UPFA will put peace talks on correct path says Kadirgamar 
[January 21, 2004 - 9.30 GMT]

The first press conference of the newly formed United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) or Freedom Alliance as they would like to be referred to was held this morning. Marking momentous waves in the political sphere the SLFP and the JVP yesterday sealed their political union.

Former foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, spoke for the UPFA today, and described the basis for co-operation between the two parties. The SLFP-JVP MoU he said is based on five basic principles: development of the economy, solving the national question, preserving national heritage, an independent foreign policy and strengthening democracy.

He further said “there was no question at all of the UPFA not talking with the LTTE. Instead the direction of the talks will be set upon a ‘correct approach’. The important factor here is that both parties have agreed to abide by the wishes of the majority with regard to any solution”.

Kadirgamar assured the ceasefire would stand and there would be a much broader approach to the peace process, which he says had been quite exclusive so far. He also said other parties would also be involved in the process as no one considered the LTTE as the sole representatives of the Tamil people.

Mangala Samaraweera responding to the question regarding the role of peace broker Norway said it would have to be re-considered.

Vijitha Herath of the JVP said the Freedom Alliance would work towards increasing the national productivity of the country and the private and government sectors would be given equal opportunities.

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Last Updated Date: January 21, 2004  -9.30 GMT.