|
|
|
 |
 |
|||
|
India, the United States, Canada and European Union have all commended the government and the LTTE for signing the Post Tsunami Operations Management Structure [P- TOMS]. The MoU to this effect was signed on Friday, June 24, 2005 amidst raucous opposition of some ultra nationalist elements in the Southern regions of the island. P-TOMS or the Tsunami Relief Council is expected to accelerate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of six affected coastal districts of Ampara, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Trincomalee.This arrangement also affords for the first time an opportunity for the Government and the LTTE to work together towards a common cause. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in its response “India steadfastly supports the efforts being made by the government and people of Sri Lanka to consolidate the processes of peace and development in their country. India’s support for a comprehensive negotiated settlement acceptable to all communities, and reflecting the pluralistic nature of Sri Lankan society, within the framework of a united and democratic Sri Lanka, remains undiluted. India is firmly opposed to violence and conflict as a means to resolve this issue.” The editorial of India’s Hindu said, the signing of the joint mechanism leaves the LTTE with no excuse to stay away from the peace process any longer. The Newspaper said ‘President Kumaratunga has demonstrated that she will go a long way to safeguard the peace, even if the practicalities entail losing the support of crucial political forces in southern Sri Lanka’. The US Embassy in Colombo said “The United Sates welcomes the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE’s decision to sign an agreement to create a joint mechanism on tsunami reconstruction. If implemented properly, this mechanism will help to ensure efficient and equitable reconstruction assistance to those whose lives were devastated by the South Asia tsunami in the North and East of Sri Lanka. We hope the experience the two sides will gain by working together will help to build confidence and lead to progress in the broader peace process. It is even more important now that the two parties take all possible steps to see that the ceasefire is observed and strengthened.” The government of Canada commended President Kumaratunga for her ‘bold step in going ahead with the agreement and for including equitable Muslim representation in the management structure’. The Canadian government also expressed the hope that P-TOMS ‘would foster an environment conducive to reinvigorating the stalled peace process.’ The European Union
applauded the government and the LTTE for ‘very positive and
constructive step’ that was taken by signing the joint mechanism deal.
The EU also believes that the P-TOMS would help ‘build confidence
between parties to the Sri Lankan peace process’.
|
|
Contact Information: Send mail to 