Joint Sri Lanka - LTTE Statement on Talks

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Chandrika - LTTE Talks: 1994/95

Joint Sri Lanka - LTTE Statement
at end of First Round of Talks
13 -14 October 1994

    The following is the joint statement issued by the government delegation and the representatives of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam after the first round of talks held on 13th and 14th October 1994.

    The first round of talks held between the Government of Sri Lankan and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam were conducted in an atmosphere of cordiality and good will. The talks were very constructive.

    In his opening speech Mr. Karikalan the leader of the LTTE's delegation said that the LTTE is committed to peace and peaceful settlement of the Tamil national question. 'Ever since the outbreak of hostilities in June 1990 the LTTE leadership has been calling for cessation of hostilities and peace talks. But the previous government had failed to take any positive steps to bring an end to the war and to open up negotiations. But we are glad to note that the new government of Chandrika Kumaratunga has taken constructive measures to create congenial conditions for peace. We are also pleased to note that she is genuinely committed to a political settlement through peaceful negotiations', Mr. Karikalan said.

    'The collective aspirations of the Tamil people is to see an end to this war and the long standing suffering that resulted from this conflict. This war that was imposed on our people has caused tremendous suffering. The people are facing innumerable problems that are immediate and urgent. I think that the initial talks should address these problems. The LTTE fervently hopes that the Government should take urgent measures to redress the grievances of our people' Mr. Karikalan declared.

Mr. Karikalan emphasised the importance of cease-fire as a necessary condition for the creation of peaceful environment and for the return of normalcy. He also said that the stoppage of armed conflict will help to promote peace talks.

    Welcoming the Government delegation to the negotiating table, Mr. Karikalan said that the LTTE will participate in these talks with an open mind and make every effort to co-operate with the government to make the talks successful.

    The leader of the Government team Mr.K.Balapatabendi in his opening speech said, 'My colleagues and I have come here at the personal behest of the Prime Minister. She has asked us, first, to convey her warm greetings to you and to all the people of the North. She has also mandated us to discuss with you how best the Government can alleviate the hardships of daily life presently experienced by the people, both in terms of the enhanced supply of essential goods, as well as the restoration of services and repair of damaged utilities. We are further empowered to discuss with you ways of reducing the incidence of armed hostilities, with a view of achieving conditions conducive to an eventual cease-fire'.

    Mr. Balapatabendi said that the existing situation in the North has become a national problem, and it requires for its definitive resolution. The Prime Minister therefore considers it important that a negotiated process be quickly launched which could successfully lead to the speedy establishment of peace, he declared.

    "On this occasion our purpose is two-fold. At one level, we seek to discuss with you how best the government can ensure the adequate supply and equitable distribution of the essentials of life to all the people of the North. As a corollary of that, we seek to discuss with you how we may best advance the fulfilment of the State's overriding responsibility to provide to all segments of its citizenry, the public utilities and services which are essential to the community's well being", Mr. Balapatabendi explained.

"Therefore, in terms of a negotiated political settlement, our mandate is very much one of ascertaining the views of the LTTE and the people of the North in regard to the shape of national polity which they would wish to see. To that extent, we are here to listen to you, obtain clarifications, etc.

    The Prime Minister is most gratified that her commitment to the peaceful resolution of our national problem without pre-conditions has been reciprocated by the LTTE and the Tamil community. She hopes accordingly, that this 'spirit of peace' can be realised henceforth through a conscious and monitored process to eliminate armed hostilities.

    High expectations attaches to our shared venture: it behoves us therefore to manifest patience, understanding and flexibility in our talks. We assure you of our best effort to that end, and we look to you for reciprocity. My team and I are now ready, my friends, to engage in as wide-ranging a discussion as may be felt necessary. We can only hope that such discussion will lead us to the positive outcome of agreed practical arrangements which will above all else, serve the wellbeing of all the Tamil people, and the whole country", Mr. Balapatabendi said.

    The talks were based on the agenda prepared by the Government delegation which focused mainly on the issues and problems faced by the people of the North.

    On the question of transporting essential items and distributing them at low prices to the people, the LTTE representatives explained in detail the delays and difficulties involved in the movement of traffic at Thandikulam. They also pointed out that shipping rates on goods transported by seas have increased the prices. The Government delegation assured that necessary steps would be taken to remove the impediments in the flow of traffic at Thandikulam and also would take action to reduce or remove shipping charges.

On the question of opening up a land route between the Peninsula and the mainland, the LTTE delegates insisted on opening up the Sangupitty causeway for which they argued that the troops stationed at Pooneryn have to be withdrawn. The LTTE team further explained that the opening of this land route will facilitate the traffic of people and goods and that it would be considered as an act of goodwill towards the people of Jaffna. The Government delegates gave a sympathetic hearing and said that the matter would be taken into consideration.

    On the question of economic reconstruction of the North, the Government delegates stated that the new administration of the Prime Minister Chandrika Kumaratunga has decided to take immediate steps to restore electricity, renovate irrigation schemes, and repair roads, schools and hospitals. The LTTE delegates gave details of the targets which needed urgent reconstruction. The LTTE assured that it would fully co-operate with the Government in the deployment of administrative and technical staff involved in the task of economic reconstruction.

    On the request of the LTTE's delegation the government's team agreed to set up a commission of inquiry to investigate and report on the destruction of the Jaffna library. The Government's delegation also agreed to reconstruct the library.

    The LTTE delegates emphasised the importance of cease-fire to create a congenial condition of peace and goodwill. The Government delegates argued that the possibilities for the cessation of hostilities have to be explored before the declaration of cease fire. The Government delegates finally agreed to discuss the matter with the Defence authorities.

    In conclusion, both parties agreed to resume the second round of talks within the next ten days.

(S.KARIKALAN)
Leader,
LTTE delegation
(K.BALAPATABENDI)
Leader,
Government delegation