Who is responsible for the delay in the peace process?
When handing over its ISGA proposals on 31 October 2003 to the Norwegian facilitators, the LTTE expressed categorically
their readiness to recommence negotiations on the basis of those proposals. The UNF governemnt headed by Mr. Ranil
Wickremasighe too reciprocated on those lines. President Chandrika Kumarathunga on the other hand, dissolved the
parliament and formed a coalition with JVP, an entity that was vehemently opposed to the peace process and facilitation
by Norway. This impediment notwithstanding, the President expressed her interest in restarting the peace process. This
intention was however not translated into action. The President did not do anything constructively to take forward the
peace process save mouthing her 'intentions' to restart the peace process.
Now the President is engaged in conflicting and confusing views on the peace process and accusing the LTTE of being
inflexible and indecisive. The LTTE infact took forward the Tamil freedom struggle based on the mandate the Tamil people
gave in the general elections of 1977. However, the LTTE leadership was circumspect to announce from time to time its
willingness to negotiate on the basis of viable alternatives.
From day one of handing over the ISGA proposals, the LTTE has been consistently expressing its readiness to recommence
negotiations on the basis of the ISGA proposals. These proposals, it is important to bear in mind, are intended solely
to address urgent humanitarian needs in the war devastated region, build confidence and bring about normalcy, an
essential foundation to take on board the political negotiations for final resolution. President Chandrika Kumarathunga
and her government have by their inaction exposed the hesitation they have in entering into negotiations.
The statement of the President on 16th September that the LTTE is inflexible and indecisive is therefore far from the
truth and is totally disappointing and shocking to the Tamil people.