A9 deadlock
 

The LTTE has had talks with the Government delegation about the coreissues during the two day peace talks in Geneva. LTTE suddenly harped on the A9 issue, giving a surprise to Co-chair members and the Government delegation. Head of the Peace Secretariat Dr. Palitha Kohona and LTTE spokesman Daya Master give reasons for the deadlock.

Q: Many analyse the progress of Geneva talks on different view points. Was it a success or a failure according to your view?

Dr. K: Two days talks cannot be characterised as success or failure. It is very important to remember that this conflict was dragging during the last 25 years. The outcome of last weekend's Geneva talks is something that we can build upon. There were very useful exchange of views between the two sides. Both sides put views in detail. I hope both sides built confidence at the table. We can use this in a constructive manner to develop future exchanges between the LTTE and the Government.

D: Thamilchelvam already stated that it was a failure. Because A9 opening is a small matter. It is not a matter to discuss. It's a humanitarian issue. The Government refused to accede to this request. As a result we were forced to abandon talks.

Q: Did both sides go to Geneva due to international pressure?

Dr. K: I must emphasise that we did not go there under anybody's pressure. But the LTTE publicly stated in Geneva that they responded to international pressure. the International community including co-chairs exerted pressure on them.

D: Because of the request of the co-chairs, the LTTE went to Geneva. When the LTTE delegation left the country, they said "we have no hope but at the request of the international community, we are going".

Q: The LTTE said that they were for unconditional talks. But after going to Geneva, they took up the A9 issue. Why did they suddenly change their stance and what was the response of the co-chars?

Dr. K: I really don't know why they came up with the A9 issue. It is a mystery to me and to many other observers as well. We were all surprised as A9 suddenly became a crucial issue when the LTTE said that they were coming to Geneva without conditions. I am certain that the co chairs and the international community are both confused. I hope that they will exert pressure on the LTTE to return to the negotiating table. Nobody expected excuses of this nature to avoid reaching a solution to the problem.

D: This is not a condition. Nearly half a million people in Jaffna are suffering due to the shortage of food. This matter should be addressed immediately. According to the CFA, A9 should be opened but the government is reluctant to open this road.

Q: The Government fears that the LTTE will attack cargo ships carrying essential items to the North and East. Is this a motive of the LTTE to create food shortage in Jaffna in order to bring international pressure on the Government.?

Dr. K: One thing must be made clear, there is no problem about transporting goods. The Government and the private sector have been transporting essential items. People have been moving in and out without a problem. Goods go to Omanthai and Kilinochchi without any hindrance. So there is no problem with regard to East or Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. The problem is limited to Jaffna which remains under Government control. The Government is determined to provide the necessities to the people in the Jaffna peninsula.

D: Not at all. Jaffna was connected to the mainland from the A9 road. This is the only route. Now Jaffna is cut off. People are suffering and humanitarian issues are the main problems.

Q: The rigid position of parties has dragged the peace talks over the past 25 years. The LTTE and the Government held on to their demands in the past. For example self determination, Tamil homeland issues in Thimpu principles, then appointment of a Governor for the North and East and the suicide of Pulendran and 14 others in 1987, relocation of Elephant Pass army camp 500 meters in 1995. Now the A9 road. So how can we move forward from here?

Dr. K: I think it is important for all concerned parties to influence the LTTE to continue talks because there can not be a solution to the problem through violence and terrorism. In the past, as you rightly pointed out, talks have stuck on various issues which the international community cannot really understand. Again now we have the question of A9. It is now being characterised as a problem affecting the humanitarian needs. The Government categorically stated it will address humanitarian issues. We are sending supplies to Jaffna by ship and asked the LTTE to ensure the safety of those ships. The ICRC and UN could provide their flags to vessels carrying the supply. But the LTTE first refused to provide that guarantee.

D: President Chandrika Kumaratunga refused to open Elephant Pass. Then talks failed. Even this time if the Government cannot solve this minor issue how can we expect the Government to solve our political problem?

Q: Is the Government willing to open the A9 road on condition that the LTTE gives up violence? Will the LTTE accept that condition?

Dr. K: The Government very clearly stated that it always wanted to open the A9 road because its is a major link between Jaffna and Colombo. But today the Muhamale checkpoint has been totally destroyed by LTTE attacks on August 12. It is important to remember that A9 always remained open at Omanthai on a daily basis for vehicles carrying supplies and people passed through Omanthai to Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.

Recently, Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said that we will monitor the situation and if it improves we will certainly address the question of Muhamale entry point too. The Government has offered to carry supplies to Jaffna by sea. We asked the LTTE to provide assurances that cargo ships will not be attacked. The ICRC and UN offered flags vessels to have supplies to Jaffna. Unfortunately, the LTTE refused to provide guarantees. The question is whether this is another propaganda ploy or a genuine question relating to humanitarian issue.

D: Security forces are still shelling us. We have to defend ourselves. These attacks will postpone the opening of the A9.

Q: If the LTTE is so genuine for talks, why did they continue with attacks even while talks were going on. Was it a move bargain more power at the negotiations?

Dr. K: It is difficult to assume the motive of the LTTE. The President said we will continue to talks whatever the ground condition be. Mainly because our objective is to achieve peace through dialogue. I don't think the LTTE is going to gain anything by continuing violent activities. They will not be able intimidate the Government by violent means.

D: If security forces attack us we cannot close our eyes. We have to defend ourselves.

Q: The A9 was the major issue at talks. This issue scuttled the negotiations last week. Why is the LTTE is so keen to open A9. Is it just because LTTE is losing a massive income by way of ransom?

Dr. K: The LTTE should respond to that question.

D: This is the only road to Jaffna. This road is condition as in the CFA. If the Government respects the CFA, they have to open the road.

Q: The LTTE told the international community that the CFA should be 100 percent implemented and strengthened. They also want to strengthen the SLMM with more powers. But they are the very people who violates all that. What is your view?

Dr. K: Yes, SLMM too has held that view. It is cynical for the LTTE to demand the CFA completely. On the first day of talks in Geneva there were bomb attacks and shelling. So if the LTTE want 100 implementation of the CFA, it must start adhering to the CFA first.

D: According to the CFA hoisting the LTTE flag is also a violation. How many times has the CFA has been violated is not the point. Someone must report it and give the correct interpretation.

Q: The SLMM is today like a record keeping authority. They only record incidents. Should the SLMM be strengthened with more powers?

Dr. K: The SLMM performs the functions allotted to them under the CFA. They can't do more or they can't do less unless there are amendments to the CFA. Their role will remain only to monitoring. It has to remembered that they work unarmed. Their numbers are not many. At the moment about 30. You have to understand their limitations.

D: That is important and they want more powers given.

Q: Do you think that we should amend the CFA to meet the present requirements?

Dr. K: I think we are getting into a territory that is really in speculation.

D: First of all the present CFA should be implemented. What is the use of the CFA, if it is not in operation. If it operates only can we think of future amendments.

Attempts to contact S. Puleedevan, Head of the LTTE Peace Secretariat proved futile. Only Daya Master could be contacted for comment.

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