CALD Resolution No. 3 S. 2006

CALD resolution requesting  the LTTE to resume negotiations with the Sri Lankan government as a matter of urgency; condemning the recent acts of terrorism, including attacks on service personnel at a period in which a ceasefire is in operation; and urging the international community, while making clear its condemnation of such terrorism, to ensure that the LTTE returns to negotiations and works together with GOSL within the parameters of the ceasefire signed in 2002 to promote a solution that ensures pluralism and democratic practice.

Welcoming the Ceasefire of February 2002 signed between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and the commencement of negotiations a few months later;

Regretting that the LTTE withdrew from the talks in April 2003 despite the very positive approach to their demands displayed by the then Sri Lankan government;

Concerned that, following the election of a new President in November 2005, the LTTE engaged in a series of attacks on the Sri Lankan forces that could have prompted a reaction that would have led to a resumption of hostilities;

Relieved that the new Sri Lankan government reacted with restraint and was able to resume negotiations with the LTTE in Geneva in February 2006; 

Worried that, just before negotiations were due to resume in the third week of April, a series of attacks on servicemen and civilians raised tensions again, and that despite the efforts of the Norwegian mediators the LTTE refused to participate in the negotiations;

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats hereby request the LTTE to resume negotiations with the Sri Lankan government as a matter of urgency; condemn the recent acts of terrorism, including attacks on service personnel at a period in which a ceasefire is in operation; and urge the international community, while making clear its condemnation of such terrorism, to ensure that the LTTE returns to negotiations and works together with GOSL within the parameters of the ceasefire signed in 2002 to promote a solution that ensures pluralism and democratic practice.

For the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats:  

(sgd.)
Dr. J.R. NEREUS ACOSTA, MP
Secretary General
Chairman of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats

April 26, 2006
Siem Reap, Cambodia