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Tamilnation > Struggle for Tamil Eelam > Conflict Resolution - Tamil Eelam - Sri Lanka > Norwegian Peace Initiative > First Session of Peace Talks in Thailand & Aftermath > Transcript of Press Conference at Conclusion of First Round of Peace Talks, 18 September 2002
Transcript of Press Conference
ERIC SOLHIEM (Moderator) A happy welcome to this Press Conference proceedings
will be rather easy Deputy Minister Vidar Helgesen sitting in the middle
will start giving you his personal implications on what has happened and
will read to you the press release which I think I have made available
to each and everyone and if someone who has not got the release it will
be arranged. Thereafter you will be able to put questions to Mr.
Balasingham to the left and to Mr. Peiris to the right . This press conference will be held in the same
atmosphere as the peace talks itself. That means friendly, warm ,
cordial and batting to the order which means that no one would get the
floor by shouting questions and anything like that. Anyone who wants to
put questions will do it through me. All other questions will be simply
ignored. Then this press conference is also a press conference on the
present state of the peace process and will entertain all questions
relating to the peace process and peace talks today. But we will not entertain all questions relating to the
domestic affairs of Sri Lanka, no reason politics for that matter
or the history of Sri Lanka and all other matters since the time limit
is certainly too short for that. So any one trying to bring up all the
other matters will have to wait to later press conferences by either of
the party of joint press conferences of them all. These are the basic
rules of this press conference. Again a happy welcome and I give the
floor to Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen. The first round of the formal peace talks between the
Government of Sri Lanka and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam was held in
Sattahip, in Thailand between 16-18 of September 2002. The negotiations
were facilitated by the Royal Norwegian Government. The parties agreed
that in their determination to bring the peace process forward they are
responding to the over whelming call of the people of Sri Lanka to bring
an end to the ethnic conflict to create conditions for a lasting peace,
prosperity and to respect for human rights. First parties expressed their resort to address the full
range of issues pertaining to a lasting settlement of the conflict.
Fully realizing that peace can best be achieved by pursuing a step by
step approach to the negotiating process, this approach has proven
successful in the establishment and the implementation of ceasefire
agreement already in force since February this year. The parties
recognized for the need for sustaining this ceasefire agreement with the
continued assistance of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission which the
parties commended for its impartial conduct in the fulfillment of its
important mandate. The parties affirmed their determination to continue
upholding the ceasefire agreement and expanding the range of confidence
building measure over the period a head. Building on the achievement of
the ceasefire agreement the parties agreed to establish promptly a joint
committee to deal with issues relating to high security zones. With the
aim of enabling the return of larger numbers of displaced persons to
their areas of origin thereby facilitating the restoration of normalcy.
This joint committee will consists of senior representatives of both
sides including Military Personnel. The parties discussed in depth the urgent needs to
address difficult humanitarian situations in the North and East of Sri
Lanka. To this respect the parties agreed to establish a joint task
force for humanitarian and reconstruction activities. This Joint Task
Force will constitute a partnership between the Government of Sri Lanka
and the LTTE and will have the responsibility for the identification,
financing and monitoring of urgent humanitarian and reconstruction
activities in the North and East. The Task Force will operate with due participation of
Muslims and its work will benefit all ethnic communities of North and
East. The details relating to the mandate and structure of the Joint
Task Force will rapidly be finalized between the parties with the
assistance of the Norwegian facilitators. What has already been agreed
are the two immediate priorities of the parties being first setting up
humanitarian action and second accelerating resettlement and
rehabilitation of internally displaced persons. The parties expressed
their gratitude for the extensive goodwill of the International
Community towards the peace process. They urged the donors to provide immediate funding for
humanitarian priorities. This will enhance public confidence in the
peace process and thus contribute to the further progress in the quest
for peace in Sri Lanka. There given an additional reason that the entire
international community for the first time is focusing on the dialogue
on the peace process between Sri Lankan Government and LTTE and quickly
we have a team. I appreciate the team that the Sri Lanka has produced
this time consists of men of caliber and understanding and we can relate
to them and we can discuss with them and we were happy for the last
three days that we have discussed very many complicated issues,
core-issues, substantial issues, peripheral issues whatever it may be
and we were able to proceed positively and that I am very much convinced
that this peace process will succeed. But if our demand for a self-Government and regional
autonomy is rejected and that as a last resort our people have no option
other than to fight for political independence and statehood that will
be the last resort under the principle of self determination. So
everything, you must understand the current literature, current UN
literature of self-determination. We operate through those concepts.
at Conclusion of First Round of Peace Talks,
18 September 2002
So there is certain structure , certain sequence, a
coherent frame work within which we will be carrying process forward.
VIDA R HELGESEN
Thank you very much Eric. It is a really a
pleasure to address this gathering on this very important occasion and
pieces of good news to communicate. I like to confirm Eric's words that
peace talks have been cordial and constructive. We had a casual dress
code and a casual tone of voice between the parties. There has been a
nice atmosphere not restricted to the negotiating table but also to the
chats at the coffee table. This does not change the facts that the
parties realized the seriousness of the challenges and not least the
long term perspective of this process.
I said at the out set of this peace talks on Monday that the parties
have shown the courage and leadership. They have continued over the last
48 hours to do so not only in words but also deeds not only talking at
the table but also agreeing on practical steps forward. They have been
working in spirit of togetherness, and in a spirit of seeking solutions
and finding solutions. That is why the key message of our statement is
that the parties are off to a promising start and we are taking
practical steps for peace to bring the process forward.
I will now proceed to read the formal statement by the Norwegian
Government agreed to by the parties.
The parties also agreed that the establishment of a Joint Task Force
is a sign of increasing level of trusts between parties an d of their
willingness to work together towards the establishment of a Provisional
Administrative Structure for the North and East. Recognizing that way
forward is a long one and a demanding one that the parties agreed to
continue rounds of negotiations that three next round of negotiations
will take place on the following days.
31st October-3rd November 2002,
2-5 of December 2002 and
6-9
January 2003.
These are the three next rounds of schedules to follow. The parties
as well as the the Norwegian facilitator reiterated their appreciation
to the Royal Thai Government for their kindness for providing venue for
their negotiation as well as the generous hospitality shown to the
delegation.
That concludes the statement and before turning the floor again to
the moderator I would like to highlight one particular issue. I said at
the out set of the talks on Monday that it is in the interest of the
World Community to see Sri Lanka succeed in this process and therefore
it is in our common interest to provide immediate funding to practical
peace building on the ground. The parties have now started taking
practical steps for peace building on the ground focusing on the
immediate humanitarian needs setting the priorities for humanitarian
action and agreed on a Joint Task Force to act rapidly . But they can�t
act rapidly unless the donors act rapidly. Now the World Community need
to take practical steps to support the parties in their determination to
bring peace to Sri Lanka. To support the people of Sri Lanka in building
peace from below while the leaders discuss the peace at the top. That is
our very clear message to International Community to and thank you.
PRESS CONFERENCE
MARVAN MACAN MARCAR of INTER PRESS SERVICE:
Critics of the Tamil tigers have always questioned your commitment
and faith to the peace talks given what has happened in the past. Could
you please give us few reasons why they are wrong and why you should be
believed this time that you are serious to pursue talks with Sri Lankan
Government and reach a political solution.
ANTON BALASINGHAM:
I do not agree with the critics when they
claimed that LTTE was not concerned or interested in the peace process.
The LTTE has been participating the peace process in several occasions
since 1995, at Thiumpu until present time hat there were several
occasions in which we have expressed our willingness to negotiate with
the Government of Sri Lanka. But it is we now confident that the peace
process is going to advanced and succeed that one main reason that it is
the first time a third party facilitator involved in and guiding the
peace process between the parties in conflict. Secondly a stable
foundation for peace is established and ceasefire was holding for last
seven months and a stable ceasefire is very crucial for we concentrate
on a stable foundation for peace process and thirdly there is an
international monetary mission consisting of Nordic and Scandinavian
countries supervising the ceasefire.
ROMAN BOOSE, CHAIRMAN, NEWS ASIA.
My question is directed
towards you in regard to the meetings held in last three days. Was there
discussions about the question of disarmament of the LTTE and on what
conditions will the LTTE actually disarm ?
ANTON BALASINGHAM.
There is no question of disarmament at
this stage of the discussions. You know very well this is both the
parties the Sri Lankan Government as well as the LTTE have two standing
Armies and also two standing Navies and that it is the first time a
stable ceasefire has been established. The Question of disarming will
not arise until we re ach a permanent settlement that will satisfy the
aspirations of the Tamil people. So I think it is very premature on your
part to raise this question of disarmament at this stage.
DACK AND HARROLD
You have given priorities to humanitarian
issues. Have you worked out the cost of reconstruction and the number of
displaced people and how soon they are going to be resettled in the
North and East ?
ANTON BALASINGHAM
Yes, we have worked out all the details in
so far as the number of displaced people are concerned. We have in our
possession the facts and figure with regard to the number of displaced.
But in so far that the allocation of funds for rehabilitation and
resettlement of these people , it is yet to be worked out because we do
not have any estimate of the funds that may be needed for the
resettlement of the massive number of displaced persons.
MR. WATTSON FROM SINGAPORE MEDIA CORPORATION.
The LTTE�s
demand for a separate land has been a burning issue that has not been
solved. Does this peace talks or the agreement meet your given up demand
for a separate land ?
I want your answer in English as well as in
Tamil please.
ANTON BALASINGHAM.
First of all I want to impress upon you
that the LTTE does not operate with the concept of a separate state. We
operate with conception categories that is entirely different from what
assumed to be a separate state. We operate with a concept of �Homeland
and self-determination. Homeland , it does not mean a separate state as
such. It refers to a territory where Tamils and Muslim people live or
the Tamil speaking people live and when we use the category or concept
it entails substantial autonomy or self government in our homeland or in
the historical area where we live and that a solution can be worked out
it both the parties agreed to a particular political system or model.
So saying that LTTE is fighting for a separate independent state has
no relevance, because we operate with different categories and concepts.
(Answers in Tamils too)
SOLHIEM
Sinhala or Tamil will
not be understandable to many a persons��. Please if possible put your
questions in English.
BBC REPORTER.
Mr Balasingham, how do you discuss core-issues,
substantial issues and territorial issues whatever the way you want to
call them and you were able to proceed positively ? Did you move beyond
just rehabilitation and reconstruction issues ? What did you discuss ?
and can you tell us a bit about that ?
SOLHIEM
May I give the floor to Mr. Peiris and discuss first
and then Mr. Balasingham can explain you on that.
G.L. PEIRIS.
I think all these matter were addressed. We
looked at the political and legal issues and we agreed on a certain
sequence when these are to be taken up and we began with the immediate
issues of importance and concern to people of our country the
humanitarian issues, demanding re construction rehabilitation, ways and
means of expediting the progress towards these objectives and very
important the resources to undertake substantial programs of economic
development not only for the North and East but for the country as a
whole. So we went into some details with regard to the nature of the
structure that has to be set up for this purpose. Because economic
development is certainly one of the important aspects of the peace
process . So it is not correct that we have confined ourselves to any
particular gamut of issues we have covered the whole drum which will be
in a comprehensive approach and we have got our parties right, we have
decided where to begin, what to address next and the whole budgetory of
the process was discussed. In fact we were able to agree on the dates
for the next meetings.
ANTON BALASINGHAM
I will agree with Prof. Peiris because this
is the Tamil national question. Tamil ethnic conflict which is a very
complex issue that has a history of 50 years. So you cannot expect us to
resolve this problem within a very short period of time and we need
time. This problem has to be approached stage by stage and I think we
had a very good start where we have not only discussed about the
problems of reconstructions, rehabilitations and resettlement of the
displaced. But we have also discussed about the possibility of setting
up an interim administrative set up in the course of coming sessions and
that the care will be taken up and I would kindly suggest that we must
understand that this process will only succeed if we take up the issues
one by one and address it step by step and try to redress them in a long
and arduous process.
RAJPAL ABEYNAYAKE � SUNDAY TIMES, COLOMBO.
In your statement
it has been said that joint task force is a sign of the existing kind of
trust of the parties and of their willingness to work together towards
the establishment of a provisional administrative structure for the
North and East. There has been intense speculations in Colombo that this
talks would lead to a setting up of an interim administration. Now when
you say provisional administration that there was willingness to work
towards a provisional administration does it mean there were discussions
on the establishment of an Interim Administration led by the LTTE as it
had been speculated intensely in the newspapers in Colombo. If there was
any discussion on the interim administration what was the nature of it.
How is it going to be established in law if it was discussed in that
fashion ?
ANTON BALASINGHAM
Whom you are addressing this question to ?
RAJPAL
To either one of the Chief
negotiators.
SOLHIEM
Since it means broad law I start giving the floor to
Mr. G.L. Peiris will and then Balasingham may talk something afterwards.
G.L. PEIRIS
Then again we have to make a fundamental point to
you. You have to start at somewhere and go step by step. Infact this has
been the consistent approach of the government and I would say that is
the main reason why this process has come to the present positive stage.
One step at a time. Now with regard to the Interim Administration or
whatever a provisional administration whatever you wish to call it, we
have not gone into details about the composition of it or structure of
it, but we have prepared the grounds for it. We have taken the
preliminary steps that are necessary to create conditions which are
conducive to that particular initiative. So, we have addressed what we
have to do at every point along the way. That is certainly something
that has to be done in the future not immediately. I do not think it
would have been reasonable to try to attempt it on the very first
occasion when the two parties net directly for talks. But we have
addressed the preliminary issues relating to that and we have agreed
among ourselves how should take that forward in one next occasion.
ANTON BALASINGHAM
There is a misconception in Colombo , that
the Interim Administration will go into be an end in itself. But as far
as we are concerned we are talking about the process and the interim or
provisional administrative structure which we have not discussed in
depth or an any detail as the Prof. Has said. But will be a part of the
ongoing process of reaching a final settlement or rather it will be an
organic process. So this conception that the LTTE is only interested in
the interim administration and once we get the interim administration we
will run away from the peace process is a total misconception. But I
think there is nothing wrong in setting up of an administrative
structure. The LTTE must be given a role, a pivotal role to play and
that we have been fighting in the last 20 years and we were involved in
a violent crucial war and you must give a place and opportunity for our
fighters , our cadre to run the administration in our own homeland .What
is wrong in that ? So there is unnecessary apprehensions in Colombo as a
noted newspaper you must try to clarify these issues. And I think there
is nothing wrong with the formation of provisional administrative setup.
REPORTER FROM ENGLAND-SOUTH CHAIRMAN�S POST.
Can I ask both
Professor Peiris and Mr. Balasingham personally you both have reached in
varied histories in this whole process over the last two decades, this
is the first time you really sat together and got to know each other.
What did you think of each other ?
G.L. PEIRIS.
I think certainly I have enjoyed meeting and
working with Dr. Balasingham that is a very important part of this
process for people to build up confidence, support and even apart from
the very formal sessions, we had a series of conversation. We have
understood each others points of view. This does not mean that total
agreement is possible. But throughout this process we are very conscious
of the fact that if we are to achieve success we have to understand each
others anxieties concerns and we have to be sensitive to the problems of
other side and process of getting to know each other and talking to each
other has certainly been helpful in order to achieve that objective
without which no negotiating process can be successful.
ANTON BALASINGHAM
As far as I am concerned the congenial
personal relationship is extremely crucial for the success of embarking
on a peace process and not only we are meeting each other at this
particular round of talks but we had occasions to meet several members
of the government and we had a very good support particularly Milinda
Moragoda and some others we have met several times and I have met Mr.
Hakeem couple of times and we established a very good rapport. So I
would assure you that we are developing a personal relationship, a
relationship of mutual understanding. That will promote the peace
process.
SOLHIEM
Though your question was just raised to Mr.
Balasingham and Prof. Peiris, I would also give chance to Vidaar
Helgesen to make few comments on this matter because you are the virtual
referee who should confirm how excellent the atmosphere really was.
HELGESEN
I think I can confirm that by saying what suddenly
came to my mind, it actually seemed like they had a pretty good time.
QUESTIONS.
This is a question to both Prof. Peiris as well as
Dr. Balasingham . Though you have said that the proposed North Eastern
Interim Administration had been discussed in a preliminary way, I think
this question is still relevant at this stage. Are you kind of
considering handing over this interim administration to the LTTE or, is
this Interim Administration going to reflect the Pluralistic composition
of the North East which means will there be representatives for Muslims
as well as the Sinhalese and other parties ?
G.L. PEIRIS
I think the phrase �handing over� is very
unfortunate. That is a wrong way to look at problems of this kind. What
we are thinking of is a structure which will enable a partnership.
Parties have to work with each other, they have to be involved in
matters. Participation is indispensable, if there is to be a solution at
the political level. Of course there is no question of excluding anyone.
These structures by their very nature have to be all inclusive. They
have to reflect the ethnic and the cultural diversity of the country.
And they have to cater for the aspirations of all section of our people
and those consideration will be fully addressed when the time comes to
addressing in the depth the structure that we contemplate.
ANTON BALASINGHAM
As far as I am concerned, it is premature
to make comment about the nature, structure and the functions of the
emphasized interim set up. As correctly said we will be exploring these
possibilities and work out in a amicable frame work that would be
satisfy the aspirations of our people as well as the Sinhalese people
living in North East.
JAPANESE NEWS AGENCY.
Please explain concretely which kind of
international aid do you need right now ? Specially for Asian countries
because today�s senior mediator is Norway. Thank you very much.
G.L.PEIRIS.
Well I think that the point we are making is that
the conditions in the country today are conducive to starting modest
programs of development. So we do not really have to wait until formal
peace returns in a formal sense until some formal agreement is signed.
That is not necessary because since 22nd of February there has been no
violence that is a very considerable to the treatment that there is
peace in the country and it is therefore quite possible to start a whole
variety of programs they may not be very extensive when scoped, but they
will certainly make a tangible difference to the lives of the people.
Now we think that the donor community will be receptive to the point of
view that they will be prepared . I think to start programs initially on
a modest scale and to expand the scope of these development of the
programs that is very much what we hope. Would be possible . that is the
basis on which we will be talking with international community during th
next few days . The Hon. Milinda Moragoda will be going to the
Washington and to London and I will be going to Ottawa to meet the
Foreign Minister of Canada. The Hon. Milinda Moragoda will be meeting
Ministers of overseas development in the U.K. The Prime Minister has met
several leading figures in New York at the U.N.. So I think that the
effort is certainly going to be successful given the high degree of
interests in Sri Lanka at present time.
BALASINGHAM
I agree with the Professor.
C.N.N.
The International Community has been watching closely that what is going
on here in Thailand. Do you feel that you have done enough with what you
have come to today out of the three of the last days to many to many of
those who were skeptical that these negotiations sessions will be
resolved as the previous held in Chambers. Do you think you have
developed enough to move forward and trunk back aid and investment that
Sri Lanka should ask foreign aid ?
ANTON BALASINGHAM
I think we have done now in the sense your
questions should not be confined to last three days because for the last
8 months we have been consistently working first to formulate the
ceasefire document. The Norwegian facilitators were able to work out a
framework of a stable ceasefire agreement which both parties agreed and
signed. This ceasefire agreement was signed in the February this year.
This is also part of the peace process so that was a great achievement
After 20 years of war, this is the first time a stable ceasefire
agreement was signed with an international monetary mission supervising
the peace process, or the ceasefire. Now for the last 7 months this
ceasefire was holding on that itself demonstrates the fact that both the
parties are sincerely committed to the peace process. Secondly there
have been several meetings between the Chief Protagonist that is the
Tamil tigers and the Government of Sri Lanka and that only recently we
have met here in Thailand from a structured talks.
The structured talk is crucial because
the objective of structured talks is to bring about to matters urgent
and immediate problems as wee as core issues and to work on our concrete
agenda and that this process will go on and so far we have achieved
substantial results in stabilizing ceasefire and working out some
concrete plans to bring up the war ravaged economy of North and East.
And the International Community which have been supporting the peace
process asking both the parties to enter into a political dialogue to
solve the ethnic question and we are doing so.
And now it is the
obligation of the international community to help us. So hat peace
process could be advanced further.
G.L. PEIRIS
I think the international community is now
certain of several things. One is that there is a degree of seriousness
and firm political resolute. Secondly that a structure has been set up
to handle these resources and that structure involves collaboration
between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE. There is no question
of antagonism on the contrary that there is partnership and I am sure
that will inspire confidence in the donor community.
KANENA LAL � AUSTRAIAN NEWSPAPER.
I understand the talks
were courteous and congenial. But I am just wondering at what points did
you disagree , what subjects did you decide to put into the hard basket
for taking at a later times ?
G.L. PEIRIS.
Well of course there would be divergence of
opinions of otherwise there would be no need for negotiating process. I
should say that there has been no sharp acute acrimonious disagreements.
There was nothing of that kind. We understand the differences in our
points of view and different perceptions and there we explored the ways
and means of narrowing down these differences. That is the essence of
negotiating process and just as much as the process has been moving
forward for the past 7 months.
As Dr. Balasingham said, of course since
the ceasefire agreement signed in February there was a lot of skeptism.
Many people thought it would break down surely which did not happen.
Likewise, that did not mean there were no problems. There ware problems
but they were addressed in such a manner as to present escalation.
Likewise from this process also we have identified differences and also
we know hw we can tackle them in order to achieve the objectives of a
lasting and durable political settlement.
QUESTION
What are they ?
BALSINGHAM
What I
conceive is both the parties are seriously committed to make the process
successful . Within that context you can expect that we will try to
avoid any contentious issues that would create any contradiction at this
early stage. Of course there are difference of views in so far as the
position of both parties are concerned. There are different wills we are
trying ways and means to reconcile this contradictory positions in the
course of time. The success of the peace process will depend on , how
the parties can work out ways and means to reconcile irreconcilable
positions and we hope in the course of time we can come over these
difficulties.
QUESTION
My question to both Mr. Balasingham and Mr. Peiris
is that critics of the entire peace process in Colombo and elsewhere
have been telling that the interim administration is a stepping stone to
Tamil Elam. What will be your reaction to that ?
My second question
is to Mr. Helgesen and Dr. Balasingham. There have been reports of
proposed visits of Dr. Balasingham to Vanni immediately afterwards. What
is your comment ?
G.L. PEIRIS
Interim Administration is exactly what its name
connotes. It also links to the final objectives relating to the
separation of functions and allocation of responsibilities between the
central government and regional structure. So it has to be seen as part
of the process. It does not stop there. Apprehensions are entirely
unfounded. But it is a useful mechanism. Far from doing any damage it is
necessary among other things to accelerate the economic development in
those areas it will provide a coherent structure within which
development programs can be undertaken. There will be proper fiscal
responsibility. You know who are the officials who are interested with
particular functions. You need the formal structure of that kind to
undertake development on the scale that is required on the present
stage. But it does not stop there that is one step of the process and
that is a launching pad for the accomplishment of other aims and
objectives which we will work towards a little further down the way.
BALASINGHAM
Your question that the LTTE is going for
demanding for this Interim Administration as a step towards establishing
and independent State of Elam of something. That is not our view. But
you must remember that the LTTE has already got a permanent
administration in our controlled areas. Therefore we need not have an
interim administration. Actually like what we are seeking is a
legitimacy�international legitimacy for administrative structure where
we can co-ordinate with the government of Sri Lanka as well as to seek
some recognition from the international community. But as I have already
said our objective is when you use the concept of Elam, I disagree with
you. We do not operate within the concept of Elam. We operate with the
concept of self-determination which has multiple meanings and objectives
and that we are not seeking an Interim setup as an end itself.
As I repeatedly said this is a process and then we will reach a
stage where substantial and core issues will be taken up and that is
used to seek a model that would satisfy the aspirations of our people
that would lead to an autonomous self-government in our area. I do not
want to go into these details as at this stage because these are the
areas that we have to explore and work out on amicable agreement is the
cause of time but I have to impress upon you that the Interim
Administration is not our objective at all because we have already got a
massive permanent structure in the area under our control.
HELGESEN
As in regard to Mr. Balasingham�s travel plans I
have not seen his air tickets�But. I do know he is going to London
tomorrow, if not day after tomorrow, something like that.
WIJAYA JOSY FROM AP
My question is to Prof. Peiris. A little
while ago, Dr. Balasingham said there is no question of disarmament .
what is your reaction to that ?
Are you also heartened by his comments that they are not seeking
separate State, but only a self-autonomy. Does that fill you with hopes
?
G.L.PEIRIS
Definitely. Because we know that, that was not the
pobjective of the LTTE. They have stated it categorically on this
occasion. A separate state is not what their aspiration are about and
their aspiration can be fulfilled within one country if you set about it
in a proper way. That is exactly the spirit in which we proposed to
handle these discussions. So I do not think that there is any problem
about it. The government is certainly feel about it. What was the next
question ?
Disarmament.
No, at the beginning of a negotiating process
you do not ask for disarmament. You have to achieve some progress with
regard to the substantial issues and the decommissioning of weapons and
demilitarization. Such questions would come at a later stage .That is
how any realistic, pragmatic negotiating process would be handled.
QUESTION
This question is to Minister Peiris.and then follow
up to the Tamil side . What would be your guarding principle dealing
with the issue of custody and war crimes and issues of Tamil side ?
G.L.PEIRIS
Well. We are at a stage as I indicated in m y
opening presentation . This is not a question of retribution or vengence
. We have to put all that behind us. There has to be sea change We have
to take spot of existing situation and move forward . As far as we are
concerned there is no conflicts between human right violation and the
conflict resolution process. There are not incompatible. Human Right are
part and parcel of it and we do not anticipate any serious differences
of opinion between these parties because any conflict resolution which
is going to stand the test of time will have to be founded upon the
right and aspirations of the people. I do not think we will have much
difficulty in reconciling these two things as part of the process that
we have embarked upon.
QUESTIONS
That sounds ,You know these cannot be dealing with
. Is that correct ?
G.L.PEIRIS
That was not a matter that arose during the
discussions of last two or three days. We have been working according to
a certain agenda. We were addressing the issues that we thought crucial
at this point of time and the matters which you raised did not form a
part of the Agenda of the last two days.
QUESTION
With respect�..that was not my question.
G.L.PEIRIS
I am sorry we have indicated that these are all
matters that can be taken up as part of the discussions and they were no
discussed during the last two days. That does not preclude them from
discussions in the future.
SOLHIEM
Deputy Minister Helgesen leaves for a very important
appointment but we will continue a little further if both sides can
accept that..
QUESTION.
I would like to ask a question from Prof. Peiris
from 1994 onwards you are involved in the peace process . In your
opening ceremony you mentioned that the President started this peace
process. But today also Sri Lankan Newspapers say the president has not
given a clear statement. So we would like to know the PA Government
President says that she is for peace but who is closely associating with
her join hand with JVP and they are sabotaging the peace process. I
would like to know how are you going to manage these things and bring
peace and we would like to know from your point of view whether the
President is for Peace or she is against the peace process.
G.L.PEIRIS
All I would like to say is there is an
overwhelming majority of people in the country are solidly behind peace.
There cannot be any question about it. Across the political divide there
is a deep desire for peace. And everything that we have done here during
the last couple of days in a way is a response to those aspirations on
the part of our people.
Which have been very powerfully and very convincingly articulated. The country does not believe in war , this was has gone for 18 years , we can all see the destructions that has been caused by the war. And today the country is deeply committed to a political process and there is a profound conviction that is the only key to a viable solution.
I do not think that there can be anybody
out of line with the basic approach that recommend a deep conviction of
the people of Sri Lanka and we are greatly enthused by that reality
which is very much in evidence.
QUESTION
I would like to ask the questions from the moderator
actually as the facilitator is not there. Fron the Adviser Eric Solheim
I think the Norway and America are very keen on Sri Lankan peace but we
are doubt about it that the Indian Government international policy
because after quick as possible signing the MOU agreement the
Trincomalee harbour was given the right to the Indian government because
when the Indu-Sri Lanka Pact is concerned they came as solving the
problem and they put the North that the Trincomalee Harbour should
without their knowledge we cannot give it to anybody. So we would like
to comment from you before ending the peace process we do not like to
give pieces to the other countries and we are not doubt about the Norway
and the America but we still doubt about the previous people who were
wanting to help us and wanted to get benefit s from their international
policies .
PEIRIS
I do not think that there is problem at all. That is a
commercial transaction . India is solidly behind the peace process.
India wishes this well. India has categorically stated that. The
Republic of India does not want to see the millitarization of Sri Lanka.
They have been kept regularly informed we know that we have their
goodwill and there is no problem of the kind that you envisage at all.
SOLHEIM
Since you put question to me as the moderator, I will
of course be the moderator here but in our experience as Norwegians
exactly what we feel is the Indians have been solidly 100% behind the
peace process and without the help and assistance of India it will be
very very difficult to achieve the results which are achieved so far .
India is supporting 100%.
QUESTION
Would you be making a joint appeal for foreign aid
how much will you be appealing for at this stage ? Thirdly what do you
consider appealing for a pledging conference which we saw with your
appearance recently ?
PEIRIS
Yes, We are making a joint appeal. We both want to
succeed
in this the Royal Norwegian Government has facilitated with
also the appealing to the International community and having a series of
meetings with them and as part of this process we may well have a
pledging conference within the next few months and the Prime Minister of
Sri Lanka will probably take that initiative.
QUESTION
I am from H.K.E. My question is to Mr. Balasingham
I heard just now that there is dedicated effort of the Norwegian
Government and my question is what makes you attract and win the
Norwegians and make it possibly . Can you comment on your kidney
operation in Norway and my second question is in this peace process
lifting ban on LTTE is a key factor and your decision to give up the
suicide mission make it possible I think. So my question is why LTTE has
decided to denounce the suicide mission ?
SOLHIEM
Bala ,there is a question about Norway and Suicide
missions.
BALASINGHAM
I had a kidney transplant operation three years
ago. We are very thankful to the Government of Norway for providing
medical facilities to have the operation done in Oslo and that helped me
to revive and there is contribution to peace as well. It is an act of
humanitarian gesture on the part of the Norwegian Government. We are
thankful.
As far as we do not use concept of
suicide attack as you know since our agreement , there is a total
cessation armed violence. There is peace in Sri Lanka and if there is a
permanent settlement there wont be any form of violence and we can
assure you that we are striving for our level best to work out a
permanent settlement to the ethnic problem. That will put an end to all
forms of violence including armed struggle. That is all. Thank you.
QUESTIONS
Was there any instructions from your Leader
Leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran to stop the mission ?
BALASINGHAM
I think that question is not relevant.
QUESTION
Was there any further instruction from your leader Prabhakaran to
stop the suicide mission ?
SOLHIEM
I think we should not go into all these details. I
mean both sides have stopped all sorts of atrocities and all sort of
military attacks on each other of every kind. That is made 2002 this
year.
QUESTION
This question is for Prof. Peiris. We all know very
well that President Chandrika Kumarantunge has been against to lift the
ban on LTTE. But now from this press conference and from the proceeding
s of peace talks we have come to know that you have moved closer. But
when you bring back peace decisions and peace plans, will you think that
the President Chandrika Kumaratunge will have approval for this. Will
she be a stumbling Walk for this peace process ?
PEIRIS
No, I think that at the end of the day the guiding
factor is the strength of feeling in the Country. And nobody who
assesses the Sri Lankan scene at all realistically today can entertain
the slightest doubt about the vigour of public feeling with regard to
peace.
So in a democratic culture where the aspirations of the
people have to be taken into account , we doubt very much that anybody
in the high excellence of Government will feel able to defy the wishes
of the people to barrage them. So we do not think that is really a
danger.
SOLHEIM
We will now entertain maybe one or two questions .
VINITHA WICKRAMANAYAKE FROM TRANS ASIA NEWS SERVICE.
Mr.
Anton Balasingham, I want to quote a small saying 'Unitedly stand
dividedly fall'. What is your personal opinion on this saying?
SOLHEIM
Since there is so short of time , put questions
directly related to the peace process and Peace talks in Sri Lanka.
HINDUSTAN TIMES.
This is a question addressed to Dr.
Balasingham. Please do not say that is premature. In the Interim
Administration that is going to formed , will there be a place for
political parties other than the LTTE and those few parties which are
not with the
TNA. What is your plan for the Muslims ? What is the
kind of representation you are thinking of at this point of time ?
BALASINGHAM
You are well aware that our relationship with TNA
consisting of four to five parties and they have been brought to power
on a mandate that a way recognized the LTTE as the sole representative
of our people. Of course there are other small parties. We have never
made any attempt to repress them , but they have every freedom to
contest if there is any electoral process under the Interim
Administrative structure. Most important question is the Muslim
community. I can assure you that both the Government of Sri Lanka and
LTTE will consider a substantial representation of Muslim people in the
Interim Administrative structure because we recognize the Muslims living
in the North and the East as our brothers and also the Tamil homeland is
a part of their territory. So therefore they will have their place and
we will have a series of discussions with Muslim Leadership on this
matter in the course of time.
SOLHEIM
We will now entertain two more questions.
ZACKIE JABAAR-THE ISLAND
Professor Peiris you said that there is a
large following for peace in Sri Lanka but there is a majority feeling
that in the Interim Administration may eventually lead to a separate
state. How do you respond to that ?
PEIRIS
That question has been already answered. The
Interim Administration is linked to broader objectives. It is a means of
achieving something else. It is not and end in itself and that is
misconception .
QUESTION
But will that lead to a Regional Council with wider
powers ?
PEIRIS
No, of course it is a regional council with specific
responsibilities for the development of that area. You have similar
structures for the rest of the country.
QUESTION - G.T.N. PARIS.
Sri Lanka has lifted the ban on LTTE . Will you appeal to the
International Community through your country to lift the ban ?
PEIRIS
No, Sri Lanka has taken a decision for herself. Sri
Lanka announced it as early as June this year that once definite dates
are fixed for direct talks , our country will be prepared to lift the
ban ten days before the commencement of talks in order to create the
atmosphere that is necessary for the talks to commence and to continue
cordially. So we have done that. There is a broader acceptance in the
country for that, because our people want this process to succeed .That
is decision for Sri Lanka to make and we made that decision.
BALASINGHAM
As far as the LTTE is concerned the
deproscription of LTTE is a necessary condition for participating in the
peace process because we feel that deprosciption is necessary for
acknowledging our Liberation Movement as an authentic representative of
our people.
So Sri Lankan Government has
de-proscribed us and now we are participating together in the peace
process as equals as authentic representatives of our people . In so far
as the de-proscription in other countries is concerned we are confident
if the peace process succeeds and in the process other countries will be
compelled to review their stand and if they are convinced the peace
process is going to succeed they might consider de-proscribing the
LTTE.
FRANCES BULATHSINHALA- SUNDAY OBSERVER.
Mr. Solheim, can you
please tell us whether the LTTE leader is skeptical about the
proceedings of the peace talks for past three days ? That is my question
number 1. And question number 2 is about the issue of prisoner exchange.
If could just comment on how you will work it out and the number of POWs
from the LTTE side back to government plans to release as well as the
LTTE when Sinhala POWs are concerned ?
And also about the rights of the Muslims
what was exactly discussed the facilitation of atmosphere conducive to
the Muslims in North and East because you all know that there are plenty
of mosques in Jaffna and other Eastern Areas which have already
demolished . So where rehabilitation is concerned how modalities will be
worked out to make normal for the Muslims as well.
BALASINGHAM
I can assure you that we are in touch with the
LTTE leader Mr. Prabhakaran and every aspect of the discussion conveyed
to him and he is very happy and satisfied with the whole process.
Secondly, question of exchanging the prisoners of war is being still
discussed and very soon there will be a working arrangement and there
will be exchange very soon. Thirdly I do not think there is any
extensive damage to mosques in Jaffna . There are several mosques in
Jaffna which are not severely damaged. But when we launch the
reconstruction program in the North priority will be given to rebuild
these mosques and allow our Muslim brothers to perform their worship in
these mosques.
PEIRIS
Well that is an issue that is being addressed. We
have already made some progress and there are some other steps to be
taken in the future as Dr. Balasingham indicated we have identified what
needs to be done and we will be setting up a committee consisting both
sides to look at these issues.
SOLHEIM
There will be no more questions and either Mr
Balasingham or Mr. Peiris will make a few timely remarks what was
basically achieved .
BALASINGHAM
As far as the engagement her in Thailand is
concerned the LTTE is very happy . I think we have achieved a remarkable
success in establishing a very cordial relationship and the discussions
were very constructive and we have taken few decisions and this process
is going to continue .And before my concluding remarks I wish to thank
the Royal Government of Thailand for offering us a venue and providing
us with a gracious hospitality and that we again express our gratitude
to the Government of Thailand.
PEIRIS
From our point of view I would entirely agree with
that I think that there are several solid achievements. One is that this
process will go on and it is not going to break down whatever the
difficulties may arise we will hold fast to our course of political
negotiation. Secondly we have dealt with some of the immediate issues
like de-mining . De-mining is very important we have dealt with
de-mining , the resettlement of internally displaced people and concrete
measures have been put in place. Thirdly with regard to the Economic
Development which is very important. After all the main objective is to
make life easier and better. We have set up certain structures , we have
established a partnership and we have inspired confidence in
international communities . So we are now in a position to make a direct
appeal to them with conviction and finally we have agreed and that this
also must not be underestimated we have clearly accepted that all these
issues must be considered and nothing has to excluded. We have not only
agreed to consider these issues , but we have agreed on a sequence, a
logical sequence in which they will be addressed.
Anybody who expects all these issues to
be taken up and resolved in the first round is being unrealistic . We
have agreed on a modus operandi which will bring success within our
reach. So it has been a very promising beginning.
SOLHEIM
Thank you very much for your patience. You should
understand because of time limit we could not entertain all questions
today both Mr.Balasingham and Mr. Peiris will have future press
conferences and more certainly a future press conferences together, so
you will be able to put those questions in future. Thank you so much for
being with us.
