'Renewed war will devastate Sri Lanka' - Col.Karuna

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 26 November 2003, 17:40 GMT]
"The current power struggle between Sri Lanka's President and Prime Minister has adversely impacted the Peace Process. However, we will strictly adhere to the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) and will patiently wait to see if political stability returns to the South," Col. Karuna, Senior Commander of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), told TamilNet's Batticaloa correspondent at the Tharavai Heroes' cemetery Tuesday.

"Our martyrs helped us reach new heights in our military prowess, paving the way for the Government of Sri Lanka and us to seek a negotiated solution to the conflict. All of us should remember the sacrifices of our martyrs and honour them on this Heroes' day," Col.Karuna said.

"We still believe that peace through negotiations is possible. However, politics in the (Sinhala) South make us apprehensive of the future of the peace process and we will not be surprised if war is thrust on us again. If war breaks out due to the Sri Lankan President’s actions the country will have to face devastating consequences," warned Col. Karuna.

"Our proposals for Interim Self-Governing Authority (ISGA) for NorthEast is a very important document. Provisions enunciated in the proposals will facilitate an administrative structure that will allow every Tamil to live with peace, dignity and freedom. Sinhala leaders should examine it closely and work towards agreeing to the provisions in the Proposals.

"We are not against the Muslim people. They have equal rights to live in peace in this land. The Sinhala people living in NorthEast should also have the right to live in peace with other people. That is our position.

"We very much hope that permanent peace prevails in this country," said Col. Karuna.