The Hindu : Front Page : Assembly unanimous in seeking ceasefire

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Thursday, Nov 13, 2008
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Assembly unanimous in seeking ceasefire

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday adopted a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to exert pressure on Sri Lanka for an immediate ceasefire in the island and to take steps for ensuring permanent peace in the Tamil areas of the island.

The Government-sponsored resolution was supported by members belonging to various political parties who expressed their concern over the sufferings of the Tamils.

The resolution said the ceasefire in the island should be binding on both the parties. Already one party had expressed its readiness to adhere to ceasefire. At this juncture, the Sri Lankan Government should suspend the war to facilitate a dialogue between the two parties. The Assembly stressed the need for the Sri Lankan Government to undertake steps to find a political solution. Concluding the discussion on the motion, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi appealed to all political parties in the State to sink their differences in espousing the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils. Political parties here should not indulge in the blame game over the issue, as it was their duty to show to the world that they were all united in the Sri Lankan issue.

The resolution, the Chief Minister said, was the outcome of the emotion of Tamils throughout the world and he was confident that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi would understand the feeling of the people and take steps for a ceasefire in the island. He hoped that the resolution adopted by the House did not remain just a dream but move further in creating an atmosphere in the island . O. Paneerselvam (AIADMK) said there was no difference of opinion among the political parties here in finding a political solution to the issue.

M. Kannappan (MDMK) wanted issues such as withdrawal of military assistance and soft loans to the nation be included in the resolution.

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