Sri Lanka government has decided that the LTTE cannot be recognized as equal partners in the peace process. This decision made by the Rajapakse government at a crucial juncture when the peace talks are in a fluid state, will lead the country to a war situation.

Norway recently sent a letter embodying five questions to President Rajapakse and the LTTE leader Pirabaharan demanding an early response from both leaders in view of the recent developments in the peace process. From the point of view of Norway, the two replies are of great significance. Whether Norway will continue its role as a facilitator or not depends on the nature of the response it gets from the two leaders.

But, the President who accuses Norway of giving an indication of equal recognition to the LTTE and the government in the contents of the communique, proposes to dispatch a reply couched in strong language expressing his dissent. It is also learnt that President will not put down his signature in any reply to Norway’s letter.

The continuing violence in the North-East and the attacks on the LTTE could lead the country towards war. The present stand of the government can only worsen the deplorable state of the peace efforts.

In February, 2002, the then government signed the Ceasefire Agreement with the LTTE which recognized both as equal partners in the peace process. The Agreement was signed by Premier Ranil Wickremasinghe on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and by Leader Pirabaharan on behalf of the LTTE.

This status quo of equal recognition, of equal partnership in the great move for peace and their equal accountability for the implementation has been jealously observed since the inception of the CFA, whether it be in the six rounds of talks or in the agreement signed for Tsunami relief.

The reality is that seventy percent of the areas in the North-East is under the control of the LTTE which has a navy, air-force and an army for its defence; a civilian police force of its own to maintain law and order; a judiciary of their own to administer justice; a body for law making; and a body to plan the economy of their people-all being unique characteristics for a proper infrastructure in any government. In addition, it has its own television network.

Therefore, in the background of such a reality, the decision of the government to deny equal recognition and status to the LTTE jeopardizes the peace process and peace efforts.

An English translation of the Editorial in Sudar Oli, a Tamil National Daily, based in Colombo

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed