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A welcome first step

The Prime Minister addressing the members of the security forces soon after handing over a copy of the signed Ceasefire Agreement to the Norwegian Ambassador in Vavuniya said, " the silencing of guns is not peace. It is only a first step." 

There is a saying that well begun is half done. The Agreement that came into effect at midnight last Friday is much more. It has placed the country on a road that could lead to peace. 

This Agreement is to stop the war, to restore normalcy in the war torn areas as well. Besides it removes the climate of fear in the rest of the country too for it envisages an end to abductions, extortions, bomb blasts and suicide missions. 

Further, ending armed hostilities is not the sole objective of the Agreement. As specifically stated in the preamble its overall objective is to find a negotiated solution to the ongoing ethnic conflict in the country. 

By signing the Agreement both sides to the conflict, viz., the Government and the LTTE have committed themselves to seek a negotiated solution. The success of the Agreement would pave the way for a transformation of the conflict itself into a non-violent form.

It is hoped that all persons of goodwill will support the Agreement. The Opposition, particularly the PA has no grounds to oppose it as it is only a culmination of a process begun by it. As the Prime Minister explained at yesterday's Press Conference, the Norwegian Government has been working on this Agreement since the Year 2000 in consultation with both sides. While it is basically the same as worked out in 2001, only amendments and improvements have been made in the light of new developments and experience. 

The President has publicly expressed her concern and surprise over the manner in which the Agreement was signed. But, it would have been better if she confined herself to express these concerns to the Prime Minister and her Cabinet. 

The JVP and small groups with racist overtones have already started a campaign against the Agreement. However, most of their arguments do not hold water. They are expressing fears and misleading the public about a sell out of the national interests. Nothing is further from the truth. How could anyone argue that silencing of guns is against national interest? Or, could they say that seeking a negotiated settlement is treason? Absurd as it is, it is these illogical claims they make. 

Rather than opposing the ceasefire, the JVP should now put forward their proposal, on how best the Tamils could enjoy their right of self-determination. In fact, such a stand would actually help to carry the peace process forward. 

We also call on the political parties to concentrate more on local issues at the forthcoming local government polls without arousing communal passions. Issues of national importance such as the ethnic problem and the peace process should be best tackled through serious and dispassionate dialogue and consensus.

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