ISGA proposals indicate a constructive approach - NPC

[TamilNet, Sunday, 02 November 2003, 08:28 GMT]
Noting "a great deal of effort has gone into formulating the proposals with the assistance of both local and international expertise and is indicative of a serious approach to dialogue and to the peace process", the National Peace Council (NPC), a Colombo based Sri Lankan peace group, in a media release issued in Colombo today said that "the LTTE has given concrete form to its expectations in a manner that is essentially compatible with peaceful coexistence in a united Sri Lanka".

The full text of NPC's media release follows:

The National Peace Council welcomes the LTTE's presentation of its proposals for an interim administrative structure is an important step forward in the peace process. We acknowledge that a great deal of effort has gone into formulating the proposals with the assistance of both local and international expertise and is indicative of a serious approach to dialogue and to the peace process. With its proposals for an Interim Self Governing Authority, the LTTE has given concrete form to its expectations in a manner that is essentially compatible with peaceful coexistence in a united Sri Lanka.

The LTTE proposals lay emphasis on the importance of incorporating standards of human rights, accountability and multi-ethnic representation in its proposed Interim Self Governing Authority. Translating these proposals into workable mechanisms for the north east is a challenge to the LTTE, and the rest of the Sri Lankan polity. There is also a challenge to find ways to link the new institutions proposed by the LTTE with existing and reformed national institutions in a manner compatible with a united framework of governance.

The LTTE's position that its proposals are open to dialogue and discussion at the negotiating table is an extremely constructive one. In any situation of conflict what might seem reasonable and just to one party to the conflict might seem threatening and unfair to other parties. The government has already pointed out that there are certain fundamental differences between the LTTE's proposals and its own. We welcome the government's statement that the LTTE's proposals constitute a basis for discussions and look forward to the resumption of government-LTTE peace talks in the near future.