By Kesara Abeywardena
Head of the government’s negotiation team, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, says that the government will get down to discussions on a final solution to the ethnic problem when they sit down for talks with the LTTE at the end of this month. The government has also reserved the right to retaliate in the face of any provocation by the LTTE, he said. Minister de Silva is of the view that a final solution should not be labelled as federal or quasi federal because it could create a fear psychosis in the minds of the people. He also says that the consensus between the SLFP and the UNP is a tower of strength for the progress of the peace process.
Following are excerpts:
Q: As the head of the government negotiation team with the LTTE, how positive are you on the resumption of peace talks later this month?
A: The government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is committed to soloing this ethnic issue through negotiations. The President has given us instructions to look at all possibilities to solve this problem through negotiations. It is with that vision that we are going for the peace talks. The government is also taking all measures to consult all parties that represent the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and all segments of the society in the All Party Conference. It is to evolve a consensus in reaching a solution to the North-East conflict. Now they are considering various models of devolution. Whatever the devolution model it should meet the aspirations of all the communities. Therefore, I am confident that the way we are moving forward to solve this problem is quite positive.
Q: Will the government be able to get the support of the people for such a solution if it is in the lines of a federal solution?
A: I don’t like your labelling a solution as a federal or quasi federal. We have to work out a solution within one country. As a result of this solution if the country is not divided and there is no room for division and if it meets the aspirations of all communities, that is what we need. Some may call it federal or others something else. But finally we need a solution to the problem. Labelling it in advance will only create a fear psychosis in the minds of the people.
Q: There were reports that the government is going to initiate discussions on a final solution at this round of talks. What kind of solution are you looking at?
A: Without beating about the bush it is very necessary that we sit down and talk about the final solution. The crux of this problem is that they have always demanded a separate state. We will never agree to a separate state and we cannot agree for a separate state. The question of a separate state cannot be negotiated at all.
Q: Norwegian special envoy, Jon Hanssen Bauer, was here last week and what was the outcome of his visit?
A: The LTTE has said that they are prepared for talks. We also said that we are always ready for talks. Then, matters regarding the date and the venue were discussed. Also we made it clear that the fact that we are agreeable for talks does not mean that we will keep quiet if the LTTE attacks and engage in any provocative activities. The government of Sri Lanka reserves the right to retaliate in the event of an attack
Q: There was some confusion on media reports concerning conditions on talks. The government first said they are putting forward conditions and then said they were going for unconditional talks. What is your position regarding this?
A: Unconditional in the sense that the government of Sri Lanka reserves the right for the preservation of the territorial integrity of the country. But we indicated to Mr. Bauer that the government of Sri Lanka will not withdraw from the peace talks although we reserve the right to defend our land.
Q: The President met the Co-chairs recently. What was their observation on the present situation?
A: What I understand is that the Co-chairs were very happy with the government since we are agreeable for negotiations. Also the President briefed them very clearly that the government had not breached any pledge and it is the LTTE that is engaged in various acts of provocation. Even then we are ready to negotiate with them. I think the Co-chairs are very happy with the government and as a sovereign government we are always prepared to abide by the commitments.
Q: There have been many questions raised of late about the government’s human rights record at international level. As a human rights activist while in the opposition, how do you answer these charges?
A: More than anyone, President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a champion of human rights. So he knows the gravity of violations. Therefore, the President has given a very solemn undertaking that he will appoint a commission that can be monitored by international monitors. So the international community was very happy with that situation. There is nothing to grumble about. When there is a conflict there can be certain excesses here and there that we cannot eliminate 100 percent. But it is the responsibility of a responsible government to ensure that they take all the precautions that human rights are not violated and in the event of violations, appropriate remedial action is taken. The government is prepared to take that remedial action and the international community is quite convinced on that.
Q: What kind of remedial action has the government taken?
A: The President has given an undertaking that he will appoint this commission with international representation so that they can see that these charges are being investigated in an impartial and transparent manner. And if someone is found guilty the government will take necessary action according to the due process of law.
Q: There’s a lot of hope about a possible deal between the UNP and the SLFP. How will this benefit the peace process?
A: It’s going to be a tower of strength if there is consensus between the two major parties. What the LTTE had been saying is that since there is no agreement or consensus in the South we are not sincere in what we are offering. Therefore, if we arrive at a consensus and offer a solution in agreement with both the main political parties, the LTTE would not be able reject it.
Q: There were reports that there is a division within the SLFP with former President Chandrika Kumaratunga trying to create a separate faction within the party. What is the position?
A: It is all nonsense. The entire party is rallying around the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. There is nothing to grumble. He has given tremendous leadership to both the party and the country. He has shown that he is a very powerful leader.
Q: What caused the breakup in the SLFP-JVP talks?
A: We don’t have any serious difference of opinion with the JVP. We must not forget that they are not our enemies but our friends. But among your friends too there are differences of opinion. With regard to the CFA, the Norwegian involvement and devolution, there is a difference of opinion between the JVP and the SLFP. Apart from that there is no serious problem between the SLFP and the JVP. We respect their views because in a democracy we may not be able to agree on all the issues. Within a coalition government there can be difference of opinion but still we must be able to work together towards a common agenda.
Q: Recently in a speech you had said that 80 percent of the UNP had accepted the Mahinda Chinthana which had given rise to a flutter with talks of a possible consensus between the two parties. Can you explain this?
A: During the last 10 months the Mahinda Chinthana achieved what it promised and that is being appreciated by more than 80 percent of the people of this country. Don’t the UNPers appreciate his approach to the ethnic problem? Most of them say that the way Mahinda Rajapaksa is handling this issue is better than the way any of the previous leaders handled it. So isn’t it an endorsement for the Mahinda Chinthana? The people of this country, irrespective of their political opinion, have accepted President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
TN, 17.10.2006