News - US says negotiations only way forward

The United States called upon the LTTE to give up terrorism and violence, to demonstrate respect for human rights, and return to the negotiating table in good faith.

These sentiments were expressed by US Ambassador designate to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Robert O. Blake in a statement to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington DC on Thursday.

“We support the government of Sri Lanka and that nation’s territorial integrity. But both the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) should take steps to move towards a ceasefire and ultimately a permanent peace,” said Mr. O. Blake, adding that the US government had made its stand clear.

He said the LTTE designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US government in 1997, was a status that remained in effect saying, “The Tigers must give up terrorism in word and deed before the United States will consider removing them from our foreign terrorist list”.

He further stated that the government should be willing to address legitimate Tamil grievances, including the articulation of a political vision for the country’s future that provides room for the aspirations of Sri Lankans of all religions and ethnicities, including a crack down on violence in government-controlled areas.

He said the US welcomed the crucial role being played by the government of Norway in ensuing peace negotiations, and through its participation along with the other Co-chairs was helping in the search for peace.

“My challenge, if I am confirmed, will be to work with all legitimate political entities in Sri Lanka towards a durable peace, to show that peace and prosperity for all Sri Lankans are fundamental and interlinked goals.

Peace provides the foundation for prosperity, which in turn demonstrates its benefits and builds support of it.

To reach these twin goals, the parties must be convinced that peace negotiations are the only way forward, that there can be no military solution to this conflict,” he added.

The Ambassador designate, during a 21-year career in the Foreign Service, served in Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia performing economic, consular and political work. Most recently serving as a Deputy Chief of Mission in India.