| The
President is using contradictory game plans-JVP
By Shelani Perera
The JVP strongly warned President Chandrika Kumaratunga yesterday
that any alliance or consensus with the UNF government would pave
the way for the setting up of a separate state by the LTTE.
JVP propaganda
chief Wimal Weerawansa in an interview with The Sunday Times charged
that stock market promoters like Presidential advisor Mano Tittawella
were promoting the links with the UNF not in the National interest
but to boost the share market.
Though accusing
the President of playing contradictory political games the JVP also
strongly reiterated the need for an immediate alliance between the
SLFP and the JVP to form a new government and save the country from
the grave dangers it was facing.
Excerpts
from the interview:
Q) Does the JVP justify President Kumaratunga's takeover
of three key Ministries?
A) Yes, in view of the prevailing situation where the country
faced a security threat with the SLMM apparently helping the LTTE.
The Defence Ministry was on the verge of coming under the LTTE.
But now the President has a duty to take the country away from such
a danger. Even the Interior Ministry and the Media Ministry were
being misused to promote the UNF government's agenda and we believe
the President's takeover was justifiable but we must see how she
acts now.
Q) Two
weeks after the takeover of these Ministries how does your party
assess it?
A) It's too early for an in-depth assessment. If first
impressions count little seems to be changing in the Media Ministry
except the surface sartorial change from skirt and blouse to sari
and trouser to sarong. We feel the government ruined not only the
political ethics but also the social ethics and we expect the President
to change it though we are yet to see it. It seems to be the same
with the Defence Ministry. If the President is trying to do what
the Prime Minister did by praising the SLMM and running down the
Armed Forces, then there is no purpose. The President should at
least order the setting up of military camps in government controlled
areas. Even if she can't order the dismantling of the Manirasakulam
LTTE camp overnight she could order the setting up of another camp
in defence but that is not being done.
Q) How
do you see the President's sudden change and positive attitude towards
the peace process?.
A) The situation is still not clear. The President may
have thought she could form an alternative government with some
UNF members and the support of the JVP; the other option was to
form an electoral alliance with the JVP, dissolve parliament and
go for a snap general election. But that too does not appear to
be her choice and we are now wondering what her plans really are.
One thing is clear -- she is using contradictory game plans. If
she had a clear cut policy when she took over the Ministries such
contradictions would not have arisen.
Q) Could
you be specific about these contradictions?
A) She spoke of dangers to national security to takeover
key Ministries. She first said the LTTE counter proposals should
not be even discussed but now she has invited the Norwegians to
go ahead with the dialogue. It’s puzzling and some SLFP members
are also raising questions as to where we a heading.
Q) What
is the current situation regarding the up and down process for an
SLFP, JVP alliance?
A) We had finalised all the details to form the alliance
and even set the date for the signing of the MoU. But the SLFP could
not decide on the date. Now we are waiting till the SLFP decides
on the date; we believe the signing should be done without delay.
Q)
The proposal was put to the SLFP Central Committee and the President
appointed two more committees to take a final decision, what then?
A) Often in our country committees are appointed to delay
taking decisions. The Prime Minister did it and now the President
is doing it. So this too may be delayed. We will wait and see and
take a decision in a few weeks.
Q) In
1970 several left parties formed a United Front with the Sirimavo
Bandaranaike government and they were accused of clinging to her
'sari potte' to get portfolios. But at the 1977 general election
almost all of them were thrown out by the people. Is the JVP now
clinging to Chandrika's 'sari potte'?
A)
The United Front was formed to promote socialism. That is not our
main aim now but we want to sort out some crucial issues facing
the country. On a short term basis we feel we could achieve that
goal with the SLFP and as long as we could do that we will stick
to the SLFP. If we cant achieve it we will go on our own. We are
doing this for the country, no one can say that we are clinging
to Chandrika's 'sari potta'.
Q)
But the JVP is also seeking portfolios?
A) When we formed the probationary government in 2000 we
did it to save the country and not for portfolios. This time it
is different; we are doing it taking certain responsibilities to
form a government. When two parties form a government the responsibilities
need to be shared. But the talks did not break down over ministerial
portfolios.
Q)
But President Kumaratunga says so?
A) She did so, we denied it and she did not challenge it.
The talks never collapsed over portfolios.
Q) When
the talks first failed the JVP was sharply critical of the President
but in three months the JVP is back at talks with the SLFP?
A) It was not criticizing, we only aired our views, even
now we could do it. Even the SLFP could. With the SLFP we are friends
but also at war. Whereas with the government it’s only war.
Thus we could have talks at any time with the SLFP.
Q)
The JVP has often charged that most PA politicians are corrupt,
then why are you still having talks with them?
A) If there is any party that is not corrupt we would form
an alliance with it. Sometimes we don't have a choice.
Q)
What is the difference between the traditional left parties and
the JVP?
A) We were identified as a movement committed to an arms
struggle. Whereas the traditional left parties did not have that.
Similarly if people think that through the alliance we are following
the move made by the left parties in the 70"s then it is a
good thing as the people will know that we will not take to arms.
We will show the difference when we actually set up the alliance
and form a government. Even now we have shown the difference in
many ways.
Q)
The UNF Government and the PA are also known to be trying to form
an alliance or come to a consensus, while you say that the JVP,
SLFP alliance is also on?
A) We believe Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is trying
to hold on till 2005 and his real motive would be seen after that
if he becomes the President. Mr. Prabhakaran is also waiting for
that.
The President's call for a national government is like putting a
tortoise into water, it could not have happened at a better time
for the Prime Minister. Those around her, people like Mano Tittawella
are only interested in the stock market, whatever happens they want
to see the share market rise. Such representatives want the president
to toe the line with the Prime Minister.
Q)
But the President has also shown interest in this regard; she is
not a person to be easily influenced?
A) The President's decision will not only effect her future
in politics but also the future of the country. If she embarks on
such a journey with Ranil Wickremesinghe it would lay the foundation
for a separate state for the LTTE. She will not be able to be in
politics after 2005. That is the situation the government of Ranil
Wickremesinghe is aiming at. The government has two ways to acheive
this -- by eliminating the President or making her toe the line.
Q) What
will happen to the SLFP, JVP alliance if the UNF, PA alliance works
out?
A) No one should think that the JVP can't survive without
the SLFP.
Q)
But isn't that the impression you are giving. Despite the President's
tough attitude, you are continuing the talks?
A) I think both parties are keen and interested that the
alliance comes through. It is the way to solve the present crisis
and not for personal glory. If the government and the PA form an
alliance there will be other forces, which will get together.
Q) The
general attitude of the PA seems to be that it needs the JVP only
when it is in trouble and it would rather form an alliance with
the UNF government as they share somewhat similar principles?
A) This situation is complex. President Kumaraunga was
very critical of the SLMM, and the manner in which the Prime Minister
carried on with the peace process. It was on these issues that the
President was able to draw large crowds and launch massive protests.
The people's forces have been rallied to oust the government. All
of a sudden when she turns in the opposite direction it’s
difficult to assess the situation or say what would happen.
Q)
Amidst all these is the JVP still hopeful that an alliance will
be formed with the SLFP?
A) We are open, ready to form the alliance and to wait
and see. Our main aim is to form the alliance to save the country
from the present crisis. It is not to gain any personal achievement.
If that were so we too would join the proposed national government.
Q)
President Kumaratunga has set December 15 for the deadline on a
possible consensus with the UNF. What about the JVP, has your party
also given a deadline?
A) No. At the last meeting the President said we would
be able to even sign the MoU by November 23. We will wait and see.
If it does not happen we will take a decision.
Q)
The major problem for the SLFP, JVP alliance is the devolution of
power. What is your party's stand?
A) After the LTTE submitted its proposals there is no such
thing as devolution of power. It is now asking for a separate state.
|
