JVP to support PA if referendum is called off

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 August 2001, 15:28 GMT]
The Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Thursday said that it was prepared to extend conditional support to the People's Alliance (PA) government for one year, if the PA called off the August 21 referendum. Mr.Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the JVP told a press conference Thursday morning that they would give a year for the PA government to implement democratic reforms.

"No political party could gain anything in the present political situation in the country," said Mr.Silva.

"The government should implement democratic reforms, which had been agreed upon by all, within one year. These reforms should include the abolition of executive presidency and the establishment of independent commissions for elections, police, judiciary and public services." Mr.Silva said his party has clarified it's position to President Chandrika Kumaratunge at a discussion held recently.

The Propaganda Secretary of the JVP, Mr.Wimal Weerawansa, said that religious leaders, intellectuals, business community and representatives of civil organizations should be vested with the responsibility of supervising the implementation of democratic reforms.

"The United National Party has no mandate to form a new government by toppling the present government through no-confidence motion. The UNP is attempting to come to power under the pretext of implementing democratic reforms," Mr.Weerawansa said.

He appealed to all political parties to "put aside all differences and join hands to settle the present conflict."

Mr. Weeranwansa added that the proposals that the JVP put forward and submitted to the President in their discussions with her, would bring peace and prosperity to the country.