The Conference Co-Chairs met of in the Tokyo Brussels Donor Conference met in Brussels on 19 December 2005 to review the situation in Sri Lanka.
They noted that the island is facing a crucial choice between increased violence and reinvigorating the peace process. The recent LTTE appeal for “a reasonable political framework” was noted by them. However, they condemned the LTTE’s enforced boycott of the presidential election and the recent escalation in violence in parts of the north and east.
They asked the LTTE to put an immediate end to their ongoing campaign of violence and urged them to demonstrate their commitment to the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) and peace process, and warned that failure to do so would result in serious consequences.
It was also recognizedthat paramilitary groups area contributing factor to the deteriorating situation. The CoChairs urged the government to ensure that these groups cease their paramilitary activities as a demonstration of their commitment to peace.
The Co-Chairs welcomed the agreement agreement of the government and LTTE to hold immediate talks to review the implementation of the CFA, and also welcomed Japan’s offer to host these. They also commended the President’s aim to develop a credible political platform in the south to take the peace process forward. Commendations were also made to the Muslim community for their restraint in the face of recent provocations.
agreement of the government and LTTE to hold immediate talks to review the implementation of the CFA, and also welcomed Japan’s offer to host these.
They also commended the President’s aim to develop a credible political platform in the south to take the peace process forward. Commendations were also made to the Muslim community for their restraint in the face of recent provocations.
The Co-Chairs welcomed the government’s confirmation of its confidence to the Norwegian facilitation, as well as that of the LT TE. Norway’s efforts since the CFA were also acknowledged. The Co-Chairs equally expressed their fullest support of the work done by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), and they expressed the importance of ensuring a conducive environment for continued SLMM operations and the security of the SLMM staff.
Finally, as a further sign of commitment to the peaceful resolution of the civil conflict, the Co-Chairs expressed their readiness to hold their next meeting in
Sri Lanka, close to the fourth anniversary of the CFA.
