Although the Co-chair countries issued statements periodically pressurizing the government and the LTTE to start negotiations, they have failed in their endeavour. During the last three years and 6 months, the Co-chair countries have met in different countries, held deliberations and issued statements.

At the end of such meeting it has been customary for them to issue joint statements. Even last week, they held such a meeting and issued a statement at the conclusion of their discussions.

The joint statement has condemned both the government and the LTTE for the ensuing violence in the country. They have expressed shock at the number of deaths in the country. They have assured their co-operations for the functions of SLMM. They have appealed to the government and the LTTE to continue negotiations without any conditions.

It is significant to note that there is a reference to the A9 highway in the joint statement. They have appealed to both parties not to make the A9 highway a political issue. They have stressed it as a humanitarian issue. They have welcomed the one –off aid convoy to remove human suffering.

The day after the joint statement was issued, there had been major clashes in the east, although the CFA agreement is still in force.

It is the duty of the international community to take meaningful steps to ensure peace and to put an end to violence.

An English translation of the editorial in Thinakkural,a Tamil daily, based in Colombo

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