Things to think about from Akashi

One time trouble-shooter in Sri Lanka's conflict, Yasushi Akashi, has given the world some food for thought on issues, which to him, constitute very familiar ground. The points made by him which we front-paged yesterday, should receive the attention of particularly those sections which have chosen to sit in judgment on Sri Lanka over questions arising from the controversial Darusman Report and the infamous Channel 4 video.

Two points, in particular, made by Akashi, need to be the subject of impartial deliberation. One is that Sri Lanka's internal inquiry into the issues thrown-up during the last stages of the conflict should be allowed to proceed without let or hindrance. The other is that, rather than throw barbs and brickbats at this country on unfounded allegations, the world would do well to help in the reconstruction and rehabilitation effort in Sri Lanka.

To take the first point, the world should take note of the fact that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation (LLRC) process constitutes Sri Lanka's efforts to bring healing and accord to its people. It should be given a chance to complete this undertaking and on the basis of whether this would be done completely or not Sri Lanka should be judged. However, it should be clear that the LLRC is yet to complete its task and the world would do well to allow this to happen, in the name of justice and fair play.

The LLRC has proceeded some distance in discharging the responsibilities assigned to it and it could be seen that it does have the potential to bring healing and reconciliation to this country. Of course, much remains to be done, and it must go about accomplishing this without delay but the charge could not be laid at the LLRC's doorstep that it has been dormant. As we could see, the LLRC has a great task on its hands in the form of obtaining the release of those detainees who do not have any serious allegations against them. Such persons must be released in increasing numbers and given an opportunity to reintegrate into mainstream society. Besides, the anxiety and curiosity of those whose loved ones have apparently gone missing must be satisfied and their anxiety and worry defused.

We are aware that much has been achieved by the LLRC in the above areas of concern but much remains to be done too on the same fronts. More and more concrete progress on these issues would constitute some of the best answers to this country's critics. However, there is no denying that these are highly complex areas of concern on which progress would only be gradual, and as Akashi said, this internal reconciliation process should be given time to bear fruit.

By not giving this domestic reconciliation process time to take effect, Sri Lanka's critics are opening themselves to the charge of treating the sovereign state of Sri Lanka as being on par with non-state, anarchic and terroristic organizations such as the LTTE. Thus are the norms and principles of International Law blatantly violated by the very same entities which are charged with perpetuating them.

There is also the consideration that the world should assist Sri Lanka in the great undertaking of national reconstruction and rejuvenation, rather than seek to victimize it for doing what a sovereign state is obliged to do; that is, restore law and order within a state by eliminating those forces which are bent on destroying it through the force of arms and terror. One could recollect the efforts of the big powers of the West to swiftly rebuild and rejuvenate Asiatic powers which were their allies during the Second World War, after the war came to an end. The Western powers also launched the historic Marshall Plan after the last World War, to put Western Europe on the path of prosperity and progress. All this and more was done on the premise that these countries were the allies of the big powers concerned.

Sri Lanka today, is in the same situation as these allies. She needs to be helped in the task of national rejuvenation rather than being wronged for doing what is right. By not going to Sri Lanka's assistance the big powers are not only resorting to double standards but are openly violating the norms and principles of the UN system. For, not only is a sovereign state being subjected to victimization of the most spiteful kind, but her entitlements in terms of the UN Charter are being brazenly overlooked. Clearly, a country which is endeavouring to emerge from the ravages of a conflict should be selflessly helped by the rest of the international community. If this is not happening in Sri Lanka's case, it is clear that she is being singled out for discriminatory treatment.

We call on the big powers of the international political system to help maintain International Law by helping to dispense justice and fair play. Let them not help sow more and more international anarchy but treating an up and coming developing country in a blatantly discriminatory fashion.