Canada optimistic Geneva talks will rebuild mutual trust

COLOMBO: The Government of Canada is optimistic that the Geneva agreement will lead to improvements in the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, including the end of child recruitment.

The Canadian High Commission yesterday issued the following statement concerning the recent talks in Geneva between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE):

The Government of Canada commends both parties on their pledge to respect and uphold the Ceasefire Agreement and to collaborate with the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission.

Canada urges both parties to follow through on their commitment to bring an end to intimidation, acts of violence, abductions and killings. These will be essential steps towards rebuilding the mutual trust needed for a renewed peace process.

Canada recognizes the efforts by both parties to lower the level of tension and halt violent incidents, and hopes that the Geneva agreement will also lead to improvements in the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, including the end of child recruitment.

Canada remains committed to supporting a negotiated settlement to the conflict that satisfies the legitimate aspirations of all Sri Lankans while preserving the country's unity and territorial integrity.