United States & the struggle for Tamil Eelam

Letter to US Secretary of State from
Sherrod Brown, Member of  US Congress

11 August 2000

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

August 11, 2000

The Honorable Madeleine K. Albright
Secretary of State
Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Secretary Albright:

I would like to express my concern over the conflict in Sri Lanka and the worsening humanitarian crisis between the government and its Tamil community.

Despite their financial and military superiority, the government of Sri Lanka has not been able to contain the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). On innumerable occasions, the LTTE has demonstrated the ability to launch hit-and-run attacks from the northern jungles, and have succeeded in reversing government gains on the battlefield. President Chandrika Kumaratunga has stated that the conflict is unwinnable. Attempts at a peaceful settlement have also stalled. President Kumaratunga’s constitutional reforms could not muster a two-thirds majority in the parliament and any hope for a non-violent resolution to the conflict have all but disappeared. The bill will most likely not pass before the parliament dissolves later this month.

As this conflict continues, civilians in LTTE controlled areas are suffering. Sri Lankan authorities have implemented an oppressive press-censorship policy and have not allowed essential supplies, including baby food and medicine, to be distributed in these regions. Such abuses of human rights will not stop until a resolution to the conflict is found.

The United States should take a more active role to resolve this dispute. It is crucial we express our disapproval over the media ban and urge the Sri Lankan government to allow humanitarian aid into LTTE controlled areas. We must do all we can to ease the suffering of innocent people caught in this crisis.

I look forward to hearing your perspective on this situation. Thank you.

Sincerely,

SHERROD BROWN
Member of Congress