GoSL handling of paramilitaries, LTTE violence,
key issues for Sri Lanka peace, say Co-Chairs
[TamilNet, December 19, 2005]
The Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference in the final
statement after the conclusion of their meeting in Brussels Monday said they
recognized that activities of the paramilitary groups are among the causes for
the deteriorating situation and urged “the Government to ensure that such groups
cease their paramilitary activities, as a demonstration of its commitment to a
peaceful way forward.” They also called on the LTTE “to put an immediate end to
their on-going campaign of violence and again urge the LTTE to demonstrate their
commitment to the Ceasefire Agreement and the peace process,” and warned,
“Failure to demonstrate a willingness to change would not be without serious
consequences.”
Full text of the statement released in Brussels follows:
SRI LANKA CO-CHAIRS MEETING - 19 DECEMBER 2005 FINAL STATEMENT
The Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference met in Brussels on 19 December 2005
to review the situation in Sri Lanka. A representative of the Indian Government
met separately with the Co-Chairs for an exchange of views.
The Co-Chairs note that Sri Lanka is facing a crucial choice between increased
violence and re-invigorating the peace process. The prospects for long-term
peace lie in the hands of the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE. The Sri
Lankan people want peace. A failure to respond to this desire would be a tragic
step backward.
The Co-Chairs note the recent LTTE appeal for "a reasonable political
framework". However, the Co-Chairs condemn the LTTE's enforced boycott of the
Presidential election in parts of the North and East, which deprived Tamil
voters of their right to vote. The Co-Chairs also condemn in the strongest terms
the recent escalation in violence in the North and East. The Co-Chairs call on
the LTTE to put an immediate end to their on-going campaign of violence and
again urge the LTTE to demonstrate their commitment to the Ceasefire Agreement
and the peace process. Failure to demonstrate a willingness to change would not
be without serious consequences.
The Co-Chairs recognise that activities of paramilitary groups are another of
the causes for the deteriorating situation. They urge the Government to ensure
that such groups cease their paramilitary activities, as a demonstration of its
commitment to a peaceful way forward.
The Co-Chairs welcome the agreement of the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE to
hold immediate talks to review the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement,
and also welcome Japan's offer to host these. They strongly urge both sides to
start such talks without further delay or prevarication.
The Co-Chairs welcome the President's aim to develop a credible political
platform in the South to take the peace process forward. The Co-Chairs call on
all in the South, particularly the main political parties, to contribute
constructively and flexibly. The Co-Chairs believe that such a settlement should
be based on a united Sri Lanka, taking account of the aspirations of all
communities.
The Co-Chairs commend the Muslim community for their restraint in the face of
recent provocations.
The Co-Chairs welcome the Sri Lankan Government's confirmation of its confidence
to the Norwegian facilitation, as well as that of the LTTE. The Co-Chairs state
their full and unequivocal support for Norway's efforts, building on progress
made in peace talks held since the Ceasefire Agreement.
The Co-Chairs equally express their fullest support for the work of the Sri
Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) in an increasingly volatile environment.
Ensuring a conducive environment for continued SLMM operations and the security
of the SLMM staff remains vital.
Finally, as a further sign of commitment to the peaceful resolution of the civil
conflict, the Co-Chairs express their readiness to hold their next meeting in
Sri Lanka close to the fourth anniversary of the Ceasefire Agreement.
(Background: The EU, Norway, Japan, and the United States were the four
Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Conference on Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka
(June 2003). It was agreed in Tokyo that the Co-Chairs would continue to meet
regularly and monitor progress in the peace process in Sri Lanka.)
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