07/12/05 - Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission condemns attacks and urges Parties to establish direct dialogue

The recent escalation of violence on Jaffna Peninsula is of great concern to everyone, and the SLMM strongly condemns the cowardly attacks that have resulted in the deaths of several SLA-soldiers and Tamil civilians. In addition, many people have been injured. However, the violence has not escalated out of control as of yet. In this respect, the SLMM commends the Security Forces for reacting with restraint in a very difficult security situation.

Needless to say, the escalating violence is jeopardizing the Ceasefire and is also endangering the whole peace process at a time when there are signs that the GOSL and the LTTE are preparing for the resumption of peace talks.

The SLMM is currently inquiring into these incidents, which both Parties hold the other Party responsible for. The Security Forces have accused the LTTE for involvement in the attacks against the SLA, while the LTTE has accused the Security Forces for the recent killings of Tamil civilians in the Jaffna area and other armed elements for being involved in the attacks on the SLA.

The SLMM has not been presented with any substantial information regarding the perpetrators of these attacks and urges both Parties to come forward with any information they may have. The attackers must be apprehended immediately. The LTTE must also use their influence on the Tamil population to calm down the situation. The attacks that have taken place over the last few days must stop immediately if the peace process is to move forward.

Furthermore, the SLMM urges both Parties to do their outmost to re-open the channels for direct dialogue at the local level. Only then can practical problems on the ground be solved and the current situation calm down.

The SLMM urges the international community to use their influence in order to arrest the situation and make way for renewed peace talks. The SLMM will continue to do everything within its power to diffuse the tense situation that is prevailing, not only on Jaffna Peninsula, but in the whole of the north and the east.

Hagrup Haukland
Head of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission