1. As far as the current military operations
against the Tamil civilians continue, and other discriminatory
measures, like economic and communications blockade affecting
civilians exist, India is not in a position to resume
discussions with Tamil militants. While this is so for the
present, India will remain willing to resume the peace process
if and when these actions are withdrawn.
2. India is firmly of the view that the
proposals which emerged on the 19th of December, after Mr.Natwar
Singh and Mr.Chidambaram's visit to Colombo, must clearly be
affirmed by the Government of Sri Lanka as a basis and only a
beginning point for further negotiations. India is also of the
view that the final framework of a solution based on these
proposals can only be forged when the Sri Lankan Government and
the Tamil side come together again for negotiations.
3. If the Government of Sri Lanka continues the
economic blockade and military operations against the Tamils,
prospects of violence will increase. India's assessment is that
the conflict will be prolonged and will escalate."
"The response to the Government of India's
message being given below is predicated on the clear
understanding that all further discussions to be held or
solutions to be evolved shall be within the framework of the
Independence, Territorial Integrity and Unity of Sri Lanka.
1. If the armed separatists (LTTE) agree to
cease armed violent operations and related military preparations
and desist from any activity aimed at setting up, or interfering
with, the legal administration of the area, and this is
announced by them, the Government of Sri Lanka would ensure that
the Armed Forces will not carry out any further military
operations in the area during this period.
2.When hostilities cease, in terms of para 1
above, the embargo (on the movement of certain commodities), now
in force in the Jaffna peninsula will be lifted.
a. If the LTTE is prepared to attend talks with
representatives of the Government of Sri Lanka towards a
peaceful solution of the ethnic problem, appropriate talks may
be held in New Delhi with the assistance of the representatives
of the Indian Government. The Government of Sri Lanka expects
the Government of India to underwrite the implementation of any
agreement so reached.
3. Upon the armed separatists giving up their
arms - a vital step in strengthening the civil administration -
a general amnesty will be given to them by the President of Sri
Lanka.
4. When talks towards a peaceful solution to the
ethnic problem commence, the Government of Sri Lanka will
release those persons now held in custody under the Prevention
of Terrorism Act who have no charges against them.
5. In all these proceedings, the mediatory role
and the good offices of the Government of India are relevant.
The Government of Sri Lanka reaffirms that the results of the
discussions held so far, including the proposals of 19th
December 1986, will be the basis for evolving a durable
solution.
6. The Government of Sri Lanka is agreeable to
an early date being fixed for the negotiations."
