26/12/06 - SLMM takes steps to adapt to a changed situation

SLMM will shortly conduct a workshop in order to adapt to the current situation. Almost 5 years after the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) signed the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) and established SLMM as an integral part of it, the situation in the country has changed significantly.

SLMM has reduced their number of staff since LTTE no longer accepted monitors from EU countries as of September 2006. Moreover, areas where SLMM used to patrol have been inaccessible for a long time due to security concerns.

This, together with the recent military operations by both Parties, has made it necessary for SLMM to reconsider its modus operandi and re-design its courses of action in order to fulfill its obligations towards the Parties, based on the mandate for the monitoring mission given in the Ceasefire Agreement.

SLMM emphasizes that all district offices will remain open during the workshop and potential process of re-organization.