Monday, 10 June 2002  
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Keeping communication channels open

When? This is the question on most lips when the subject of the long-awaited negotiations between the Government and the LTTE is mooted. There is speculation in the local press in particular about the reasons for the seeming delay in launching the peace talks and the dates on which they may be commenced, but it is best that wise counsel prevails in deciding these issues.

While, ideally, there should be least delay in commencing talks it is also true that hasty decisions on these issues could prove costly. For, the parties to the ethnic conflict are numerous and varied. They are important in varying degrees it is true, but they all need to be consulted before the launching of talks. This is mainly because a consensual position needs to be arrived at on the principal issues pertaining to the talks. Some of these are the question of de-proscribing the LTTE, the agenda for talks and the role of Norway.

The road to this all-important national consensus on the beginning of peace talks is likely to prove bumpy and somewhat tortuous but it is vitally important that there is broad agreement among those who matter on this question. We have learnt some bitter lessons in going for talks and arriving at agreements which didn't have the support of all vital sections of the public. These lessons must be learnt and caution and foresight brought to bear on these issues.

However, these precautions shouldn't be made an excuse for foot-dragging and prevarication. Ideally, these preparations should be conducted within a time frame and the talks launched at the end of it with a deep sense of urgency. The Government in particular should ensure that the dynamism infused into the peace process is maintained and that no stalemate situation is allowed to develop and grow to the proportions of a major road block on the road to peace.

Meanwhile, the Government is obliged to keep all communication channels open with the relevant parties to the peace process. These will include both the LTTE and the opposition in the South. There is no alternative to the clarification of issues through direct and honest communication.

In this connection, we wish to laud Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on his decision to keep India constantly informed on significant developments in the peace process and related issues. Right now the Premier is in India for this purpose, besides dialoguing with Indian leaders on Indo-Lanka trade and economic links.

Significant ground has been covered in the peace process and the fact that the ceasefire has held for 100 days is in itself a major achievement. People are breathing the air of freedom with great rejoicing. However, there is a long way to go before a permanent peace is arrived at. We urge the government to persist on this path with single-minded zeal and in a constructive spirit.

HNB-Pathum Udanaya2002

www.eagle.com.lk

Sampath Bank

Crescat Development Ltd.

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