Engage Tamils, US tells Lanka

In a statement indicating that the US is toughening its stance against Sri Lanka, the Obama Administration on Thursday called on the Rajapaksa Government to come out with a proposal to engage Tamilians in a power-sharing arrangement dialogue.

"We call on the Sri Lankan government to put forward a proposal now, to engage Tamils who do not espouse violence or terrorism, and to develop power-sharing arrangements, so that lasting peace and reconciliation can be achieved," State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters at his daily press briefing.

With the LTTE almost defeated by the marching Sri Lankan Army, the State Department said the Sri Lankan government, as a legitimate sovereign power, has before it an opportunity to put an end to this lengthy conflict.

"A durable and lasting peace will only be achieved through a political solution that addresses the legitimate aspirations of all Sri Lankan communities," he said.

Sri Lanka should also enforce international humanitarian standards in Tamil refugees counts, grant visas to international aid groups and permit entry into Sri Lanka, of international monitors, and media access to those camps, Wood said.