LTTE's air strike capability a threat to other countries too - President

[Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 10.00 GMT]  

The LTTE air attacks threaten not only us. It is a threat to other countries, too. At a time when terrorism manifests itself in different ways, the LTTE's air strike capability would become a threat to the international
community, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the party leaders who met at Temple Trees yesterday at the invitation of the President, following
the LTTE's air strike on the Katunayake Air Force Base.

Following is the text of the President's address to the party leaders. 

The LTTE has used the respite gained by the Cease Fire to enhance their offensive strength in all aspects. Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar did much to enlighten the international community about it. Accordingly, we have
periodically informed it of this situation. 

Even after I became the President we have very clearly briefed the international community on the dangers inherent in the LTTE's possession of two aircraft. Thereafter, we targeted several of their airstrips. 

I believe we have a duty by the country and that everybody will unite now, setting aside petty political differences. It is our duty by the country and the
nation to meet the LTTE terrorist threat. 

During the past whenever the LTTE has launched attacks, it has tried to achieve their target by drawing the attention of the people and the Government away. We have understood this strategy. That is why we have taken steps to increase security and fortify certain locations.  

We clearly saw their intention to assassinate our leaders. They attempted to kill the Army Commander and the Defence Secretary.  

The LTTE air attacks threaten not only us. It is a threat to other countries, too.  

We are not alone in facing the terrorist threat. India and Indonesia too have similar threats. At a time when terrorism manifests itself in different ways, the LTTE's air strike capability would become a threat to the
international community. 

I need not tell you when they brought the aircraft and the background that prevailed then. I need not waste your time by utilizing this moment to seek answers to the questions as to who gave permission to them to bring these aircraft and how details about the airport came to their possession.  

Yet, we all have a duty and a responsibility to use all our strength to eliminate this terrorism. We are confident of your support in this. Attempting to gain petty political gains at this juncture, I believe, is
treachery by the country and the nation.  

The terrorists failed to achieve their targets due to the vigilance of the Air Force. You must pay attention to the activities of certain groups who try to give wrong and false interpretations when we are engaged in defeating terrorism, which is a national necessity. In that context, recently we had to bring the Air Force Commander and the Defence Secretary before the media.  

In taking measures to meet this situation, I would like to listen to your views. We enlightened intellectuals and academics on the recent actions of the security forces. I would like to give you too a similar opportunity. We
have done much to liberate the people from terrorism and bring in peace. I believe all of us should achieve a consensus on the National Question. Unfair criticism of the security forces and security related information is
an obstacle to our attempts to defeat terrorism. 

Following this meeting 13 political parties issued a joint statement condemning the LTTE's attack and supporting the Government's moves to eliminate separatist terrorism.

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Last Updated Date: March 27, 2007 - 10.00 GMT