The US example

THE new US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Richard O. Blake's reiteration of his country's commitment to help Sri Lanka fight terrorism, are reassuring words which could have the effect of bolstering the morale of the State and the people of this country in facing the challenges of these times.

We need hardly say that the US has proved a friend indeed in Sri Lanka's efforts to defeat LTTE terror. The US has been singularly unfaltering and consistent in her opposition to LTTE terror.

The US had no hesitation in banning the LTTE on its soil and in doing the needful by way of clamping down on LTTE operatives in the US since then. Very recently, an FBI sting operation helped net some 15 suspected LTTE gun-runners in the US.

The US has stated its opposition to the LTTE in no uncertain terms and is unhesitatingly translating this policy into action.

This is clear-headedness of the highest order which needs to be warmly appreciated by us. If more and more states adhere to the standards established by the US in this connection, fighting terror would not prove difficult.

What many sections of the international community need to avoid is double-standards and prevarication on the problem of terror. Violence and brutality used for the furtherance of political ends, have the same effects wherever they may be used. They take innocent blood and trigger unheard of devastation.

Accordingly, humanity suffers terribly on account of political terror. One of the most effective ways to eradicate it is through united, international action. The world needs to make common cause against terror if it is to be defeated. There cannot be double-speak and ambiguity on this issue.

The more unitedly the world stands against terror, the more resoundingly would it be defeated. We hope the example set by the US and many other states in outlawing the LTTE, would be closely emulated by all states who swear by humanity and peace.

This brings us to the theme of world peace, for which September 21 has been set apart. Does Sri Lanka's position on LTTE terror mean that she would be playing down or even going slow on bringing a political solution to the conflict? By no means. As explained by Minister Professor Tissa Vitarana, on this page, who plays an important role in the current all party discussions on bringing a negotiated solution, the Lankan State is strongly committed to finding a consensual, political solution to our conflict. In fact this process is evolving satisfactorily.

The State recognizes the limitations of trying to resolve the conflict by military means alone. It is a political solution, which addresses the grievances of the Tamil people, which would bring permanent peace.

What is being tried out by the State, therefore, is a two-pronged strategy. May this succeed is our wish.

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