Power sharing ok, but no separate homeland: Lanka

‘‘There’s only one country, we can share power. Not a separate state. That idea must be taken off… it is completely out,’’ Rajapakse in an interview ahead of upcoming talks with the rebels in Switzerland to avoid a slide back to war.

‘‘This is a small country, where you can’t have two states. I won’t allow the country to be divided,’’ he added. ‘‘You have to give up the concept of having two nations, or two countries… there is no Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka. There cannot be an Eelam.’’

The rebels say the February 22-23 talks must focus on implementation of the ceasefire—in particular a clause that stipulates the state must disarm paramilitaries the rebels say are attacking them, which the government argues it has done.

Rajapakse, who has taken a moderate line since taking power in November, said he would meet the rebel demand to rein in armed groups. The Tigers accuse the military of helping a breakaway faction led by renegade commander Karuna to mount attacks, which the government denies.

‘‘If any group operates in our area, we will stop it. Any groups carrying arms will be brought under control, whether it is the so-called Karuna group or the LTTE,’’ he said.

‘‘There must be a (Tiger) guarantee too… that civilians are not being harassed or not being killed,’’ he added.

The Geneva talks are seen as a last-ditch opportunity to halt the escalating violence that killed around 200 people in two months and raised the spectre of renewed war.

Rajapakse said he would view the talks a success if both sides come to an agreement to halt violence and killings. Some diplomats say the best that can likely be hoped for is mutual trust-building and a commitment for more talks. —Reuters