|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 11 May 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Dismantling LTTE military positions, phased withdrawal of troups feasible -Gen. Nambiar by FRANCES BULATHSINGHALA India as a neighbouring state is one which has had a long history of harbouring peace ambitions for Sri Lanka. With the appointment of Indian military expert General Satish Nambiar with regard to the assessment of the High Security Zones India has carved a niche for itself within the international circle concerned about Sri Lanka achieving a political solution to its twenty year old ethnic conflict. The dismantling of High Security Zones materialized into a high priority issue end of last year after the LTTE called for the high security zones to be removed in order that displaced civilians could return to their homes. India would welcome any move by the Sri Lankan Government to safeguard the unity, sovereignty and integrity of Sri Lanka. It is the wish of India that Sri Lanka arrives at a negotiated settlement that meets the joint aspirations of all elements of Sri Lankan society. India would also support all moves taken by Sri Lanka to ensure that the practice of democracy and human rights on the ground is maintained, a top Diplomatic source of the Indian High Commission told the Sunday Observer. It was also pointed out by Indian Diplomatic sources that all practical support towards the peace process of Sri Lanka would be provided by India and stated that India fully supports the role played in the present situation of the peace process by General Nambiar, a retired General of the Indian Army and the head of the United Services Institute of India who served in the peace keeping force in Bosnia. With regard to the Sri Lankan refugees in India, it was pointed out that the Tamil Nadu Government would fully support Sri Lanka's moves to re-establish Sri Lankan Tamils who live at present in India, back in the country. 'We would fully co-operate with the Sri Lanka Government's resettlement plan. We would not force anyone to leave but would work along with the Government's aims at creating an atmosphere for encouraging Sri Lankans who fled the country owing to the war to resettle', the Indian High Commission source further said. Meanwhile General Nambiar's overall definition of the North east security situation resulting in a detailed study in the North East and discussions with various parties in Jaffna over the past months is that a phased withdrawal of government troops from the Jaffna peninsula along with a simultaneously carried out dismantling of LTTE operational military positions will be feasible. However it is indicated that a number of factors are to be reconsidered before dismantling the High Security Zones. Gen. Nambiar in an eight-page report handed over to the Government on Thursday has pointed out that If LTTE long-range weaponry can be placed in designated areas under international monitoring, a degree of confidence could be assured. On relocating troops it is recommended that shelters be set up on designated government lands and where such lands are not available private lands be hired with the consent of the local Government Agents and civil society. The initial phase of the process of dismantling High Security Zones according to the report includes areas like Muhamalai, Nagarkovil and South of Chavakkachheri, along the beach road South of Jaffna and along the coastal areas. It has been pointed out that the second phase could include the zones around the Kankesanthurai harbour, the Palaly airfield, and Point Pedro harbour in the peninsula which could be reduced in size to the extent of perimeter security. It is expected that the Sri Lanka Defence Force would formulate a suitable arrangement to co-ordinate matters related to the above, and has added that the Commanders he met for discussions did not seem to have any reservations about his recommendations. Where the Scandinavian Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), ceasefire monitors are concerned it has been recommended that greater and wider mandate and powers be conferred for the SLMM including maritime and aerial patrolling and increased numbers to effectively perform their functions. Gen. Nambiar has stated that the ceasefire monitors must have unrestricted access to all areas where cease-fire violations are alleged to have taken place, adding that military and police observers from other countries could also be involved in the peace process monitoring. It has also been pointed out that though the ceasefire agreement allowed movement on the A9 Road the defence personnel had not utilized this facility on the basis that the commanders would not wish to subject their personnel to checks and searches by LTTE cadres. In order to act as a confidence building measure it has been proposed that defence convoys going through LTTE controlled territory on the A9 route between Jaffna and Vavuniya should not be stopped or searched by the LTTE cadres but be accompanied by the monitors. The LTTE media unit when contacted said that they would be consulting their leaders about future co-operation with the Government and the SLMM with regard to the recommended changes in the high security zone but did not wish to comment further pointing out that an official statement is expected to be released by Dr. Anton Balasingham shortly. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
