Statement at the press conference in Killinochi
Published by LTTE Peace Secretariat on 08 May, 2003
Mr. Pirapaharan was leading the delegation on behalf of the LTTE and Mr. Yasushi Akashi and other representatives were on the other side and we have had an exchange of very constructive ideas for the last two hours. Main issue that was discussed is LTTE’s concerns with regard to certain non-implementation of pledges and agreements that have been agreed to in the last six sessions of talks. Mr. Akashi was insisting that we should resume negotiations as early as possible and to attend the Tokyo donor conference. We have told him that we will seriously consider this request. But at the same time we have indicated to him that the Sri Lanka Government should take some immediate measures to see the proper implementation of decisions arrived at in the previous phase of negotiations.
Other main issues that were discussed are the proper functioning of the Sub-Committee for Immediate Humanitarian and Reconstruction Needs (SIHRN). We insisted SIHRN should be made more efficient and that it has to be extended and that the North Eastern reconstruction fund had to be reactivated properly. It must be properly and legally constituted so that donor funds can be utilized. There are some legal difficulties with regard to these funds. So we have suggested that the government take actions to ensure that this fund is properly and legally constituted.
Most importantly, we have requested that the Government of Sri Lanka take immediate measures for the resettlement of the displaced people and refugees. These people have been languishing in refugee camps for the last ten years. But the government is giving primacy to the security concerns of the armed forces rather than giving importance to the humanitarian aspects of this problem. So, we have explained to Mr. Akashi that this is a very serious humanitarian problem, which has to be addressed and that unless some concrete actions are taken, we will not be in a position to make a positive decision with regard to resuming talks and to participate in the donor conference.
This is briefly what we discussed with Mr. Akashi today. Mr. Akashi is going back to Colombo and most probably will be meeting the Prime Minister tonight and he will explain concerns articulated by the LTTE and see what sort of action could be taken by next week. So the coming week is crucial. If the Government is prepared to take any positive action, then of course, we will make a favorable decision. Otherwise it is going to be a difficult problem.