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The Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission Trond Furuhovde yesterday observed that while the top leaders of both the Government and the LTTE were determined to promote peace, a soldier or an LTTE cadre was sometimes involved in violent or irresponsible behaviour.

This does not mean that the Government or the LTTE was behind such behaviour, he said in a statement issued after briefing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on the recent violent incidents in Amparai and Trincomalee. He was certain that disloyal members of both parties will eventually be identified.

The SLMM head in his statement observed that the top leaders of both parties and their commanders on the ground were determined to promote peace.

"You have seen how irresponsible and destructive elements in society are attempting to break the confidence you have carefully built up during the ceasefire," he told the Prime Minister.

"These elements do not want a peaceful solution to the conflict and are ready to sacrifice lives of innocent people to achieve their goals," he said. "There can be considerable differences between the parties and individuals in their ranks."

The SLMM Chief said: "The strong will for peace among those who are responsible in this country has also been demonstrated following the recent violence. SLMM is now supporting the Government forces and the LTTE in increasing close cooperation and direct communications between their commanders in the North and East.

They must talk to each other and work together, because that is the best way to handle volatile situations on the ground and prevent violence. These efforts have already given a positive signal for the future.

The Political Headquarters of LTTE in Kilinochchi have promised full participation and agreed to support such work.

After my meetings with Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Tilak Marapana, Minister of Defence, on Monday it is clear that this cooperation will be increased in the near future.

After these meetings, it is also clear that the concept of operations of the Police in the North and East needs to be adjusted. This will improve normalcy and be of direct benefit to the public in these areas. We discussed the necessity of indetifying irresponsible and destructive elements and the importance of quick reaction to prevent violence.

The statement adds, "Sometimes I hear that members of the armed forces feel they are being forced to bend backwards as if it were a negative situation. But in this situation, bending backwards is a professional behaviour to avoid violence and bloodshed. The police must be firm and professional in maintaining law and order.

They must be well trained and able to handle difficult situations such as demonstrations in a peaceful manner. The Army and the STF must avoid using unnecessary force and show discipline and flexibility in cooperation with LTTE. The Navy must control the territorial sea avoiding unnecessary provocation.

The Sea Tigers of the LTTE must also avoid provocation and show discipline. The LTTE has to take responsibility, demonstrate care for their people and respect democratic values. The public probably has the most important role.

Do not believe everything you hear. Do not listen to those who promote violence, listen to yourselves and those who want to protect lives. You must have the courage not to accept injustice from anyone.

The best way to support the responsible authorities on both sides is to report injustice done to you and assist in identifying the forces that commit or try to spark violence. Avoid hartals and demonstrations that can create dangerous situations. Support each other.

"I am convinced that both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE are solidly behind the peace process. But they need the support from all of us. Follow a courageous leadership that cares about the country's future and takes responsibility. We also, must practice patience, justice and courage in our daily life.

And through the common effort of every individual in every corner of the country we can secure a peaceful future", it stated.

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