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Truth before political solution - Sampanthan

The leader of the Tamil National Alliance, R Sampanthan said truth over mass atrocities committed during the conflict in the North-East must be established before negotiations to find a political solution to the Tamil question can be held.

During talks with South Africa's Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Namoindia Mfekoto, Mr Sampanthan and fellow TNA MP MA Sumanthiran welcomed South Africa's initiative towards resolving the political issue, reported Ceylon Today.

"With the cooperation of the international community, the TNA is prepared to engage in a peace process with the new Lankan government mediated by the South African Government. South Africa should insist on the Lankan government to reveal the truth with regard to the alleged war crimes," Mr Sampanthan said.

"The civilians affected by the war expect the UN report on the alleged war crimes and the human rights violations in the island to be released as early as possible."

Ms Mfekoto told the TNA leader her country was prepared to share South Africa's experiences from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, adding that Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit Sri Lanka next months.

South African delegation visits Sri Lanka (25 February 2015)

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