Foreign delegates in Jaffna appeal for peace

By Ananth Palakidnar

The Japanese special envoy Yasushi Akashi appealed to the Jaffna civil society not to lose hope in creating peace in the country and pointed out that all efforts should focus on curtailing the present conflict situation.

The Japanese special envoy was the guest speaker at a peace conference which was organised by the religious organisations at the Jaffna Public Library auditorium. The confab took place on Wednesday and Thursday.

The religious dignitaries from seven countries including India and Malaysia along with Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic and Muslim clergymen from Sri Lanka took part in the Jaffna conference where the possibilities of resuming the peace process were discussed elaborately.

The Japanese special envoy Yasushi Akashi in his keynote address said that it was unfortunate to see the collapse of the peace process that was progressing between the Government and the LTTE.

"All religious and political forces must come together at this crucial time putting their efforts in building peace in the country.

Peace is impossible unless the parties in conflict agree on curtailing the clashes between them. Japan will continue to support Sri Lanka in stabilising its economy and assist in building peace. We should struggle hard to build peace amidst conflict conditions", Akashi said.

It was for the first time in several years a peace conference of this nature was held in Jaffna with the participation of several foreign delegates, according to the organisers.