Facilitators tell President, “Peace process in good shape”

[November 14, 2003 - 7.00 GMT]

The Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen, Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar and Tomas Stangeland of the Norwegian Embassy called on President Chandrika Kumaratunga last evening at President’s House.

During the 1-½ hour meeting the facilitators briefed the President on their meeting earlier in the day with the LTTE leader Prabhakaran in Killinochchi, Northern Sri Lanka, and thanked her for the opportunity to report back on the LTTE concerns.

According to the Norwegians the LTTE fears for the safety of it’s cadres with the recent change to the Defence portfolio and for the continuation of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) signed in February 2002. 

Further the rebels would like their political cadres to continue operating in the government controlled areas. The LTTE also voiced concern over an alleged statement by the Navy Commander saying SLMM representatives would no longer be allowed on Navy ships.

The President said no such order had been given to the Navy and reassured the facilitators there would be no changes that would have an adverse impact on the peace process or the CFA.

Responding to the LTTE’s confusion regarding contradictory statements from certain Peoples’ Alliance politicians, President Kumaratunga explained that free expression prevailed in a democratic set up but however stressed that the PA as a group had never derided the peace process.

The President also refuted allegations that she had termed the MoU between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE as ‘illegal’ in her address to the Nation on the 7^th of November and said she had been quoted out of context. She emphasized that she had merely explained that Defence as per the Constitution should come under the purview of the President.

“My main obligation is to a lasting peace. I did point out flaws in the Ceasefire Agreement at the very outset but let it continue. Some of my concerns have now been vindicated,” the President told the Norwegians.

She further stated that the Armed forces at all levels had been told to maintain the status quo.

President Kumaratunga said Prime Minister Wickremesinghe having taken the peace process forward over the past two years, he should continue to give leadership and any problems that arise could be discussed with her.

The President reiterated that she would not hesitate to sign any solution acceptable to all communities in the island when it is reached.

The Norwegian facilitators in conclusion said they are now confident “the peace process is in good shape”. However they stressed the need for the situation in the South to be resolved saying that stability was important for the smooth continuation of the process.

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Last Updated Date: November 14, 2003  -7.00 GMT.