Martin McGuinness today met the Tamil Tigers and urged them to take the path of peace.
"Today`s meeting was the primary purpose of my visit to Sri Lanka," he explained.
"In January, I visited the country and met the President and his senior Minister and officials.
"I also met Tamil representatives and Tamil members of Parliament.
"Unfortunately, I was not able to travel to the north to meet the LTTE directly at that time for logistical reasons. I therefore welcome the opportunity to engage directly with the leadership of the Tamil Tigers.
"During my meeting, I urged the LTTE leadership to re-engage in the stalled negotiations and pointed out the need to build a credible peace process as an alternative to the escalating conflict.
"I was able to share with the Tamil leadership the experiences of the Irish peace process and emphasised the need for courageous political leadership in the search for a honourable accommodation from which all sides will benefit."
The former Sinn Fein Education Minister was visiting as five people, including four members of the security forces, were killed in an explosion at an army checkpoint in the north-eastern city of Trincomalee.
Sri Lankan Army Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe blamed Tamil Tiger rebels for detonating explosives placed in a three-wheel taxi.
"The reality is that, just as in Ireland, there can be no military victory and that the only alternative to endless conflict is dialogue, negotiations and accommodation.
"Sinn Fein will continue to play any role that we can to assist the peace process in Sri Lanka."
Source http://www.utvlive.com/newsroom/inde...?id=74838&pt=n



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