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Deputy Director of State of the US Government Richard Armitage has urged the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to publicly and unequivocally renounce terrorism and prove that its days of violence are over.

He has also emphasised that if the Tigers really want to join Sri Lanka's democratic society on a federal basis, they should also accept pluralism within the Tamil community and must respect the rights of the Muslims and Sinhalese to live in the areas under their control.

Richard Armitage was addressing a gathering at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Friday, where Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the US Devinda R. Subasinghe, government policy makers, diplomats business leaders, academics and journalists were present.

Mr. Armitage continuing with his address further said that no individual, no single political party could carry the burden of the peace process and that it should be a concerted effort by the President, the Prime Minister and the other parties.

The full text of the speech delivered by Richard Armitage:

"Although the apprehension of an arms-laden trawler during the last round of negotiations and the self immolation by its LTTE crew were most remarkable for failing to derail peace talks, it also called into question the LTTE's commitment to the process. The LTTE is going to have to take a number of difficult steps to demonstrate that it remains committed to a political solution.

The Tigers need to honour the restrictions and conditions that the ceasefire and future negotiations-set on their arms supply. Logically, down the road, this is going to include disarmament issues themselves. Internal self-determination, within the framework of one Sri Lanka is not going to be consistent with separate armies and navies for different parts of the country. For that matter, the LTTE has often pledged to stop the recruitment of child soldiers, but this time, they will have to prove they can carry through and will carry through on the pledge. The LTTE will also have to respect the rights of Muslims and Sinhalese living in areas under its control. And if the Tigers really want to join Sri Lanka's democratic society on a federal basis, they will also have to accept pluralism within the Tamil community.

"Finally the United States Government is encouraged by the vision of the LTTE as a genuine political entity, but for that to happen, we believe the LTTE must publicly and unequivocally renounce terrorism and prove that its days of violence are over. The U.S. will never accept the tactics of terror, regardless of any legitimate Tamil aspirations. But if the LTTE can move beyond the terror tactics of the past and make a convincing case through its conduct and its actual actions that it is committed to a political solution and to peace, the United States will certainly consider removing the LTTE from the list of Foreign Terrorist Organisations, as well as any other terrorism-related designations.

"At the same time, the Government of Sri Lanka must institute reforms that address the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil people. This means allowing Tamils the simple right to stay in their own homes and to pursue a living, such as fishing in coastal waters without prejudice or harassment. But it also means protecting the full range of human rights for all the people of Sri Lanka. In particular, the burden will be on the Government, military and civilian officials alike, to prove that they can accord these rights to residents of the northern and the eastern parts of the nation, including the refugees returning to the area.

And that they will hold officials accountable for their conduct. "The Government obviously also must tackle key economic reforms. Because ultimately, the people of Sri Lanka, not jsut Tamils but also the Muslim and Sinhalese communities, particularly in the south, will judge the efficacy of the peace process by how it affects their livelihood.

"Reaching this vision of prosperity will require a strong and sustained commitment from the Government of Sri Lanka. We should all give due credit to President Kumaratunga. She knew this was the only answer for her country long ago. And her peace plan of 1995 was an important precursor to the progress we see now.

Of course today, we owe much of that progress to the Government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who continues to take bold steps in the direction of peace. But it is clear that if Sri Lanka is to continue moving forward, the Government must move together as one. No individual, no single political party can carry this burden alone. This must be a concerted effort by the President, the Prime Minister and the parties.

"In November, Norway hosted a conference to orchestrate this international support, and where the Norwegians led and where they lead, we the Untied States, are delighted to follow. I was pleased to attend on behalf of the Untied States and to pledge $ 8 million in supper of programs that meet immediate humanitarian needs, as well as a little over $ 1 million for de-mining. In June, it is my intention to return for the follow-on meeting of donors, which Japan has graciously agreed to host, and at that time, I believe with a certain assurance, that I will be able or announce significant further assistance to Sri Lanka for both humanitarian and economic aid.

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