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| Sunday, 24 July 2005 |
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Political reconciliation to solve crisis American University's International Development Professor and Director of the Centre for Teaching Excellence, John Richardson said in an interview with SUNDAY OBSERVER staffer M.P. Muttiah that major political parties in the South should unite to solve the prevailing conflict in the country. He said that these parties should give priority to national unity or national reconciliation. Question: You have been studying the Sri Lankan situation since 1987. How do you perceive the present situation? Answer: Many changes have taken place since 1987. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna which earlier involved in terror politics in the late eighties, has now joined the mainstream politics. Military operations have ceased and it is a great relief for the people. Though the challenges that Sri Lanka face, are difficult ones that could be overcome if political will prevailed. Q: After many months of contention the PTOMS had been signed. Do you think that this could be a stepping stone to commence the peace process? A: I would say this provides a good opportunity to create an understanding and trust between both sides. The Norwegians have played a major role in bringing about this document. They have good experience in peace-making efforts. Though some in the South say that Norway was supporting the LTTE, the same version had come from the North too. But, I am sure that Norway is committed to establish peace in the country. Q: How do you view the ISGA proposal? A: Both sides have not agreed fully on the proposal. It must be remembered that it is only a proposal. I do not have the insight of the LTTE thinking. The Sri Lankan government should know that 18 years of military actions have not solved the problem. We have to find an alternative. I consider the ISGA as such an option. It can serve as a good point of departure. Mainstream political parties in the South, the UNP, the SLFP and the JVP should give priority to solve the crisis. I can cite an example to this. The Labour Party and the Tories united to oppose Hitler during World War II. Now Sri Lanka is faced with a crisis, therefore, these parties should unite for national reconciliation. It is a political civility challenge. It relies on how best the political leaders, whatever their political party may be, are well intended to seek the best interests of their country and how they accept them as a standard for political discourse. Negotiation may be a difficult process but the turning point is cooperation and realism. We should learn what is possible and what is impossible. There was a spontaneous cooperation among all sides during the post-tsunami period but now that has been eroded because of political difference. The post-Tsunami cooperation should be rekindled to serve the best interests of the country. Q: Your assessment on the present situation in Iraq? A: US Defence Secretary Rumsfeld said that the Iraqis would welcome US troops with garlands after Saddam Hussein is overthrown. It did not happen as sufficient attention had not been paid to post-conflict stabilisation. Iraq has given a valuable experience to the United States. I think, my country would build a broad international support when it deals with Iran and North Korea. Q: Do you support the G4 countries proposal for the UN Security Council reform? A: Yes, I am for it. People who wield power always reluctant to
give it. I always support for abolishing veto. But, one should give careful
thought before reaching a conclusion. Developing countries such as India,
leading industrial nation Japan and the vast continent of Africa should be
given due place in the Council. It is the need of time. |
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