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The LTTE air attacks threaten
not only us. It is a threat to other countries, too.
At a time when terrorism manifests itself in different
ways, the LTTE's air strike capability would become
a threat to the international community, said President
Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the party leaders who
met at Temple Trees yesterday at the invitation of the
President, following the LTTE's air strike on the Katunayake
Air Force Base.
Following is the text of
the President's address to the party leaders.
The LTTE has used the respite gained
by the Cease Fire to enhance their offensive strength
in all aspects. Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar did much
to enlighten the international community about it. Accordingly,
we have periodically informed it of this situation.
Even after I became the President
we have very clearly briefed the international community
on the dangers inherent in the LTTE's possession of
two aircraft. Thereafter, we targeted several of their
airstrips.
I believe we have a duty by the country
and that everybody will unite now, setting aside petty
political differences. It is our by the country and
the nation to meet the LTTE terrorist threat.
During the past whenever the LTTE
has launched attacks, it has tried to achieve their
target by drawing the attention of the people and the
Government away. We have understood this strategy. That
is why we have taken steps to increase security and
fortify certain locations.
We clearly saw their intention to
assassinate our leaders. They attempted to kill the
Army Commander and the Defence Secretary.
The LTTE air attacks threaten not
only us. It is a threat to other countries, too.
We are not alone in facing the terrorist
threat. India and Indonesia too have similar threats.
At a time when terrorism manifests itself in different
ways, the LTTE's air strike capability would become
a threat to the international community.
I need not tell you when they brought
the aircraft and the background that prevailed then.
I need not waste your time by utilizing this moment
to seek answers to the questions as to who gave permission
to them to bring these aircraft and how details about
the airport came to their possession.
Yet, we all have a duty and a responsibility
to use all our strength to eliminate this terrorism.
We are confident of your support in this. Attempting
to gain petty political gains at this juncture, I believe,
is
treachery by the country and the nation.
The terrorists failed to achieve
their targets due to the vigilance of the Air Force.
You must pay attention to the activities of certain
groups who try to give wrong and false interpretations
when we are engaged in defeating terrorism, which is
a national necessity. In that context, recently we had
to bring the Air Force Commander and the Defence Secretary
before the media.
In taking measures to meet this situation,
I would like to listen to your views. We enlightened
intellectuals and academics on the recent actions of
the security forces. I would like to give you too a
similar opportunity. We have done much to liberate the
people from terrorism and bring in peace. I
believe all of us should achieve a consensus on the
National Question. Unfair criticism of the security
forces and security related information is an obstacle
to our attempts to defeat terrorism.
Following this meeting 13 political
parties issued a joint statement condemning the LTTE's
attack and supporting the Government's moves to eliminate
separatist terrorism.
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