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| Sunday, 11 May 2003 |
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The Nambiar report Excerpts If the peace process is to be pursued with determination and credibility, there can be little doubt that the aspect of resettlement of Displaced Persons (DPs) must be addressed satisfactorily. To that end it is essential that where operationally feasible, High Security Zones (HSZ) be dismantled selectively in stages giving due consideration to the security requirements of the Sri Lanka Defence Forces(SLDF), Lt. Gen. (retired) Sathis Nambiar of India made this recommendation among other in his report submitted to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. He further states: "I am conscious of the fact that the situation is different..... in Jaffna, Wanni, Trincomalee, Batticoloa/Amapara. In the latter three sectors my understanding is that much has already been done in terms of vacating or reducing the scope and extent of the HSZs. Even so, in addressing the HSZ issue these sectors, the major concern will inevitably be that of managing the ethnic sensitivities of the population. In my view this is more a political issue than a military one". The report has also raised doubts as to the LTTE agreeing to any unilateral demobilisation of its cadres or the de-commissioning of heavy weapons without foolproof of assurance of its security, and internationally endorsed commitment of the GOSL on the subject of devolution of power to the North and East. In any case this aspect is better addressed at a later stage in the peace process", the report said. Making reference to the activities of the LTTE cadres under the umbrella of "Political Activities" provided for by the CFA, says that there is "much suspension and concern about the action" and suggests three measures needed to be instituted to give confidence to the SLDF commanders. He has also pointed out the need to review the SLMM mandate and states that the monitors must have the "unrestricted access to all areas where ceasefire violations are alleged to have taken place. One can see no reason to compromise on this issue. "There would be an obvious requirement for more observers/monitors. This can be met by supplementing the Nordic component of the SLMM with military and police observers from other countries who may be encouraged to participate". The new mission may be provided some capability for maritime patrolling of the lagoons and coastline, as also some aerial monitoring capability, Lt. Gen. Nambiar has recommended. He has indicated that any dismantling of High Security Zones or forward defences of the Sri Lanka military will have to be matched by simultaneous dismantling of LTTE military positions. In this regard the Indian Military expert has suggested that the existing SLMM be given a revised and robust mandate that takes in additional responsibilities. In his eight page report the retired Army General has also observed that if LTTE long-range weaponry could be placed in designated areas under international monitoring, a degree of confidence could be assured. "If the LTTE finds this unacceptable, placing its long-range weaponry under international monitoring even in existing deployed areas may well meet the requirement of confidence building" the report indicated. Lt. General Nambiar also states, "In my view the LTTE is not likely to agree to such an arrangement unilaterally. Hence the Sri Lanka Defence Forces will also need to subject itself to such an arrangement. The Indian Army General also advocates "challenge inspection" an inspection initiated at the instance of one party on suspicion that the other is violating the provisions of the ceasefire agreement under its own control and suggests that monitoring teams for challenge inspections be constituted from among international observers/monitors only. |
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