Now for an energetic peace drive

THE view expressed by the Head of the Government delegation to the recently concluded Government-LTTE ceasefire talks in Geneva, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, that the talks were instrumental in re-establishing confidence between the parties which is in turn facilitatory of future talks, is likely to be endorsed by all well-meaning Lankans.

The assessments of the talks in particularly some sections of the media are likely to have the observer more baffled than enlightened but on an impartial evaluation of the outcome of the talks it could be concluded that the results of the negotiations were more positive than negative from particularly the State's point of view.

Drawing on the analogy of the half-full glass of water, it could be said that the glass, which is symbolic of the talks and their outcome, is half-full rather than half-empty, when seen from the State's viewpoint.

The primary aim of the Government was to re-enforce LTTE adherence to the Ceasefire Agreement and thereby curtail the Tiger-engineered bloodshed which was steadily clouding Lanka's peace prospects.

This principal aim has been achieved to a considerable degree and the joint statement issued by the two sides at the end of the talks is the proof of this.

In the joint statement the LTTE not only pledges to abide by the CFA and refrain from attacking members of the Security Forces and Police but also promises to subject itself to closer monitoring by the SLMM. The Government on its part has pledged to prevent operations by illegal aimed groups in areas under its control.

It is far too early to claim a "win-win" outcome from the talks but the results could be considered as substantive enough to contain the violence and kindle in our hearts hopes of a meaningful negotiatory process.

For, agreement has been reached on two major issues which drove the parties apart and stymied the peace effort for a frustratingly long period of time.

It is our considered opinion that no more time could be wasted splitting hairs over who won or lost at the talks or what was gained or compromised and by whom.

The meet was in itself a major confidence - building measure and a stimulant to further exertions on the road to peace. What needs to be done now is to firmly and honestly adhere to the terms of the CFA.

We hope the Tigers would be held stringently accountable for any possible lapses on their part. While the Security Forces and the Police have largely adhered to the terms of the CFA - as the record indicates - the LTTE has treated with disdain some of their commitments under the ceasefire. Perhaps the monitors need to go about their duties with a greater degree of stringency.

However, all relevant parties to the peace process should never lose sight of the wider objective in the peace exercise from now on.

There needs to be a dynamic, proactive engagement in delivering peace on the part of every relevant section from now on. What would matter from now on is how much Lanka would advance towards peace and reconciliation and not who is scoring which debating point.

Even at the level of civil society much remains to be done. For example, to what degree have the principal communities gained an insight into each others ways of living and cultures? How much people-to-people interaction takes place?

On the other hand, the State needs to be proactively involved in driving home to the public the key concepts and analytical tools in the peace debate. For instance, has the public been educated on power devolution?