Archives

by Ranga Jayasuriya

The solution reached through the talks should be a solution to the problems of the masses rather than a forceful imposition of the will of the politicians. Human rights and democratic values should not be left out in any resolution. The issue of de-proscription of the LTTE remains a matter of serious controversy

Building and continuing the understanding between each other till the successful completion of the peace talks will be the next major challenge the Government and the LTTE have to face. In this regard the role of the Norwegians as the facilitator plays a vital role. The support of the Opposition is of paramount importance for the success of the peace talks.

The solution reached through the talks should be a solution to the problems of the masses rather than a forceful imposition of the will of the politicians. Human rights and democratic values should not be left out in any resolution. The issue of de-proscription of the LTTE remains a matter of serious controversy.

security forces

And most importantly, unlike their counterparts in many third world countries, the security forces will accept the outcome of the talks, whatever it may be, if it has the consent of the majority.

These are the main conclusions which local academics and experts in conflict resolution have drawn on the on-going peace process between the Government and the LTTE.

Claiming that both sides have badly let down each other in the earlier peace efforts, Professor Rajiva Wijesinghe of Sabaragamuwa University says building up confidence between the two parties is vital for the success of the peace mission.In this respect the lifting of embargoes by the Government is commendable and it is obviously a part of a goodwill build up measure, he claims.

very responsive

But, according to Dr.Jehan Perera of the National Peace Council the Government and the LTTE should now proceed to bilateral actions. Dr. Perera claims that the Government is "very responsive" for the needs of the Tamils and its unilateral actions to ease their grievances have shown its commitment for peace. "The Government has invested heavily in the peace process and it has done it without bargaining," he says.

According to Dr Perera, getting the support of the PA is of paramount importance to the success of the peace talks. The Government should try to take the consent of the President, because she is the undisputed leader of the PA and, of course, the most liberal minded PA politician, he says.

The solution should be based on principles. The solution should be based on the principle of subsidiary which allows a considerable autonomy to the local and provincial government bodies. The solution should be in accordance with the needs of the people.

Claiming that the Indo- Lanka peace accord failed since it did not have the consent of the public, Prof. Wijesinghe says the peace issue should be open to public discussions.

Prof. Hettige of Colombo University calls the peace process a striking balance between two extremes. Both the LTTE which fights for a separate state and the ultra-nationalist factions within the Sinhalese community which protest any sort of devolution have to rethink their demands.The ultimate solution depends on negotiations.

The solution is a compromise. The Government and the LTTE have to give and take. They have to take a risk which is inevitable in conflict resolution.

sick of war

According to the Colombo University Professor the Government's greatest strength is the will of the majority for peace. "People are sick of war, not only those who live in the North and East, but also the people in the South are trapped in war. They need an end to the war," he says.

Norwegian facilitation will play a pivotal role in bridging the communication gap between the two rival parties who have been fighting a bloody war for 17 years. Dr. Pakiasothy Sarawanamuttu of the Centre for Policy Alternatives says the previous experience of Norway in facilitating and mediating in international peace missions such as the Oslo Accord between Palestinians and Israelis has underlined its capability as a facilitator." Norway's role is genuine and without hidden interests," he says. Norway should create a constructive dialogue, he adds.

While accepting the importance of Norwegian facilitation, Prof. Wijesinghe says that the country should uphold its ties with the other nations in the region. Sidelining India in the past was one fundamental reason for the origin of the current crisis, so the political leadership should maintain strong relations with the country's South Asian neighbours, he claims.

The de-proscription of the LTTE would be a controversial issue. According to Prof. Wijesinghe it will be absurd, if the LTTE will make the de-proscription of the movement a pre-condition for the talks. The LTTE should show its commitment for the peace process before it makes such a demand.

best option

But, Dr Perera advocates for a suspension or lifting of the ban on Tigers, if it demands. Dr. Perera argues that the de-proscription of the LTTE in Sri Lanka would not have any impact on the foreign policy of the other nations which have designated it a foreign terrorist organisation."They will not de-proscribe the LTTE till it renounces violence," he points out.

Dr. Sarawanamuttu too approves the de-proscription of the LTTE, if the LTTE renounces violence and honours the ceasefire. According to Prof Hettige issue of the de-proscription of the LTTE should be dealt with pragmatically. The policy makers should take the best option at the time for the benefit of the nation, he says.

The security forces will respect the decision of the representatives of the people. According to Dr Perera the security forces of the country have been under civilian control since independence, and it will respect the verdict of the people.

Prof. Wijesinghe says the Army will be the first to welcome a peace settlement."

Soldiers are the usual victims of war, and they will welcome the end of bloodshed," he says.

Sinhala ultra-nationalist factions will however play the main opposition against the peace process.

According to Dr Perera they would not draw huge crowds of demonstrators, but a few trouble makers.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager