LTTE disregards people's needs - SCOPP

COLOMBO: The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) met in Geneva 28-29 October 2006, at the Conference Center Varembe CCV. The Norwegian facilitators and the SLMM were also present. Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini, Deputy Head of the Political Affairs Directorate, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, declared the talks open, states SCOPP report.

The talks commenced in a cordial and business like atmosphere and proceeded until lunch on the second day.

Both the GOSL and the LTTE stated that it was preferable to progress into discussions on solving issues rather than spending time laying blame on each other for past deeds.

The GOSL delegation consisted of Nimal Siripala de Silva (head of delegation), Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Rohitha Bogollagama, Ms Ferial Ashroff. Dr. Palitha Kohona, H.L. de Silva PC, Gomin Dayasiri PC and Chandra Fernando.

The GOSL delegation reiterated that it was, consistent with the Mahinda Chintanaya, committed to seeking a just and honourable peace; a peace based on the principles of democracy and human rights; and a peace achieved through negotiation and dialogue and not violence.

At the outset the GOSL stated that it was agreeable to focusing on humanitarian issues and the political processes which was launched to achieve a sustainable solution to the conflict. It also suggested that agreement could be reached during these talks on issues for future discussions.

On the first day of the talks, the following matters were discussed: humanitarian issues, political processes, the de-escalation of violence, democracy and political pluralism.

Both sides addressed these issues in detail for the first time. The serious problems confronting the Muslim community in the East and the North due to the LTTE's ethnic cleansing policies were highlighted by the GOSL delegation.

GOSL delegation explains

In its presentation, the GOSL delegation explained the government's development programme for the North and the East and the initiatives undertaken to address the concerns of the minorities in particular the Tamil minority.

Details of the steps taken to ensure that adequate supplies were sent to the Jaffna peninsula were explained carefully.

The government took the view that the needs of the Jaffna peninsula could be met more efficiently and cost effectively by using the sea route. Significantly the LTTE made no attempt to contradict these details, however in the face of the government presentation, merely shifted its initial contention that the supply of food and medical supplies to Jaffna was a major humanitarian concern to a new position claiming that family reunions and freedom of movement for people in the peninsula was the paramount concern.

And accordingly claimed that the re-opening of the A-9 was critical. It is also significant to note that no complaints were raised in relation to any shortages of supplies in LTTE dominated areas such as Mullativu and Killinochi.

The government explained that the A-9 was open at the Omanthi check point, enabling supplies to move freely into Killinochi and Mullativu. The GOSL emphasized that it was only the entry/exit point at Muhamalai in the Jaffna peninsula that was temporarily closed following the massive attack by the LTTE on GOSL positions on 11 August 2006.

This attack had completely destroyed the infrastructure that had been constructed by the GOSL to facilitate the movement of people and supplies through this check point.

Since then the government had moved essential supplies by ship and air and also deployed vessels to facilitate civilian movements to and from the Jaffna peninsula.

The government reiterated that Muhamalai could not be opened immediately due to concerns for the safety of civilians using the entry/exit point and in the interests of national security; the necessity for this approach was even more evident in light of LTTE artillery and mortar attacks in this area even as the talks proceeded. (these have continued since then).

Temporary measure

The GOSL emphasized that the closure of the entry/exit point at Muhamalai was temporary measure and that the government had every intention of opening it.

However good faith must be demonstrated by the LTTE by refraining from launching attacks in the areas and undertaking offensive actions.

The GOSL urged the LTTE to cooperate in the short term in order to provide essential supplies to Jaffna by providing security guarantees to the ships. The government was facing difficulties in chartering private vessels for this purpose as the safety of ships could not be ensured due to the threat of LTTE attacks.

Both the ICRC and the UN had responded to requests by the GOSL and confirmed that they would be willing to flag the supply ships if the LTTE gave the necessary security guarantees. The LTTE continued to refuse to give such assurances.

The government clearly stated that it was willing to place the opening of the A9 at Muhamali as a priority item on the agenda at the next round of talks. This it was felt would also allow for time to test the bona fides of the LTTE assurance that it would adhere 100% to the CFA.

It would also give the opportunity to engage in strengthening the confidence building process started at these talks further.

The government intended to re-open Muhamali and make the A9 a modern highway which will link Jaffna to the south of the country and facilitate development and ensure a better life for the people of the area.

It is of paramount importance that the illegal activities resorted to by the LTTE along the highway such as the collection of illegal levies, extortion and the recruitment of children for military training come to an end.

Duplicity of the LTTE

It is unfortunate that the LTTE focused solely on the re-opening of the A9 highway to the exclusion of alternate options to address the humanitarian needs of Jaffna and with total disregard to the urgent needs of the Jaffna people.

The duplicity of the LTTE is evident in this illogical stance and also in light of the fact that they are continuing almost daily attacks on the Muhamali exit/entry point.

It is also regrettable that the LTTE which came to the talks on an unconditional basis decided suddenly after the morning session of the second day of the talks to impose a precondition on future talks by demanding that the GOSL delegation agree to opening the Muhamali entry/exit point immediately.

Nevertheless the GOSL considers the deliberations they had with the LTTE on political issues encouraging.

The LTTE was briefed on the government initiatives in relation to the rapidly evolving Southern consensus and on initiatives on constitutional reforms leading to political settlement to the conflict.

The LTTE responded positively to these developments and in particular welcomed the MOU signed between the SLFP and the UNP. The GOSL delegation was able to confirm that they would be in a position to table at least an interim report of the All Party Representatives Committee (APRC) at the next round of talks.

The government sees the deliberations as a positive start and confirmed it was ready to continue the dialogue unconditionally, with a view to bringing this conflict to an end.