America warns Tigers

United States Ambassdor to Sri Lanka Jeffrey Lunstead has warned the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to stop its violent activities and return to peace talks. "If the LTTE chooses to abandon peace, however, we want it to be clear they will face a stronger, more capable and more determined Sri Lankan military," Lunstead added.

The US envoy was speaking to the business community of the American Chamber of Commerce at the World Trade Centre yesterday.

Ambassador Lunstead commenting further said the US remained committed to the peace process in Sri Lanka and in helping the legitimate governing bodies of the Island to prepare for their roles in developing and protecting their citizens.

"Through our military training and assistance programmes, including efforts to help with counter-terrorism initiatives and block illegal financial transactions, we are helping to shape the ability of the Sri Lankan Government to protect its people and defend its interest.

Sri Lanka is at tricky point in its history.It is not clear if it is at a crossroads or a cliff's edge," Lunstead was referring to the deadlock in the country's peace efforts and failure to revive talks between the Government and the LTTE.

Referring to the Norway's facilitation process the US envoy mentioned that the peace process was paramount.

"As we look at peace and prosperity we are at a point in the cycle when the furtherance of peace is perhaps the single most important thing that can push Sri Lanka along the path to further prosperity,"Lunstead said. Meanwhile Australia condemns the recent increase in violence in Sri Lanka, particularly the attacks by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the North and East which killed at least 45 members of the security forces during December.

Australia also condemns the assassination of Joseph Pararajasingham MP at midnight mass on Christmas day in Batticaloa.

Australia recognises the restraint shown by the Government of Sri Lanka in not retaliating against these latest attacks, as well as its determination not to allow the LTTE's actions to undermine efforts to achieve a negotiated peace.

Australia expects the LTTE and paramilitary groups to respect the ceasefire agreement and heed the recent call of the Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Peace Conference by stopping all violations of the ceasefire.

Australia considered that the conflict can only be resolved through a negotiated settlement that meets the aspirations of all Sri Lankans and calls upon all parties to take steps to end the recent violence and quickly engage in talks.