Tigers warned it could face deeper isolation

Manjula Fernando

COLOMBO: The Co-Chairs yesterday warned the LTTE that the group could face deeper isolation by the international community if it fails to renounce violence and terrorism.

In a joint statement issued after the crucial meeting in Tokyo, the Co-Chairs said "the LTTE must re-enter the negotiating process and renounce terrorism and violence".

It must show that it is willing to make the political compromises needed for a political solution within a united Sri Lanka, they stressed in their statement.

It has asserted that this solution should include democratic rights of all peoples of Sri Lanka. "The international community will respond favourably to such actions, failure to do so will lead to deeper isolation of the LTTE," it warned.

The donor group - EU, US, Japan and Norway - overseeing the Sri Lankan Peace process called on both parties to 'take immediate steps to reverse the deteriorating situation and put the country back on the road to peace'.

The Co-Chairs announced that it renewed their commitment to do all possible to help Sri Lanka achieve peace and to support the current Norwegian-facilitated peace effort.

Japan convened this meeting, three years after the original Tokyo Conference on Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka, to decide whether the Co-Chairs can usefully help in addressing Sri Lanka's crisis, the statement issued through the Japanese Embassy in Colombo said.

It has also called upon the Government for constitutional changes to bring about a new system of governance to enhance the rights of all ethnic groups.

It stressed the Government must show that it will address the legitimate grievances of the Tamils, prevent groups based in its territory from carrying out violence, protect the rights and security of Tamils throughout the country.

At the same time, it is necessary to examine how to strengthen the role of SLMM, it has observed. The Co-Chairs reiterated that a final solution should safeguard the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka, assures protection and fulfils the legitimate aspirations of the Tamils and the Muslims, guarantees democracy and human rights, and is acceptable to all communities.

Norway has prepared a number of initiatives for the parties to return to talks, which will be issued shortly. The Co-Chairs have endorsed these initiatives. The Co-chairs note that over $ 3,400 million has been provided by donors based on Tokyo pledges and tsunami funds, and more than 20% of that assistance has been allocated to the North and East including uncleared areas.

As long as the commitment to the Ceasefire Agreement by both parties is proven by way of their actions, the international community will continue its assistance in addition to humanitarian aid.