EPDP's memorandum on proposed Joint Mechanism
THE population affected by the tsunami is desperately in need of
relief. The affected people are not only in need of regular food rations
but also permanent roofs over their heads, the EPDP said in a memorandum
on the proposed Joint Mechanism.
The release:
"It is more than four months past the day of the tsunami and the
Government has not been able to alleviate the suffering of the affected
people due to obstacles place before it by the LTTE.
Only a mechanism that could overcome the various obstacles would
ensure success. The mechanism should also be politically guided.
The humanitarian needs of the affected population cannot be met
without such a mechanism.
It is our view that there should not only be a mechanism to undertake
relief and reconstruction, but that the mechanism should be such that
all the affected people would be served by it. We believe that such a
mechanism has to be broad-based, and ensure ethnic and political
pluralism. It must also respect democratic traditions and human rights.
The Ceasefire Agreement signed between the Government of Sri Lanka
and the LTTE in February 2002 has accepted the control of certain areas
of the North and East by the LTTE.
Yet, officials of the Government of Sri Lanka do function within
these areas. Furthermore, intimidatory tactics used on government
officials by the LTTE also influence the work of the Government to some
extent in areas of the North and East which however are recognised as
areas under the control of the Government of Sri Lanka.
Under these circumstances, it would be prudent to accept a role for
the LTTE as well, in any Joint Mechanism to undertake Tsunami Relief and
Reconstruction in LTTE controlled areas of the North and East. If that
is not done, the LTTE would in all probability place obstacles in the
work of the Government.
The EPDP also believe that the inclusion of the LTTE in Joint
Mechanism at the National, Provincial and District levels, while
ensuring political and ethnic pluralism in such mechanisms, would open a
window of opportunity for the LTTE and the others to begin a dialogue
that could eventually lead to a lasting solution to the national
problem." |