http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111221_01


TNA's negative mindset tramelling discussions - President
* Not obliging by naming nominees to PSC
* TNA getting instructions from abroad
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has been requested to name their nominees for the Parliamentary Select Committee, which will be entrusted with formulating a solution to the grievances of communities. However, the TNA has so far not obliged.
'They are proving to be as difficult as the LTTE in talks, adopting the same negative tactics, President Mahinda Rajapaksa told the monthly breakfast meeting with newspaper Editors at Temple Trees yesterday.
He further said that the government has no problems with the TNA, but the TNA had a mindset problem. "They yet have a war mentality, this is getting in the way when talking to the government. They must get out of this, which is entirely shaped by the past" he added.
He said that during the conflict there was no one in the North who wasn't swayed by the LTTE and added that even today there are parties in the North that are intent on rousing communalism.
The President went on to say that the TNA is getting instructions from abroad and this was a considerable obstacle when it came to conducting fruitful negotiations with the government.
He also noted that an outstanding demand of the TNA for police powers to the North and East is not a practicable proposition.
He pointed out that such an arrangement was causing problems in India, for instance, where during a law and order crisis, the Indian centre has to liaise with the State Chief Ministers and this gets in the way of the centre in solving law and order problems in the states concerned quickly.
Clarifying issues further External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said that the TNA has called for an international investigation into the issues raised by the conflict. "The TNA is the only party to do so and it should be evident that this could pave way for international interference in Sri Lanka's issues" he added.
Minister Peiris pointed out that even Lakshman Kiriella of the UNP had called for a probe on issues but it was not for an international one but for an internal one. "That the TNA is calling for an international probe is a matter for profound regret" he added.
He further said that the issues would be probed by the government, if there is evidence that the alleged irregularities took place.
The minister pointed out that an extensive census of the Northern population is carried out by the government and this is being finalised.
Courtesy: Daily News