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“CFA is the key instrument that needs to be in place for post-conflict and post-tsunami management”

“Post-tsunami management or for that matter, even the post-conflict situation can be handled effectively only by keeping the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) in tact with integrity and commitment by both the parties” said Mr.Bernadino Reggazzoni, H.E. The Ambassador for Switzerland in a meeting with Mr.S.P.Tamilselvan, Head of the LTTE Political Wing at the Peace Secretariat in Kilinochchi today 2 June 2005.

The Ambassador reflected on the outcome of the International Donor Conference in Kandy and reiterated that it was the unanimous opinion of all the donor participants that a Joint Mechanism to disburse equitably the overwhelming aid for post-tsunami is a necessity and there is no alternative for it. Linking the necessity of the Joint Mechanism to build confidence that would open the stalled peace talks, the Ambassador assured that Switzerland will continue with its commitment to pool in its resources for tsunami rehabilitation and reconstruction while at the same time remain committed to the peace process and progress therein through delivery of the peace dividend in the form of projects for reconstruction of war devastated infrastructure.

Appreciating the spontaneity with which the people of Switzerland overwhelmingly contributed towards the post-tsunami reconstruction efforts, Mr. Tamilselvan said that the LTTE is equally committed to maintain the CFA and has exercised maximum flexibility in accepting the Norwegian proposals for a Joint Mechanism. Deploring the deteriorating security situation in military occupied areas, Mr.Tamilselvan said that the Tamil people are being pushed to the fringe of frustration and are being subject to military harassment and coercion. “Government’s declared intent and proclamations are of no use unless they are effectively translated into real actions on the ground and what the Tamil people see in military occupied areas, are actions that are provocative” stressed Mr.Tamilselvan.

Expressing fear over the state of the CFA in the context of fanatical religious elements trying to cash in on a volatile situation in Trincomalee and Vavuniya, Mr.Tamilselvan said that these elements are working hard to create communal tension by hurting the feelings of civilians belonging to different religious denominations. “If CFA is the key to all activities whether they be political or humanitarian, then the government has a moral responsibility to disown the armed groups, avoid clandestine relationship with them and maintain the integrity of the CFA by delivering on it in terms of its obligation to restore normalcy” said Mr.Tamilselvan.

Associated with the Ambassador in the meeting was Mr.Martin Steurzinger of the Swiss Foreign Office. Mr.Puleedevan, Secretary General of the Peace Secretariat and Tamil Eelam Police Chief Mr.P.Nadesan also participated in the meeting.

02 June 2005

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