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| Sunday, 14 November 2004 |
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Features |  |
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More negotiations necessary - Faligot
Roger Faligot, Special Correspondent for the European and several French and Japanese journals and author of several books; including 'The Irish Resistance', 'IRA: 1916-2000' and ' The Chinese Secret Service' was recently in Sri Lanka to collect data for his latest book on the peace processes of different countries, in an interview with Sunday Observer Staffer M. P. MUTTIAH. He said for the peace process to be successful more negotiations should take place between the parties concerned Roger Faligot's book on the peace processes of different countries and the profiles of mediators is to be published shortly in French and English. Faligot in his journalistic career spanning more than 20 years had covered several conflicts including Palestinian, Irish, Macedonian, Basque and Burundi. His new book will contain a chapter on the Sri Lankan peace process too. Referring to his meetings with Sri Lankan politicians, writers, NGO representatives, police and members of the armed forces, Feligot said that most of them were optimistic about the peace process. However, there were a few who were pessimistic, but all of them agreed that peace should dawn in the country. He said that anyone who watched TV in Sri Lanka might think that there were more and more wars in the world when considering the Palestinian issue, the Al-Qaeda and Bin Laden. In fact more conflicts had been resolved within a decade or so. For example, conflicts in Burundi, Ethiopia and Mozambique had been resolved and several other conflicts still awaiting a solution. Faligot said that he was in Ireland a fortnight ago, where the peace process was on hold. Ireland was the first colony of the British empire and the last of the British colony, since the hand over of Hong Kong to China. Twenty six of the 32 counties in Ireland were handed over by a special agreement in the 1920s. However, the British occupied six counties of Ulster, which were the richest, especially with linen and shipyard industries. Scottish and English settlers were the cause of the Irish problem. The indigenous population had to fight for their denied rights.The British realised that they could not win the war, and the IRA too thought they could not continue with the war. The Good Friday Accord between both sides with mediation helped to achieve a ceasefire agreement.It had stopped killings. "At present there is a substantial framework for reunification, but without reaching a final stage, since the IRA is concentrating on the political, economic and social issues of the Irish people. In spite of sporadic incidents, the peace process is still going ahead," he said. Referring to the present crisis in the Middle East after the sudden illness of Yasser Arafat, Roger said the question was whether Israeli Prime Minister Aeriel Sharon would come to the negotiating table. The Oslo accords clearly defined the necessity of a Palestinian state. At present there was no balance of forces sufficient to influence or force the Israelis for a negotiated settlement. Former US President Bill Clinton took several steps in Camp David, to bring both sides together. But, President Bush, for his own reasons, supported Aeriel Sharon. However, there was an atmosphere for a peaceful solution. The Citizen's Groups in Israeli society had emerged and a Geneva Declaration was also issued, by those who initiated the Oslo Accords. Referring to the South Asian situation, Roger said that India was flexible and expressed readiness to talk with its own people- Naga Tribal,Assamese insurgents and Peoples War Groups in Andhra Pradesh. India also started peace talks with Pakistan on the Kashmir dispute. These processes have a beneficial impact on the neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan. `Therefore, I am optimistic of peace processes that have already begun. Conflict resolution is a long term process of change in political, social and economic systems which could not be solved overnight', Roger Faligot said. |
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