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Noting that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam withdrew twice from
peace talks arranged during the course of 2006
Recognizing
that hostilities have resumed in Sri Lanka with consequent suffering to many
Sri Lankans
Welcoming the efforts of the Sri Lankan forces to minimize civilian
casualties during military operations, as borne out by the reports of the
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission
Regretting the displacement of civilians in the Eastern Province during
such operations
Noting that resettlement has proceeded swiftly with the UNHCR reporting
that ‘Our staff have made several assessment missions and generally have
seen that conditions are conducive for return….Most of the returnees seem
happy to be home but had received little prior information about the
conditions in the areas of return.’
Concerned about delays in the emergence of proposals for constitutional
reform that would satisfy the aspirations of minorities and regions within a
united Sri Lanka
Anxious about reports of continuing human rights problems in all parts
of Sri Lanka
Condemning the reported determination of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil
Eelam (LTTE) to recruit at least one member of each family in areas under
its own control, including even families of workers for national and
international NGOs despite the efforts of these organizations to prevent
this
Worried about reports that the LTTE has decided to attack economic and
military targets, which will contribute to intensive security measures that
will adversely affect the lives of ordinary citizens
Welcoming the agreement of the international Committee of the Red Cross
(ICRC), following on requests by the Ministry of Defence to open the road
northward for longer periods, to enhance supplies to LTTE controlled areas
Regretting the refusal of the LTTE to provide the ICRC with the required
guarantees regarding sea routes that would facilitate supplies to the Jaffna
peninsula
The
Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats
Urges
the LTTE to return to negotiations under the auspices of the Ceasefire
Facilitators and the Co-Chairs, and to cease from attacks on economic
targets,
Requests the Sri Lankan government to refrain from initiating military
action, while respecting its right to take defensive measures
Welcomes efforts at rehabilitation and reconstruction, in which the
international community should cooperate with the Government of Sri Lanka
whilst paying due attention to the maintenance of human rights
Thanks
the ICRC for responding positively to the GOSL request regarding road
transport and ensuring the cooperation of the LTTE, and requests that
similar measures be taken to facilitate transportation of people and
essential goods by sea
Urges
the international community to stand steadfast against any forced
conscription, and to protect all families, and in particular to ensure that
recruitment of children stops forthwith
For
the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats:
(sgd)
Dr.
J.R. Nereus O. Acosta
Secretary General
Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats
September 15, 2007
Phnom Penh, Cambodia |