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| Sunday, 3 July 2005 |
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CFA violations would undermine P-TOMS - NPC The National Peace Council in a media statement said that the "confined violation of the Ceasefire Agreement, as at present will surely lead to the undermining of the joint mechanism." The statement: "The signing of the agreement on the establishment of the Post-Tsunami Operational Management System (P-TOMS) by both the Government and LTTE, provides a new possibility of constructive engagement between them. The National Peace Council congratulates the two parties and the Norwegian facilitators for having arrived at this agreement that could also help to break the deadlock in the peace process. We believe that successful implementation of P-TOMS is crucial to the generation of public support for the peace process both in the south and in the north east. "In the south of the country, the government's willingness to sign the P-TOMS Agreement with the LTTE in the face of formidable opposition is evidence of its ability to take decisions that are necessary for the betterment of the country. Bipartisan cooperation between the government and major opposition party will, however, be important to ensure that the P-TOMS mechanism is not held hostage to fluctuating partisan politics. In the north east of the country in particular, it will be the sincere, committed and transparent performance of all parties that will be important to win the confidence of the people. "The proper functioning of the P-TOMS mechanism will depend upon respect for the democratic decision making process in the district, regional and high-level national committees. In each of these three levels of committees there will be a need for an accommodative and problem-solving attitude, as against being unilateral and uncompromising. Particular sensitivity will need to be demonstrated to Muslim interests in view of the concerns expressed by all Muslim parties regarding their lack of participation in the formulation of the P-TOMS agreement. "The continued violation of the Ceasefire Agreement, as at present, will surely lead to the undermining of the joint mechanism. The National Peace Council calls on the Government and LTTE need to sit down and devise ways to outlaw its violations through their mutual commitment. We are emphatic in stating that violence does severe harm to the peace process. We urge the parties to utilise the window of opportunity that has opened with the signing of the P-TOMS agreement to strengthen their relations, to uphold the ceasefire agreement, and to promote the humanitarian interests of the people in a sincere and dedicated manner. |
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