US ambassador replies to JVP
Dear Mr.Silva,
I am writing in reply to your letter of December 16 addressed to me and also
to Ambassadors Susan Blankhart and Akio Suda, concerning the statement which
we issued on December 15. I write, however, only on my own behalf.
Our statement was directed at the comments and actions taken by the JVP and
others criticizing the role of Norway and the peace process in general. It
therefore did not address the issue of the LTTE. That should not be taken, as
your letter implies, as ignoring or implying approval of LTTE behavior.
Far from it, I am sure you are aware that the United States has made two
points repeatedly:
-
LTTE behavior, such as assassinations of political opponents, conscription of
children, etc., in unacceptable and must change.
-
The LTTE must show flexibility and realism if the peace negotiations are to
resume and succeed.
This position remains unchanged, and it is why the LTTE remains designated as
a Foreign Terrorist Organization in the United States. The U.S. has also
publicly noted numerous times that President Kumaratunga has demonstrated her
commitment to peace and flexibility in her approach to the negotiations
I am glad to hear that the JVP is committed to a peaceful solution to the
ethnic issue. That is why we are surprised and dismayed when the JVP and
others make statements such as that Norway secretly approves of LTTE terrorist
activities, or that Norway and the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission are trying to
help the LTTE achieve its goals. Such statements, in our view, not only
unfairly cast aspersions on Norwy's motives and activities, but by clear
implication undermine the entire peace process. Words have consequences. This
type of rhetoric risks stirring up emotions with unknown consequences.
I hope this clarifies the position of the United States, and I would be happy
to discuss it further.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Lunstead, U.S Ambassador
