CP lauds Geneva achievements

COLOMBO: The Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL) has expressed its satisfaction and appreciation over what has been achieved at the Geneva talks.

Anything spectacular or miraculous could not have been secured within the confines of the existing realities, the Party said in a release yesterday.

Excerpts from the release: "The peace talks collapsed in April 2003. Ever since then, though the ceasefire was in operation it remained fragile.

The violations continued under all three administrations. This only demonstrated the extent of distrust, fear and suspicion between the two parties.

This situation only helped extremists on both sides to nurture themselves. It is therefore necessary for the civil society to take all steps to sustain this ceasefire salvaged at the Geneva talks and contribute positively towards confidence-building not only between the LTTE and the Government but also between the people of the three communities.

The peace loving people of our country are watching anxiously how the media is going to play its ever important role at this decisive stage. It is our fervent hope that they will sincerely adhere to the concept of freedom and responsibility.

The Government on its part should strive to sustain what has been achieved at the Geneva talks and strengthen the degree of consensus it has so far achieved in the South. It is understandable that certain political parties express reservations, on the basis of their understanding, on the deficiencies or inadequacies of the Geneva talks.

Nevertheless, all efforts should be made to enhance the mutual understanding on this issue among all political parties in the South taking into account the complexities and implications of the larger issues in the peace process for which their cooperation is necessary.

The Government should seize this opportunity offered by the Geneva talks to accelerate a speedy economic and social development of the North and East.

These tasks need no international intervention or assistance or blessings. Bearing in mind that the stark fact of history and reality that the peoples of these regions have immeasurably suffered for over two decades regardless of who was responsible for their continued sufferings.

The responsibility rests on the Government to redress their grievances. The CPSL expresses its profound appreciation of President Mahinda Rajapakse's dynamic leadership with a deep sense of self-confidence, patience and tolerance - all requisites of Statesmanship and good governance."