|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Monday, 3 November 2003 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
from Ranga Jayasuriya in Kilinochchi The LTTE's counter proposals for a North-East self-governing authority, go beyond the government's original offer, making a compromise necessary in the negotiation table, if the proposed Interim Administration (IA) is to become a reality. LTTE's Political Wing Leader S. P. Thamilselvan said the LTTE is ready for a dialogue over the movement's IA proposals. He said the IA proposals are not the final document. "We look forward to continue dialogue with the Sri Lanka government for the rapid creation and implementation of the Interim Administration," he told a press conference on Saturday. Thamilselvan said the LTTE has asked the Norwegian facilitators to arrange a meeting with the government at "a mutually convenient time and a venue." The LTTE in an eight-page document submitted to the government on Friday, proposed "an interim self governing authority for the North-East of Sri Lanka", comprising Amparai, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Vavuniya districts. The Government's Chief Peace negotiator Prof. G. L. Peiris said on Saturday that the government will request the Norwegian facilitators to arrange the meeting at the end of this month or early December, enabling the next round of formal talks to commence early next year. The Interim Self-Governing Authority (ISGA) will continue for five years and will have plenary powers for the governance of the North-East including powers in relation to resettlement, rehabilitation, reconstruction and development, revenue, law and order and land. The detailed modalities for the exercise of such powers and performance of such functions shall be subject to further discussion by the two parties. The government in its proposals, submitted July 17 for a North-East Provisional Administrative Council kept land, police, revenue and judiciary powers with the centre, while offering it all the other powers and functions exercised by the government in relation to regional administration. The LTTE proposes to set up a separate judicial mechanism for the North-East, vested with powers to administer justice, and "exclusive jurisdiction to resolve all disputes concerning the interpretation and implementation of this agreement and any other disputes arising in or under this agreement or any provision thereof." The number of members in the ISGA will be determined by the two parties, and will consist members appointed by the Government, the LTTE and Muslim community. The LTTE representatives will, however have the majority in the ISGA. The Government's July 17 proposals also offered the LTTE with the lion's share in the proposed Interim Administration. Representatives of the Muslim community have the right to participate in formulation of their role in the self-governing authority. A chairperson elected by a majority vote of the ISGA will serve as the body's Chief Executive.The LTTE propose to hold elections at the expiry of five years of the self-governing body, if no final settlement to the ethnic question is reached within the period. Though the LTTE document is not clear about the nature of the elections, Thamilselvan at the press conference hinted that the Tigers would go for a referendum to decide the secession from the Sri Lankan state. The LTTE propose the self-governing authority to be secular, with rights of the people protected by an independent Human Rights Commission appointed by the ISGA. "The ISGA shall ensure that there is no discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, national or regional origin, age or gender in the North East." At the press conference, Thamilselvan ruled out that an Interim Administration will lead to an Eelam. "..... this is not a step forward to the Eelam, or secession, this is an immediate need in the process for a viable alternative solution," he said. As for finance, the ISGA shall prepare an annual budget. The LTTE proposal to set up a financial committee will be appointed by the ISGA to make recommendations about the amount of allocations made to the North-East by the Central government. The ISGA will have control over all government expenditure in the North-East. The Tigers propose to set up three funds namely - North-East General Fund, North East Reconstruction Fund and Special Fund. The ISGA should have powers to borrow internally and externally, provide guarantees and receive aid directly and engage in or regulate internal and external trade. The ISGA shall appoint an Auditor General. The ISGA shall have control over all natural resources in the North-East and offshore in the adjacent North-East waters. Thamilselvan expressed optimism that the government will accept the LTTE proposal "which will be a prelude to the final settlement". "This will certainly find the acceptance of the Government. We will be sitting within the Government to negotiate the creation of the IA".Asked about the constitutionality of the counter proposals, Thamilselvan stressed the need for an "innovative, realistic and pragmatic solution" which goes beyond the limitations of the constitution. Claiming Tamils have been excluded in enacting the existing constitution, he said: "Therefore Tamil people cannot expect any government to resolve the question within the premises of the (existing) constitution". Thamilselvan said it was not the Tigers who put forward the demand for a separate state, but Tamil moderates who passed the Vadukkodai resolutions in 1976. "But it is only the LTTE who took forward the struggle based on the Vadukkodai resolution," he said adding that "now we are ready to explain an innovative alternative solution". Calling for public support, the LTTE Political Chief said: "Peace to Tamil people has to be transformed to peace and prosperity of the entire country". |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
