US in different gear on Sri Lanka

Recent statements from international actors are indicating that In the United States there may be a change of policy in the making in relation to the Sri Lankan conflict whilst the other countries continue their policy of support for the state no matter what.

The LTTE also recognized and welcomed a refreshing attitude in US, different from the other countries.

Indicating the level of interest the United States is showing on the Sri Lankan conflict, the US Government recently held an interagency meeting to review the situation in the Sri Lanka.

The interagency meeting – the first if its kind on Sri Lanka – was attended by senior officials from the State Department, Pentagon, National Security Council, USAID, and several other agencies.

It is also reported that both President Barrack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton receive daily briefings on Sri Lanka.

In its latest statement, which is also the first statement on Sri Lanka by Obama’s White House, the United States drew reference to two key points – the concept of territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and possible war crimes against its leaders.

In the statement US emphasised that continued military end to conflict will end hope for a unified Sri Lanka and added that it takes allegations of violence very seriously.

On Wednesday April 22, Clinton commenting on the ongoing conflict stated that Sri Lanka has caused "untold suffering" as it fights Tamil Tigers.

"I think that the Sri Lankan government knows that the entire world is very disappointed that in its efforts to end what it sees as 25 years of conflict, it is causing such untold suffering," Clinton told lawmakers.

Few days before Clinton’s comments, the statement department released statement in which it called for an end to the military operations.

In the statement released on Thursday April 16, the US said it was deeply concerned about the current danger to civilian lives and the dire humanitarian situation created by the fighting in the Mullaittivu area in Sri Lanka.

It called on the Sri Lankan government and military of Sri Lanka, and the Tamil Tigers to immediately stop hostilities. 

It also called Sri Lanka to halt shelling of the safe zone, permitting international monitors to ensure the safe exit of the civilians. 

Indicating the strong view the United States has on humanitarian access to the conflict zone, the statement further said: “The government of Sri Lanka should also enforce international humanitarian standards in IDP camps, grant visas to international aid groups and permit entry into Sri Lanka of international monitors and media access to those camps.” 

“The Sri Lankan government, as the legitimate sovereign power, has before it an opportunity to put an end to this lengthy conflict,” the statement said. 

“A durable and lasting peace will only be achieved through a political solution that addresses the legitimate aspirations of all Sri Lankan communities.” 

The US also warned that further killing, particularly killing of civilians, will not end the conflict and will stain any eventual peace. 

The LTTE on Monday April 20, in a significant statement, recognized and welcomed a refreshing attitude in US, and pleaded the Sri Lanka government to listen to international opinion, to stop the war and enter into negotiations.

"The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam appreciates the genuine concerns expressed by the United States Government's statement dated 16th April 2009, on the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in the Vanni/Mullaitivu region."

"So far, while the rest of the world has concentrated on apportioning blame, the United States has stressed the importance of finding solutions to put an immediate end to the plight of the Tamil civilians being lured and attacked in the safe zone by the Sri Lankan Government."

"The LTTE urges the Sri Lankan government to stop its military actions, including shelling and bombing civilian areas and accept the call of the United States and other members of the International community for a ceasefire, which we believe will create a conducive atmosphere for talks on all relevant issues."

The LTTE statement issued from the political headquarters in Vanni also warned Colombo of dire consequences if the war is continued.

"The LTTE and the fight for our freedom will also continue. The methods may vary but Sri Lanka will never be able to live in peace as it imagines a military victory will bring. However, for the record, the LTTE would like to emphasize again that it is always ready to explore peaceful means to resolve the conflict”, the statement said.