Archives

Govt, LTTE have obligation to overcome differences - SCMP

Whatever is agreed will be meaningless without a fervent desire for change and the government and the LTTE have an obligation to the people of Sri Lanka to overcome their differences, the prestigious Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) said in an editorial.

The editorialist wrote: "When Sri Lankan government officials and representatives of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam begin talks in Thailand today (16), almost two decades of animosity will be on the table.

"Years, not days, of meetings lie ahead to resolve the dispute over territory and the tens of thousands of killings which have led to deep divisions in Sri Lankan society.

"But resolving the dispute goes beyond material claims and apportioning blame. It is a matter that constitutional change and foreign redevelopment aid cannot erase. The animosities stretch back beyond the start of the conflict and are mired in cultural and religious issues.

"The majority Sinhalese community has benefited from political decisions, while Tamils and Muslims have been increasingly sidelined and isolated. Sri Lankans do not expect any speedy resolution. They are thankful a ceasefire has held for nine months and that security has returned to the capital, Colombo.

"Both sides know that concessions have to be made and agreements forged. The post-September 11 environment puts extra pressure on the Tamil Tiger rebels to strike deals. The country's citizens must respect any accords and work towards their implementation. Sri Lanka's future depends on complete co-operation."

The Bangkok Post said in an editorial: "Thai authorities and Norwegian facilitators have chosen to lock government and Tamil Tiger negotiators inside the Sattahip naval base to keep them away from outsiders, especially the media.

"It is a shame Sri Lankans and their friends will be unable to follow the negotiations. Still, after 20 years and 64,000 war dead, one can understand the need to exclude the posturing before live cameras.

The three days of talks will not bring a lasting peace. They will not settle the main issue of rebel demands for independence or self-government. Yet the indications are that both the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tigers have had enough of their war .

This could mean the Thailand talks will quickly get down to business and the vital issues. The final form of a settlement is up to Sri Lankans.

But Thailand can help negotiators feel comfortable -- and perhaps convinced to end their conflict." 

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