JVP re-iterates conditional support to PA

[TamilNet, Saturday, 11 August 2001, 18:56 GMT]
The Marxist-Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Saturday said that it would support a probation government while continuing to be in opposition, without accepting positions in government. Mr.Wimal Weerawanse, Propaganda Secretary and a Parliamentarian, said in an interview with the State-run Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation that his party's proposal to form a probation government has been made to President Chandrika Kumaratunge, to "save the country from economic disaster and political anarchy."

"Only through a probation government that peace and stability of the country could be restored," he further said.

Referring to the talks with President Chandrika Kumaratunge Friday, he said that no final agreement was reached between her and the JVP on their proposals.

He reiterated that "the establishment of independent commissions for media, police, public services, judiciary and elections could be taken up for discussion only after re-summoning the prorogued parliament before September 7. Thereafter the JVP will extend support to a program of action agreed by all."

Mr.Weerawanse stressed that only the President has the power to reconvene parliament.

Meanwhile, a Cabinet Minister Saturday said that JVP and another party had promised conditional support to the People's Alliance government. He did not identify that other party.

Mr.Maithiripala Sirisena, Mahaveli Development Minister, addressing a meeting at Maduru Oya, said that the JVP and Sihala Urumaya will not render any support to the main opposition United National Party to form a government.

Political sources said that if a memorandum of understanding is signed between the ruling People's Alliance and JVP in the near future, there is a possibility of government reconvening parliament on August 15.

On another front, former Minister Mr.Rauff Hakeem, leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, addressing a party rally at Kalmunai Friday is reported to have predicted that in the next few days people could witness "dramatic changes" in the country's politics.

Mr. Hakeem has made this prediction amidst news reports that some PA cabinet ministers attempted to reach an accord with the SLMC.