I read your editorial on the Internet today (Wednesday). As you have rightly pointed out the two main parties must make their position on the LTTE known to the electors before the forthcoming election.

There are disturbing reports that main political parties are wooing the LTTE on the sly to gain political mileage. They are said to be eyeing the minority vote, a part of which is believed to be sympathetic to the LTTE,

Some of the Tamil parties too, I hear, have publicly announced that they are toeing the LTTE line. This is a dangerous trend.

Today we have so-called democratic parties advocating a terrorist cause! When these Tamil parties say they endorse the LTTE policies, that means they advocate separation. They have audacity to say so in public at a time the world powers are on a crusade to eliminate terrorism.

What have the British High Commissioner and the US Ambassador in Sri Lanka got to say to this kind of advocacy of a terrorist cause by political parties? Many foreign envoys in Colombo are said to be eating off the hands of these politicians. Aren’t these politicians aiding and abetting terrorism for whatever reason?

It is against this kind of backdrop that the two main parties must tell the public how they are going to deal with the LTTE.

Fear of reprisal must not be cited as an excuse for not being against the LTTE. Being soft on terror cannot be pardoned on any grounds. If one does not have courage to stand up to terrorism, then one must gracefully retire from politics letting others capable of doing so to take over.

A country needs brave leaders to fight terrorism. Cowards will only cause the situation in Sri Lanka to further deteriorate. We see that happening.

The LTTE appears to be capable of striking everywhere in the country at will. The Prime Minister was lucky the other day, I am told.

There is no alternative to elimination in dealing with terrorism. If the leaders of the two main political parties are not prepared to come down hard on terrorism, they must tell the voting public so. And people must teach them a lesson on December 5.

Political leaders, especially of the PA and the UNP must provide answers to these questions:

1. Do you have any links with the LTTE?

2. Will you deproscribe the LTTE if you are voted to power?

3. How will you counter terrorism - through negotiations or military action?

4. What is your solution to the north and East problem?

5. Do you have any candidates who are considered pro-LTTE?

6. Will you ever strike a deal with pro-LTTE parties to form government in case of your failure to obtain a working majority in parliament?
Vincent P. Karunaratne
Perth, Australia