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Japanese peace envoy Yasushi Akasi said that Sri Lanka is at the lowest ebb since his involvement in 2002 and on the verge of resumption of civil war among reports that more people have died in April than during several periods of times when “war” was declared. He asserted that the “onus is on both the Government and the rebels – and not the international community – to avoid all out war.” International donors who pledged USD 4.5 billion towards the peace process will meet in Japan later this month to review their commitment.
Some people accuse the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) of constantly changing their demands and always asking for more. However, in this case, it was the Sri Lankan Government that started the trend by refusing to grant “safe passage” to rebels traveling for the peace talks. It is also not stopping support for breakaway faction of the LTTE led by Karuna who target LTTE cadre.
The Norwegian General of the Sri Lankan Monitoring Mission (SLMM) was quoted of saying that it was not in the interest of the Lankan Government to stop support to the Karuna group. This has raised hackles in the LTTE, which now accuses the SLMM of biased policies.
Indian needs to apply pressure on both groups to get back to the negotiating table. While controlling the drug trade out of India can create some pressure for the LTTE, India should also actively campaign against granting aid without measurable steps to be taken by the
Sri
Lankan Government.
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