Co-Chairs tell LTTE to end child recruitment immediately
[September 21, 2005 - 10.30 GMT]  

The Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference in a statement called on the LTTE to take immediate public steps to demonstrate its commitment to the peace process and called for an immediate end to the practice of child recruitment.

The Co-Chairs - the US, the European Union, Norway and Japan- met in New York on the 19^th of September, after the UN Summit, to discuss the situation in Sri Lanka following the assassination of Foreign Minister Kadirgamar.

Full statement of the Sri Lanka Co-Chairs

The Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference in support of the peace process in Sri Lanka met in New York on September I9 to discuss the situation in Sri Lanka, following the assassination of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Kadirgamar.

The Co-Chairs reiterate their unequivocal condemnation of the assassination of the Foreign Minister. This unconscionable act of terrorism casts profound doubt on the commitment of those responsible to a peaceful and political resolution of the conflict.

The Co-Chairs call on the LTTE to take immediate public steps to demonstrate their commitment to the pence process and their willingness to change. And call for an immediate end to political assassinations by the LTTE and an end to LTTE recruitment of child soldiers are two such steps.

The Co-Chairs believe that the peace process between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is facing its most serious challenge since the CFA came into force in February 2002. The Ceasefire Agreement remains the essential anchor of the peace process and is put at grave risk by the, continuing violence.  Effective implementation of the agreement is the responsibility of the Government or Sri Lanka and the LTTE.

The Co-Chairs commend the Government of Sri Lanka for its restraint following the assassination of Foreign Minister Kadirgamar and for its willingness to discuss the Ceasefire Agreement with the LTTE. The Co-Chairs are disappointed that the LTTE have not agreed to the proposed venue for talks with the Government of Sri Lanka about implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement. The Co-Chairs urge both parties to engage constructively with Norwegian special representative of Norway Major General Furuhovde, during his
planned visit in October to find practical ways of improving implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement.

The Co-Chairs deplore the activities of paramilitary groups, which fuel the cycle of violence and unrest. The Co-Chairs underscore the responsibility of the Sri Lankan Government under the Ceasefire Agreement to disarm or relocate these groups from the north and east.

The future of Sri Lanka lies in the hands of the people of Sri Lanka. The forthcoming elections arc a time of political choice in Sri Lanka. It is natural that there will be vigorous debate on the best way forward in the peace process. The Co-Chairs look to all parties to refrain from violence and from statements and acts that could undermine progress toward the Peaceful resolution or the conflict after the elections.

The Co-Chairs hope that the peace process will be reinvigorated following the elections The Co-Chairs reiterate that a peaceful resolution of the conflict can only he achieved through a negotiated political settlement that follows the principles agreed in Oslo in December 2002 to explore a solution based on a federal model within a united Sri Lanka, and which ensures democracy and full respect for human rights and the legitimate rights of all ethnic groups.

Nearly a year has passed since the tsunami, and the Co-Chairs reiterate that the international community remains fully committed to implementing the pledges made for tsunami reconstruction. Cooperation between the Sri Lankan government, the LTTE and the Muslim community will be important for sustainable recovery in the north and east.

Finally, the Co-Chairs wish to thank outgoing Norwegian Foreign Minister Petersen and Deputy Minister Helgesen for their tireless efforts at facilitating the peace process in Sri Lanka. We reaffirm our strong support to Norway as facilitator.








 

 PRINT THIS STORY

Contact Information: Send mail to gosl@presidentsl.org with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: September 21, 2005 - 10.30 GMT