French style compromise considered - Peiris

[TamilNet, Monday, 17 November 2003, 14:35 GMT]
The United National Front government’s media spokesman and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Mr. G.L.Peiris, Monday said a conducive situation has been emerging for making decisions regarding the defense of the country. "The UNF has taken into consideration the French style constitutional arrangements in regard to defense of the country," said Mr.Peiris, addressing a press briefing Monday, media sources said.

Although different political parties have been in power no problem has arisen between the executive and the legislature in France, said Minister Mr.Peiris.

He added that his government was prepared to negotiate on the defense issue. Without resolving the constitutional crisis that followed the take over of the three key ministries by the President, the peace process could not be taken forward.

Mr.Peiris expressed optimism that the current political crisis could be resolved with the President this week and said that the government did not want to precipitate a crisis that would lead to a general election.