Tracking the Norwegian
Conflict Resolution Initiative
Oslo Talks - June 2006
Norway sends 5 point questionaire to Sri Lanka, and LTTE
- 'profoundly concerned with grave situation in Sri Lanka'
[see also 1.
Undue emphasis on direct talks
sidelined key issues - Thamilchelvan
2.Norway blames EU for Sri Lanka
talks crisis]
8 June 2006
Full text of the statement
The grave situation in Sri Lanka, with escalating violence in
breach of the
Ceasefire Agreement (CFA),
is intolerable for the civilian population and a cause of great concern to the
international community. As expressed in no uncertain terms by the Tokyo
Co-Chairs in their statement of 30 May, the full responsibility for halting
violence and giving the peace process a new start, rests with the parties.
The Royal Norwegian Government regrets that it was not possible to hold the
foreseen and much needed meeting between the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and
the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to assess the difficult situation in
Sri Lanka and to address the safety and security of the Sri Lanka Monitoring
Mission (SLMM).
After having accepted the Norwegian invitation, and after having arrived in
Norway, the LTTE raised objections to the previously communicated intentions and
modalities for the meeting. This was the reason for the meeting not being held.
By this a critical opportunity has been lost for the peoples of Sri Lanka who so
desperately need their leaders on both sides to renew their obligation to uphold
the CFA and other CFA-related commitments and to improve security.
The Royal Norwegian Government has been informed that the Liberation Tigers of
Tamil Eelam is not ready to accept SLMM monitors originating from states which
separately or by membership in international organisations have included the
LTTE on lists for the application of specific measures to combat terrorism. At
present, 37 out of 57 monitors originate from these countries.
By not being able to address this urgent issue in the presence of both parties,
the Royal Norwegian Government and the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission have been
seriously hampered in their efforts to find a future solution for the SLMM and
thereby encourage respect for the CFA and its effective monitoring.
The Royal Norwegian Government is profoundly concerned with the gravity of the
situation on the ground, the objection by the LTTE to collaborate with the SLMM
with its present composition, the lack of dialogue between the parties, and the
doubts voiced by many about the continued full commitment of the parties to the
Ceasefire Agreement.
On this background the Royal Norwegian Government have deemed it necessary to
take the unprecedented step of requesting both parties, through letters to
President Mahinda Rajapakse and the LTTE leader Mr Vellupilai Prabhakaran, to
provide responses in writing to five critical questions.
1.Will the parties stand committed to the
Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) of
22 February 2002?
2. Do the parties want the continued existence and operation of the Sri
Lanka Monitoring Mission as a mission coordinated, facilitated and led by
the Royal Norwegian Government with diplomatic immunity to ensure its
impartial operation?
3. Are the parties able to provide full security guarantees for all
monitors, employees and physical assets of the SLMM in all situations, in
accordance with CFA
Article 3.9?
4. Will the parties accept amendments to CFA
Article 3.5 in order
to enable the continued functioning of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission at
its current operational levels and with the necessary security guarantees?
5. In the event that amendments to
Article 3.5 are made, will the parties provide full security guarantees
for current SLMM personnel and assets during a six-month transition phase
until an amended solution has been identified, decided and fully
implemented?
The responses by the parties to these questions will determine
which steps will next have to be taken by the Royal Norwegian Government and the
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, in close partnership with other actors in the
international community.
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