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31-05-2006

Global pressure mounts on LTTEs

V.S. Sambandan

Warned of `deeper isolation' if it did not `renounce terrorism'

Colombo, LTTE urged to `reverse deteriorating situation'
13 Sinhalese civilians killed, Army blames LTTE

COLOMBO: International pressure mounted on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on Tuesday with a twin indictment on the rebels and a stern warning of "deeper isolation" if it did not "renounce terrorism and violence."

According to media reports, the European Union on Monday decided to list the LTTE as a terrorist group. The Sri Lankan Government saw the E.U. move as "the latest in a series of deterrent measures by the international community."

In addition, the quartet of international donors backing the Sri Lankan peace process - the U.S., E.U., Japan and Norway - on Tuesday warned the LTTE that it would face "deeper isolation" if it failed to change itself. The co-chairs also wanted the Government to "protect the rights and security of Tamils" and make the required political changes "to bring about a new system of governance."

"The LTTE must re-enter the negotiating process. It must renounce terrorism and violence. It must show that it is willing to make the political compromises needed for a political solution within a united Sri Lanka. This solution should include democratic rights of all peoples of Sri Lanka. The international community will respond favourably to such actions; failure to do so will lead to further isolation of the LTTE," the co-chairs said in a statement after a meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday.

They also wanted the Government and the LTTE to "take immediate steps to reverse the deteriorating situation and put the country back on the road to peace."

Colombo "must show that it will address the legitimate grievances of the Tamils" and must immediately prevent violence and acts of terrorism in its territory.

Describing their Tokyo meeting as one that was held "at a time when Sri Lanka is on the brink of war," the co-chairs said, "While the situation gives cause for grave concern, the ingredients for a peaceful settlement remain present."

The co-chairs wanted the Sri Lankan Government to "protect the rights and security of Tamils throughout the country and ensure that violators are prosecuted." They wanted Colombo to "show that it is ready to make dramatic political changes to bring about a new system of governance which will enhance the rights of all Sri Lankans, including Muslims."

In its reaction to the E.U. decision, Colombo hoped that thedecision was a "clear and firm message" that would "provide a fresh impetus and encouragement to the LTTE to think afresh and resume talks with the assistance of Norwegian facilitators."

The Government held the "fervent hope" that the LTTE "will take cognisance of the clearly expressed view of the international community, desist from further acts of violence and engage constructively in the peace process. Colombo said it would "reciprocate" such a constructive spirit "in full measure."

Source-Hindu