Mr Hain’s statement came during a visit to Sri Lanka, after Norway’s special negotiator Erik Solheim announced following a meeting with the Tigers in October that the LTTE was serious about peace discussions. In consultation with the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE, Mr Solheim is said to have prepared a schedule which aims to reduce tension and build confidence.
The British minister declared that a separate state in north-east Sri Lanka will not receive recognition by Europe, USA or India, but assured that the principle of self-determination and Tamil control of most if not all the key policies affecting daily life would be supported by the international community.
In his annual Great Heroes Day statement on 27 November, Tiger leader V Prabhakaran asserted that the LTTE was seeking a negotiated settlement that would be fair, just and equitable satisfying the political aspirations of the Tamil people. He emphasized that his call for cessation of hostilities and lifting of the north-east economic blockade, which would create conditions of normalcy conducive for peace negotiations, should not be construed as pre-conditions.
The Tiger leader cast doubts on government’s commitment to peace, pointing out several measures in the past six years and the mobilisation of the country for war in March 2000: “....the colossal sums allocated for military spending, the procurement of massive-scale military hardware, the continuous recruitment for the armed forces and the witch-hunting of army deserters”.
Mr Prabhakaran said that the war is a liberation struggle of the oppressed Tamil people conducted within the norms of international humanitarian law pertaining to armed conflicts. The refusal to face this reality is the stumbling block to finding a political solution through peaceful means, he claimed.
Observers say that the conciliatory tone of the LTTE may be because of increasing concern over the adoption of the 1999 UN Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the British Terrorism Act 2000. Mr Hain revealed that the British government was seriously considering a Sri Lankan request for the ban of the LTTE in the United Kingdom.
Some Colombo-based diplomats believe that Mr Prabhakaran’s call for unconditional peace talks provides an unprecedented opportunity. US Assistant Secretary of State Karl Inderfurth, who was in Sri Lanka on 28 November to complete the extradition treaty between Washington and Colombo, announced that his government supports the territorial integrity and unity of the island favouring a solution that protects the dignity and security of all Sri Lankans.
There was no response from President Chandrika Kumaratunge, but government-controlled newspaper Daily News described the Tiger statement as a ‘breakthrough’. Another Colombo journal The Island warned that the stance for peace talks can be nothing more than part of LTTE’s battlefield strategy. In early December, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake said he would not stand in the way of peace involving Norway, but ruled out a ceasefire declaring that there will be no let-up in the military campaign against the Tigers.
In his statement, the LTTE leader criticized the aid donor countries for providing massive financial assistance enabling the Sri Lankan government to continue the war and suggested that ‘if Sri Lanka is to be directed towards the path of peace, the reins are in the hands of international governments’. The Sri Lanka Paris Aid Consortium, comprising governments and international agencies, is scheduled to meet under the auspices of the World Bank on 18 and 19 December to decide on foreign assistance for the island in the year 2001. Sources say that the Sri Lankan government is concerned that aid may depend on the progress of the peace initiative.
President Chandrika began a European tour on 25 November. It is likely she will assure European leaders that her government is committed to peace. Observers believe that she will also reiterate Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar’s request to Britain’s Home Secretary Jack Straw earlier in the month for a ban on the LTTE and its front organisations.
Although some parties such as Sihala Urumaya vehemently oppose any peace initiative, the November developments have generated enthusiasm and optimism within and outside Sri Lanka. But observers warn of pitfalls. They urge the international community to be vigilant and leave no stone unturned in the effort to bring peace to Sri Lanka.
What is the position of regional superpower India on the strong involvement of Western nations and the current position of the LTTE on peace talks? The question may be answered in the days to come! Indian Home minister LK Advani told Parliament’s Rajya Sabha (Upper House) on 30 November that his government is determined to secure the extradition of Mr Prabhakaran who is the prime suspect in the murder of Rajiv Gandhi.