peoples’ Alliance yesterday endorsed the stand taken by India that an interim arrangement must be linked to the final settlement. They also welcomed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe’s plans to enhance trade and defence ties with India.

“An Interim Council should be an integral part of the final solution. This is exactly what we have been saying. It vindicates the stand adopted by President Kumaratunga, as well as the PA and the SLFP,” PA spokesman Sarath Amunugama said at a press briefing. 

A joint communiqué said that India expects the interim arrangement should be an integral part of the final statement and should be within the framework of a united Sri Lanka and consistent with democracy, pluralism and respect for individual rights.

“The two prime ministers discussed the ongoing cooperation in training and supply of equipment to the Sri Lanka defence forces and agreed that the two sides will commence discussions with a view to conclude a defence cooperation agreement at the earliest,” the communiqué said.

Several Tamil political parties also hailed the joint communiqué. 

The PA spokesman also welcomed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed between the two countries saying, “We are for regional cooperation, we are for non-alignment.”

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Last Updated Date: October 23, 2003  -7.00 GMT.