Positive moves for peace by President Rajapaksa - Japanese Envoy
[Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 8.30 GMT]    

The efforts by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to formulate a devolution package for power sharing; the appointment of the Commission of Inquiry to investigate human  rights violations, and the appointment of the
International Independent Group of Eminent Persons ( IIGEP) to observe the working of this Commission, are seen as significant positive movements in the search for peace in Sri Lanka by Mr. Kiyoshi Araki, the Ambassador for Japan in Sri Lanka. 

Mr. Araki said this at the opening of the symposium "Five Years of Ceasefire Agreement - What Next?" yesterday (February 21). The symposium held at the
BMICH was organized by the National peace Council.

"Without exaggeration, the nation's future is at stake. Japan truly believes that the wisdom of the people of Sri Lanka will find a way to achieve the final solution through sincere and peaceful dialogue among stakeholders, not by violence or terrorism," Mr. Araki said.

Commenting on developments since the Cease Agreement was signed, Mr. Araki emphasized that one must not be seized with despair over the negative side
of current developments, but one must make efforts to find every positive movement towards the progress of the peace process, no matter how small it is, and encourage such movements to continue further.  

The Ambassador for Japan said: "One of such positive movements could be the Government's efforts to formulate a devolution package. His Excellency Mr.
Mahinda Rajapaksa, since his appointment as President, has clearly stated that a final solution to the ethnic problem must be sought through peaceful dialogue, and in fact he has taken initiatives in holding the All-Party
Conference (APC), where representatives of all political parties are participating in active discussion to formulate a devolution package towards the political solution to the conflict. The presentation of this package to the people of this country would be the best and perhaps the only way to reinvigorate the peace process at this moment, by initiating dialogue on the political solution to the conflict among the Government, the LTTE and other stakeholders in all communities. Mr. Akari said another positive move by the Government is its efforts in coping with human rights and humanitarian challenges in the country. "It is
a commendable move that the Commission of Inquiry has been established under the initiative of the President to investigate cases of human rights violations, as well as the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) to observe the activities of the Commission. The work to be done by these people should be fully supported. We also understand that the Government has taken the fullest measures possible to provide relief assistance to the IDPs and other people affected by the conflict since last August. Japan would like to further encourage these efforts, and will continue support and provide assistance towards the Government to bring about meaningful results." 

He added that now, more than ever, the international community including Japan, was closely watching how Sri Lanka will move the process forward and build a nation where peaceful co-existence of all the communities including Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim is ensured. Japan strongly hopes that consensus on
the devolution package will be made at the All-Party Conference as soon as possible, and subsequently the peace talks will be resumed on the basis of this package. Without exaggeration, the nation's future is at stake. Japan truly believes that the wisdom of the people of Sri Lanka will find a way to achieve the final solution through sincere and peaceful dialogue among
stakeholders, not by violence or terrorism. As one of Co-chairs, Japan will continue to play an active role in the future peace process in every possible way.

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Last Updated Date: February 22, 2007 -8.30 GMT