TMVP calls for solution within a united Lanka

The Karuna faction, also known as the Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), has recommended, in a set of proposals submitted to the APRC, a permanent resolution within a united Sri Lanka.

The proposals were submitted to APRC chairman Minister Tissa Vitharana yesterday.

A significant part of the proposals is that it recognizes a de-merged North and East.

The TMVP believes that the solutions to the so-called 'Tamil problem' could be found by extensively devolving political, administrative and financial powers from the centre to the peripheral units of governance.

“Our recommendations are restricted to certain fundamental issues that need to be considered by the APRC,” the TMVP said.

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Sethusamudram project issue rocks Indian Parliament

Both Houses of Parliament were rocked after the BJP members raised the issue of Sethusamudram project. The agitated MPs accused the government of trying to destroy the "remains" of the mythological Ram setu (bridge) which linked India with Sri Lanka during the Ramayana period.

A strong reaction by Minister for Shipping and Transport TR Baalu in Lok Sabha led to the saffron party members rushing to the well of the House.

Rising in support of Baalu, his DMK colleagues raised counter-slogans and objected to the issue being raised on the plea that it was sub judice and was pending in the Allahabad high court.

Speaker Somnath Chatterjee adjounred the House for 25 minutes after the Question Hour.

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Lankan Army's game plan: Seize East and weaken LTTE in North

The Sri Lankan Army's game plan is to drive the LTTE out of the Eastern districts completely, and weaken it in the Northern districts, to pave the way for talks to find a permanent political solution to the Tamil question, says its Commander, Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka.

"In five to six months we will completely mop up the LTTE in the East," the General told select foreign journalists here on Monday.

But to one's surprise, he added: "We have no plan to take the North."

"Our plan in the North is to weaken the LTTE militarily so that we are able to maintain our positions there," he explained.

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Desperate attempt to instigate communal clashes - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa condemned yesterday's brutal terrorist attack at Ratmalana which killed seven innocent civilians and injured another 37 including six STF personnel.

In a release issued yesterday, the President said "At a time when the Government Forces are engaged in a humanitarian mission to liberate the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims from the grip of LTTE terrorism, attacks like these can be termed as desperate attempts to instigate communal clashes."

The President expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims.

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http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/05/29/news11.asp