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SLMM stands by its HSZ view
By Shelani Perera
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has reiterated its stand on the 'High Security Zone' following a strong statement by the LTTE accusing the monitors of siding with the government to undermine the peace process. "The SLMM stands by the statement that the LTTE demand on the high security zone will affect the peace process," Deputy Head of Mission Hagrup Hauckland told The Sunday Times.

"Both the LTTE and the Government have the privilege to say what they want. We cannot take any action , and it will definitely not affect our monitoring. We will continue our monitoring mission in the same manner. We try our best to be impartial," he said.

The SLMM in a statement on the High Security Zone in Jaffna said that "simply dismantling High Security Zones for resettlement and handing over land for cultivation will decrease both security and combat potential of the Government forces.

"The balance of forces is the basis of the ceasefire agreement and disturbing that balance is disturbing the ceasefire. An unrealistic normalization programme in the name of progress and development should not be allowed to come into force at the expense of security, as this could undermine the building of permanent peace."

In response, the LTTE on Friday criticised the monitors for their "comments and value judgements" on the security situation in the North. LTTE chief negotiator Anton Balasingham in a letter to SLMM Chief Trond Furuhovde claimed that it could not accept the monitors' contention that one sided de-escalation could undermine the entire peace process.

The letter further stated the army was using civilians near their camps as human shields. He said that the LTTE was not calling for the withdrawal of troops from Jaffna or total dismantling of camps, but suggested the relocation of military positions in built up civilian areas.

The SLMM is to set up a meeting between the Government and the LTTE to discuss the latest developments including the security forces rejecting the LTTE proposals regarding withdrawal from the 'High Security Zones' .

"It was only a proposal by the Government and both parties have to sit down and discuss this. We will call a meeting between the two parties," said Mr. Hauckland.

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