LTTE's disruptive game plan in negotiations

INTERVIEW: Minister Douglas Devananda is the leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP), an active partner of the Government. Outspoken Devananda has been on the LTTE hit list for many years and in fact escaped four assassination attempts.

He talked to the Daily News on the Government-LTTE peace talks, the MoU between the ruling SLFP and the main opposition UNP, and the recent Supreme Court verdict to demerge the North-East.

(This interview was given prior to the Geneva II talks.)

Q: Are you optimistic about the peace process?

A: My experience in peace talks and dealing with the LTTE have taught me not to trust them. They are not genuinely interested in talks. Neither they are interested in the peace process. They will use this opportunity to achieve their own ends.

As they have made it clear, they will use this opportunity to convince the international community that the Government is waging a war and they are the victims, whereas they are the ones who have pushed the Government to be on defensive against their ruthlessness.

Q: But the Government has expressed the hope that the process will be a success?

A: If so, let us also hope the same way, but let me remind you of the LTTE's past behaviour and their strong faith in a military victory.

We in the EPDP want a honourable solution. A solution that is acceptable to all Tamil speaking people as well as the Sinhalese and other communities living in the South.

Q: Do you advocate a marginalisation of the LTTE, in the Government's attempt to find a political solution?

A: If we follow the three step process we have recommended, the LTTE will have to involve itself in the final stage, willingly or not.

Q: How?

A: Because if they do not they will be rejected by the Tamil speaking people.

Q: Do you have any idea of a political solution?

A: I think the approach should be a step by step one. I feel the final settlement should be reached in three stages rather than trying to get everything in one go. As the initial stage we can strengthen the existing Provincial Council system, ensure its proper implementation, in the next stage we can introduce more power to the Provincial Councils, as agreed by the Government and the other political parties.

By the third stage we can implement the final settlement agreed by all. This way we can convince the Tamil speaking people that we can and in the meantime we can show the South that devolving power to the North-East does not mean a separate state.

We are planning to forward this proposals to the All Party Representative Committee soon.

Q: Northern residents complain of severe hardships and the LTTE complains that the closure of the A-9 road is the cause. What do you have to say about that?

A: If the closure of the A-9 is the main cause of suffering of the people there let me ask who forced the Government to close the road, with their constant attacks on troops in Muhamalai and other checkpoints?

Who pushed the Government to launch defensive operations? It was the LTTE, I will tell the LTTE that they are responsible for the suffering of the people in Jaffna.

On the other hand they have created an artificial food and other essential items shortage in Jaffna, by terrorising unarmed traders. They are doing it all to disgrace the Government. All this shows the LTTE is not interested in the well-being of the people, but is in a game to score points for them.

Q: As an MP representing Jaffna District what have you done to address the grievances of the public there?

A: Our Government has taken many steps, we have sent food to Jaffna through alternative means, and I suggested to President Mahinda Rajapaksa that we should explore possibilities of getting food and other essential items from Tamil Nadu. I believe that we will be able to send the first cargo of food from Tamil Nadu during the next week or so.

Q: What do you think about the agreement between the two main political parties, the UNP and the SLFP, to work together on a national agenda?

A: We welcome the agreement. It is essential to have a Southern consensus, if we are to solve this conflict. We hope this agreement will bring about the much needed consensus.

R.S.