Archives

Decisive stage in talks

Peace negotiations in Oslo could now be described as having reached a climactic point with the Government and the LTTE taking up for deliberation the framework for a political solution to Lanka's ethnic problem. Although this could also be considered as a make-or-break stage in the negotiations, this phase of the talks is likely to be lengthy, given the sensitive nature of the issues involved. It would be unrealistic to expect any quick - fixes at this juncture although it is relieving to find that the gut issues are being countenanced by the parties at an unexpectedly early stage of the negotiations.

As we commented earlier, statements by both the LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran and the group's chief negotiator Dr. Anton Balasingham to the effect that the LTTE is prepared to shelve the Eelam demand for a degree of regional autonomy, dramatically narrowed the differences between the negotiating parties. This change in the conceptualization of a solution on the part of the LTTE, lays the basis for the working out of a mutually acceptable political solution to the conflict. For, it was the LTTE's separatist platform which came in the way of a negotiated settlement, over the years.

The onus is now on the State to help work out a scheme of devolved power which would meet the power aspirations of the minority communities within a united Sri Lanka. The stage could be considered as having been set for what is described in conflict - resolution literature as a "win-win" solution because devolved power is power-sharing by another name. The condition of power-sharing meets the fundamental aspirations of both parties to the conflict, while getting out of the way, the vexatious issue of a separate state. Through this conflict resolution exercise, both parties emerge winners because both have gained substantially through the negotiation process while making important compromises.

While the deliberations enter a crucial phase at the negotiating table, the need to sustain the current popular upsurge for peace asserts itself. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe alluded to these dynamics when he underscored the interdependence of peace and development, in Japan. It is rapid development in all parts of the country which would help in bolstering the popular demand for peace. Funds donated by States wishing Lanka well, need to be translated into tangible prosperity in double quick time, to enable the people to savour the benefits of peace. It is this process that intensifies the demand for peace and sees an end to the clamour for war among some.

At this juncture, therefore, while it is in order to drum-up support for Sri Lanka in an effort to ensure a steady supply of economic assistance, mechanisms need to be licked into shape to ensure that these funds are transparently, efficiently and effectively utilized in Sri Lanka. This too is an important challenge which needs to be met.

Meanwhile, the Lankan political community needs to ensure that the current peace prospects are further brightened. The LTTE which has come some distance in the peace effort through a renunciation of the Eelam demand shouldn't be given reason to be disenchanted with it. If the LTTE is hinting at the need for a national consensus on a political solution, it cannot be faulted. No party could be prevailed on to remain within a negotiatory process, if there is no firm guarantee that the solution would prove durable and long-standing.

As we have mentioned before, Southern Sri Lanka would only be working towards its ruin by remaining disunited on this issue. A tendency to give in to opportunistic politics at this juncture would only wreck the country's peace prospects for forever. The need couldn't be greater to look beyond power politics to the ultimate national good.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager