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Onus on LTTE to talk earnestly

IN yet another clear testimony to its flexibility and willingness to forge ahead with the peace process, the Government has told Japanese Special Peace Envoy to Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi of its acceptance of the LTTE suggestion that Government-LTTE talks on the Ceasefire Agreement be held outside Sri Lanka, though the latter has gone on to specify that it prefers an Asian venue for such deliberations.

This is a fresh illustration of the Government's earnest intention to leave no stone unturned in its exertions to jump-start peace negotiations.

It may be recalled that the Government had earlier stipulated that such talks be held either in no mans land or at the Bandaranaike International Airport, as signified by Norway, while the LTTE insisted that these talks be held outside Sri Lanka.

Thus is the Government willing to make compromises in the search for a just peace although the LTTE seems to be intent on being trigger-happy and destructive in its behaviour.

It is up to the LTTE to prove that it is willing to utilise the space that has been opened by the Government for rendering the CFA fool - proof and promotive of peace.

In the absence of cooperative behaviour by the LTTE, the world would be compelled to conclude that it is not at all supportive of a just peace in Sri Lanka.

While keeping the door open for negotiations the Government would do well to increasingly expose to the world any duplicitous behaviour by the LTTE.

We believe that unrelenting global pressure and expressions of displeasure by world opinion on LTTE intransigence could compel the latter to consider cooperating with the Government in its efforts to bring an honourable peace.

Next, the Government should press ahead with its multiparty consultations and speed-up the process of arriving at a Southern consensus on resolving the National Question. Time is of the essence. Such deliberations should be comprehensive and substantive but feet-dragging could prove counter-productive as it is the contention of the LTTE that the State is basically playing for time.

Accordingly, these Southern consultations should be speeded-up and conducted within a specific time-frame for the purpose of the maintenance of the credibility of the peace effort.

Meanwhile, comments attributed to a prominent JHU member that the party is for "extensive devolution" within a unitary state should be welcomed by all well-meaning sections as opinions which would be conducive to the promotion of the peace process.

This is also proof that the Mahinda Rajapakse administration is proving effective in moulding Southern opinion because the Government is firmly committed to devolving power within a unitary state.

There is, no doubt, a long way to go on the road to an honourable peace, but increasing Southern perceptions that power devolution should form the basis of a negotiated settlement could be considered a major breakthrough in the State's hearts and minds battle.

For, not so long ago, some influential groups in Southern Lanka considered even the mention of the term devolution as revolting anathema.

We urge the LTTE to read these positive signs accurately. Negotiate honestly, is our request to them.

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