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NCC on LTTE's suspension from peace talks 

The National Christian Council (NCC) of Sri Lanka is saddened by the decision of the LTTE to suspend participation in the peace talks. This no doubt is a severe set back to the initiatives undertaken to bring normalcy and lasting peace in the island.

Eight months after direct negotiations commenced, the people looked with eagerness and expectation to the forthcoming talks as both parties had expressed a willingness to deal with sensitive issues of constitutional status, devolution of power and mechanisms to protect and guarantee human rights.

We earnestly appeal to both parties to consider the grievances and concerns raised by all stakeholders and deal with them with a sense of urgency and in a spirit of accommodation and mutual understanding.

This is essential because ultimately it is the will of the people that must be realised - the establishment of an era of peace, justice, economic, well-being and dignity for all the people of our country.

The NCC has always stood for a negotiated settlement to the conflict and wishes to reiterate its position that there is no other option available to resolve the issues involved in this sad and unfortunate conflict.

We therefore appeal to all parties concerned to ensure the immediate resumption of the talks and resolve every contentious and difficult issue that may arise by negotiating with a sense of responsibility and mutual understanding.

The statement was jointly signed by Rt. Rev. Kumara Illangasinghe - Chairperson - National Christian Council of Sri Lanka Bishop of Kuruengala, Church of Ceylon, Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera - Bishop of Colombo, Church of Ceylon, Rt. Rev. Dr. S. Jebanesan - Bishop in Jaffna - Church of South India, Rev. Noel Fernando - President - Methodist Church Sri Lanka, Rev. W. Warshamanage, President - Sri Lanka Baptist Sangamaya, Colonel Dr. Brian Tuck - Territorial Commander - The Salvation Army, Rev. C. N. Jansz - President, Dutch reformed Church, Rev. Dr. Tony Foreman - President - Presbytery of Lanka, The NCC also represents the following Ecumenical Organizations - Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), Student Christian Movements (SCM).

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