Third Anniversary of Cease Fire

SLMM HQ Colombo
22 February 2005

Today, the 22nd February marks the 3rd anniversary of the Cease Fire. I would like to use this opportunity to commend the Sri Lanka Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's pure willingness to act with restraint in situations that could have escalated. SLMM can confirm, as a matter of fact, that there have been no clashes between the Parties' military forces after the signing of the CFA.
 

Assassinations and killings are, however, still jeopardising the CFA. I strongly condemn these horrible acts, as they undermine and pose a serious threat to the peace process. They have without a doubt poisoned the atmosphere between the Parties and lead to an unsafe environment creating fear among the general public. The killings must be stopped and SLMM urges both sides to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

 

The Tsunami brought added suffering to Sri Lanka and has increased pressure on the Parties. It is therefore more imperative than ever that the Cease Fire holds so that people can restore their lives and return to normalcy. My experience with both Parties leads me to believe that the two will do everything in their power to keep the Cease Fire.
 

Lack of peace talks is putting a serious strain on the Cease Fire and creating dangerous uncertainty. The two Parties will inevitably have to return to the negotiating table. SLMM will do its utmost to assist both sides in upholding the CFA by continuing our work and confidence building measures.
 

Hagrup Haukland
Head of Mission