Colombo crisis danger to peace - Hakeem

[TamilNet, Sunday, 21 December 2003, 16:09 GMT]
"The crisis gripping Government of Sri Lanka portends danger to future of peace. Uncertainty on the trajectory this crisis may take in the coming months is causing concern and fear in the minds of public. International community which took a keen interest in Sri Lanka's progress towards peace stands perturbed by the political chaos that shows little sign of subsiding," said Rauf Hakeem, Leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, and Minister in the United National Front government, in a meeting in Amparai held Saturday, 20 December.

SLMC candidates from the East, standing in the NorthEast local council elections and SLMC officials attended the meeting held at Hakeem's official residence in Amparai to discuss political strategies, SLMC sources said.

"Pressure must be exerted from all directions to force reconciliation between Sri Lanka's President and the Prime Minister. Both positions have legitimate mandate from the people of Sri Lanka to govern and SLMC has contributed in large measure in delivering this mandate," said Mr.Hakeem indicating that SLMC will not hesistate to apply some pressure on both parties to come to a compromise so that the stalled peace talks can be taken forward.

Pointing out to party officials that the plight of muslim people is now receiving attention from the international community, Minister Hakeem added that Muslim cause will be better served only when there is unity among muslims and called upon those who quit SLMC to rejoin the party.

"I will not hesitate to quit my leadership position if it becomes an impediment to Muslim's attaining their rights," Mr.Hakeem said.