Address the JVP problem - Tokyo co-chairs urge President

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 15 December 2004, 08:42 GMT]
Three of the four co-chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference, Japan, EU and US, in a joint press release issued Wednesday expressed deep concern about the ongoing JVP-led actions against the peace process in Sri Lanka and the Government of Norway's efforts as facilitator. The representatives expressed "bewilderment" that a "member party of the UPFA" could engage in such a campaign in "absolute contradiction of the clearly stated position of the President and the Government that they endorse and support the Norwegian role". The representatives urged the President to address the problem.

Full text of the Press Release follows:

Joint Press Release issued by the Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference 15th December 2004

Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference express concern over JVP actions

The representatives of three of the four co-chairs of the Tokyo Donors Conference (Japan, EU and US) called on Her Excellency President Kumaratunga on December 14. The co-chair representatives reaffirmed their support for the President's efforts to resume peace talks.

They expressed deep concern about the ongoing JVP-led actions against the peace process in Sri Lanka and the Government of Norway's efforts as facilitator of that process.

The representatives expressed bewilderment that a member party of the UPFA could engage in such a campaign in absolute contradiction of the clearly stated position of the President and the Government that they endorse and support the Norwegian role.

The representatives urged the President to address the problem.

The representatives reiterated to President Kumaratunga their full support for the peace process in Sri Lanka and Norway's efforts as a facilitator. (END)

The three representatives of the Co-Chairs were:
H.E. Mr. Akio Suda, Ambassador of Japan
H.E. Mrs. Susan Blankhart, Ambassador of Netherlands representing EU
H.E. Mr. Jeffrey Lunstead, Ambassador of USA