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Non-productive peace process, ineffective CFA & foot-dragging for Joint Mechanism are frustrating"

“A peace process that has not made any progress in the political resolution, an ineffective Cease Fir Agreement (CFA) which has not led to implementation of steps envisaged to bring back normalcy and the government dragging its feet over the Joint Mechanism for post tsunami management, are all frustrating to the Tamil people” said Mr.S.P.Tamilselvan in a meeting with Japanese Special Peace Envoy Mr.Yasushi Akashi today 14 May 2005 at the Peace Secretariat in Kilinochchi.

The Special Envoy briefed Mr.Tamilselvan on the outcome of his meetings yesterday with the Opposition Leader Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe, JVP Leader Mr.Somawansa Amarasinghe and Mr.Rauf Hakeem, Leader of the SLMC. Expressing concern over the killing of senior journalist Dharmaratnam Sivaram and many other civilian killings, Mr.Akashi said that these developments would definitely be counter productive and place the peace process and the CFA in grave risk. “The government and the LTTE have equal responsibility in upholding the CFA with commitment and integrity, for it is the key to the entire peace process” said the Special Envoy with a note of caution.

Sounding a note of optimism, Mr.Akashi said he is hopeful that the government would sign the Joint Mechanism in a couple of weeks and that would enable the international donor community to address post tsunami reconstruction efforts with confidence. “ Though belated, this, I believe is a step in the right direction, provided that realistic implementation follows. I will make reference to the importance of a well maintained and result oriented CFA and the inter-linked nature of the Joint Mechanism and the peace process in my address in Kandy” added Mr.Akashi.

Expressing grave concern over the looming sense of frustration.

Associated with Mr.Tamilselvan in the meeting were P.Nadesan, head of Tamileelam police, Mr. Ialnthirayan, Political Head of Batticaloa-Amparai Districts, Mr.S.Puleedevan, secretary general of the LTTE peace secretariat and Mr. Ilanthirayan, head of Batticaloa Amparaui districts.

14 May 2005

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