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Peace process and the international community

The renewal of the peace process with Norwegian facilitation is the most welcome development since the advent of the new government. It was, of course, a direct consequence of the massive vote peace.

Several factors distinguish the present peace making effort from the previous ones. Firstly, it is conducted in the context of the global war against terrorism following September 11 attacks on the WTC in New York.

Secondly, the prospects of a bi-partisan approach in pursuing peace are brighter, for the first time, with the President and the Prime Minister compelled to engage in cohabitational politics.

Thirdly, The LTTE is under pressure from the international community to seek a negotiated settlement as its sources of funding abroad are contracting.

Fourthly, gaining by previous experience, the new government has adopted a more cautious and professional approach in its initiatives. Significant headway has been already made in the peace process. A series of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) has been undertaken by both sides.

The Government is in the process of implementing a series of humanitarian measures. They include the lifting of the ban on certain goods to the uncleared areas in the Vanni and the North. Most of the roadblocks and barriers too have been removed and movement of persons between the uncleared areas and the rest of the country has been made easier.

The LTTE, on the other hand, has released several prisoners that were held in captivity them.

Both sides have effected unilateral cessation of hostilities. They are now working towards a formal joint ceasefire through the facilitation of Norway.

Much more needs to be done in the sphere of CBMs.

Pursuing peace in the context of a twenty-year-old war is not easy. It is an arduous and up-hill journey.

Hence, utmost care should be taken to preserve and consolidate the gains so far achieved. Nothing should be done to endanger the results so far achieved.

In this respect, certain news reports coming from the North and East are apprehensive. The UTHR (J) in a news bulletin dated February 1 has accused the LTTE of recruiting children for military training and of political killings in a bid to eliminate dissent.

The international community, particularly India, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Community should use their influence on the LTTE to make it desist from such practices.

The international community could persuade both sides to pursue the peace process to its culmination. It should also underwrite any agreement reached.

The immediate task for them is to guarantee the observance of a mutually agreed formal joint ceasefire. Their participation in a ceasefire monitoring body would enhance the chances of minimizing any breaches of the ceasefire. 

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