Friday, 5 December 2003  
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Defusing a flash-point

Yesterday's newsreport on the tense situation at the Sri Jayawardenapura University would have conjured the image in most minds of a relentlessly-ticking time bomb; another bloody university riot waiting to happen.

This is a worst case scenario, which we hope, would never come to pass. The situation warrants immediate interventionary efforts by the authorities to defuse the crisis and we urge that law and order be established on the campus without further delay.

Rather than dwell on the sensational aspects of the campus crisis, we consider it relevant to take readers' minds to the concluding paragraph of our lead story yesterday. It explained that two commissions - one appointed by the President and the other by the Tertiary Education and Training Ministry - were entrusted about a month ago with probing certain allegations against the Vice Chancellor of the Sri Jayawardenapura University.

To date their findings - if any - have not been disclosed or announced. This seeming inaction is as dangerous and reprehensible as anything which is currently occurring at the University.

Delayed official action on any perceived or real irregularities, is in itself a potent cause of frustration and anger, both in the university context and outside. Ideally, the allegations against the Vice Chancellor should have been expeditiously investigated and appropriate action taken against the official, if they were found to have a basis. However, postponement and procrastination of the correct procedure on these questions, could lead to frustration and anger among some sections, as the University crisis graphically illustrates.

While we admit to being aghast at the sight of some 50 university teachers conducting a sit-in demonstration in support of a fasting and aggrieved colleague, it has to be conceded that this unprecedented development couldn't be a mere flash in the pan.

The fact that a phenomenal number of university teachers have been compelled to demonstrate in support of a colleague proves that the situation at the university is grave and that it needs to be investigated closely. We urge that even at this late hour, the core allegations at the heart of the disturbances be thoroughly investigated and the necessary action taken.

Meanwhile, we urge the deeply divided sections of the University community to show utmost restraint in view of the possibility of the current confrontation degenerating into violence and lawlessness. It would be in the interest of law and order to have the university premises vacated and a dialogue launched among the antagonists for a resolution of their differences.

Clearly, no purpose would be served if the antagonists resort to violence and barbarism to settle their differences.

We believe the onus is on the university teachers to exemplify the usefulness of dialogue and compromise in this crisis, while the State should ensure that the established procedures in regard to ensuring justice to all, are followed.

The current crisis also demonstrates the need to depoliticize, to the extent possible, higher educational institutions and other seats of learning. In the final analysis, learning activities in these institutions have to be carried out and these bodies made to measure-up to their founding ideals.

Dangerous provocation

Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's proposal to hold a referendum on the island's future is likely to worsen cross strait relations with mainland China. In a sense, the plan to hold such a referendum runs counter to the security of Taiwan and the interests of the Taiwanese people.

The United Nations and the world community have accepted the historical fact that Taiwan is a province of China. Even the United States accepts only "One China" and its diplomatic relations are based on it.

In such a context any plans to declare Taiwanese independence is likely t provoke China and invite a military reaction from China

There is no doubt that that President Chen Shui-bian has taken this step emboldened by the aggressive policy of Washington. Yet, it should be understood that the United States or even the United States and Japan jointly cannot provide a safety umbrella to Taiwan in case of a military confrontation across the Taiwan Straits.

Taiwan's security lies not in weapons but in promoting cross- Strait exchanges. Provoking a war between China and Taiwan means the possibility of US intervention becoming a reality. In the context of advanced modern warfare systems it is horrifying even to imagine such a scenario.

The Chinese have already reacted angrily to the Taiwan moves. Luo Yuan, a Senior Colonel of the people's Liberation Army (PLA) and member of the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences has said, "Chen has touched on the mainland's bottom line on the Taiwan question."

"If they refuse to come to their senses and continue to use referenda as an excuse to seek Taiwan independence, they will push Taiwan compatriots into the abyss of war," he warned.

It is up to the United States to restrain Taiwan and encourage it to seek a negotiated settlement with China.

Countries of South and South East Asia too have a responsibility to use their god offices to prevent a deterioration of relations across the Taiwan Straits and help in maintaining peace and tranquility in the region.

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