Give peace a chance- Jaffna Bishop
[TamilNet, Sunday, 01 January 2006, 01:28 GMT]
"In the dawning of the new year 2006, the Government of Sri Lanka, Liberation Tigers and all communities must resolve to give peace a chance," said Bishop of Jaffna, Thomas Saundaranayagam, in a new year message delivered Sunday in Jaffna.
"Peace talks during the last year raised hopes but ended in disappointment to all. "Reconstruction efforts after the devastating tsunami, and other rehabilitation efforts to recover from the destruction after the wars, have been hampered by unacceptable delays. "Meanwhile, a new President has been elected to lead Sri Lanka. Although he has promised to bring peace to the people, the current situation has not given hope for must optimism. "In Jaffna district, Sri Lanka Army presence, number of sentries and random checking of civilians have all increased. People fear a war is imminent. "I pray for thoughts of peace and happiness to fill peoples' hearts, and the fear of war to disappear. A climate of peace where people can lead their lives with dignity and in peace should prevail. "Parties should genuinely commit to the Memorandum of Understanding. Peace process should accommodate and advance just and fair demands of the Tamil people. "I wish and extend my sincere New Year greetings to all Tamil people and everyone in the World," said Bishop Saundaranayagam in his new year message.
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