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by P. Krishnaswamy

The LTTE's decision last week to withdraw from the 7th round of peace talks scheduled for April 29 in Thailand, was viewed by leaders of the Government, the main Opposition and other major political parties as a 'temporary setback that would not impair the peace process for a negotiated settlement to the ethnic problem'. They expressed confidence that the peace process will be back on track soon.

Excerpts of some views:

Deputy leader of the ruling United National Alliance (UNA) and Minister of Power and Energy, Karu Jayasuriya:

"We are expecting the dialogue to resume soon and the Government is trying to sort out certain specific concerns of the LTTE. Everything possible towards that end is being done by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the others involved in the peace process. The people of the country desperately want peace. Peace is vital for the day-to-day life of the people, our economic progress and for rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the North and East. The international community is backing us in our sincere efforts."

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader and Minister of Ports and Shipping, Rauff Hakeem:

"Basically we are fully supportive of the peace process.

We are somewhat dismayed over the temporary pull out of the LTTE from the peace talks. It may be emphasised here that the SLMC and the Muslims have their serious concerns about marginalization to important political dimensions in the peace process.

Nevertheless, we have remained committed to the negotiated settlement and have always been cooperative despite several odds. In that spirit, we continue to urge both Government and the LTTE to resolve this temporary stalemate speedily and return to the table.

"We also take this opportunity to urge both sides and the international community to lay, in the future, more emphasis on issues relating to human security, preservation of human rights, promotion of pluralism in the North and East and recognition of the independent status of the Muslims in the peace process."

Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Secretary General and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentary group leader, R. Sampanthan:

"What the LTTE has really indicated is that the talks were being suspended temporarily. Even we have been disappointed over the pace at which the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was being implemented. Displaced Tamil families are returning to their villages and districts with much expectations. But they are greatly disappointed since they are not able to resettle in their homes due to several reasons, including security constraints and undue delays in the implementation process of resettlement programmes.

The general feeling is that even after 14 months of signing the MoU, hardly any progress has been made with regard to resettlement of the displaced Tamil civilian population.

As such there is an urgent need for all matters related to resettlement of Tamil civilians to be reviewed and revised so as to ensure speedy implementation of resettlement programmes. It is also necessary to refine the mechanism, both administrative and financial, related to the implementation of these programmes.

Decisions already taken need to be implemented.

We are confident that with the expeditious implementation of decisions already made, the peace process can recommence."

Ceylon Workers' Congress (CWC) spokesman, R. Yogarajan MP:

"The LTTE has very specifically stated that the talks are temporarily suspended.

However, the tone of Mr. Anton Balasingham's letter really praises the peace process. The current impasse is a temporary setback more to impress the world of a token protest of the LTTE.

We are confident that the diplomatic efforts of Norway will bear fruit and the LTTE would return to the negotiating table soon."

President's Media spokesman, Harim Pieris:

"The Government from the inception monopolised its dealings with the LTTE. It is now the responsibility of the Government to bring the peace process back on the track.

The President is not directly involved in the talks. She only played an advisory role." "The President sincerely hopes that the peace process gets back on track."

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