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| Sunday, 27 April 2003 |
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Negotiating table proper arena for dispute resolution The suspension of peace talks by the LTTE has come as a blow to the expectations of the vast majority of people who have been firmly supporting the ongoing peace process. We are glad that the LTTE has stated that it will continue to abide by the ceasefire agreement which forms the backbone of the current peace process. While we take note of the avowedly temporary nature of the LTTE's decision, the National Peace Council is concerned about the long term injury to Sri Lanka's peace and development prospects. At a time when the world is facing many other crises of global significance, the government and LTTE should act with responsibility to strengthen the peace process. The consensual approach between the government and LTTE has been the key factor in the mobilisation of international aid to reconstruct the country and provide a peace dividend to the people. Any conflict between them could lead to a weakening of this international support. Further, there is a growing apprehension among the people whether the peace process is breaking down which is being exploited by opponents of the peace process. We are aware of problems affecting the peace process. On this occasion, the LTTE has stated that its exclusion from the aid conference in the United States, the continued suffering of the displaced Tamil people, the problems of the heavy army presence in civilian areas of the north and east, and the lack of special attention to the economic devastation of the north and east are reasons that have undermined its confidence in the peace negotiation. The NPC strongly, believes that the proper forum for the amicable resolution of these problems, and the legitimate concerns they have given rise to, is the negotiating table. We urge the LTTE to reconsider its decision to suspend the peace talks in the national interests and those of the Tamil people. We also urge the government to address the grievances of the LTTE and the Tamil people in a manner that goes to the heart of the expectation and aspirations of the two sides. The NPC calls on the government and LTTE to resolve their problems and jointly attend the donor conference in Tokyo in June. |
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