[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 23 (Wednesday, March 6, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H716-H717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CEASEFIRE BETWEEN THE SRI LANKAN GOVERNMENT AND THE LTTE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I come to the House floor this evening to 
bring to the attention of my colleagues a historic peace initiative 
between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE.
  On February 22, 2002, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, the Honorable 
Wickremesinghe, and the leader of the LTTE, Mr. Prabhakaran, signed an 
agreement that established a long-term cease fire by both sides that 
signifies the beginning of peace talks and, simply, a new era of peace 
for war-torn Sri Lanka.
  For nearly 2 decades now, there has been a civil war taking place 
between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, one of the world's 
most dangerous guerilla groups. The cease fire was negotiated by Norway 
and will be overseen by Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark.
  I am optimistic about this movement towards peace and feel the United 
States should extend its support for this agreement to end years of 
violent blood shed. Indeed, the LTTE will have to show great will to 
bring an end to its violent attacks that have claimed tens of thousands 
of innocent lives. However, the current global situation has provided a 
glimpse of hope that this cease fire will be a successful endeavor.
  Mr. Speaker, since the September 11 attacks, there has been a desire 
throughout the world to move away from senseless violence; and clearly, 
we began a new campaign against terrorism. This new atmosphere may 
potentially foster improved relations between Sri Lanka and the LTTE. 
Additionally, the LTTE may have been more apt to agree to this peace 
agreement since their popularity and their financial support was waning 
through countries that formerly favored them or provided support.

[[Page H717]]

  We see this hope for peace in Sri Lanka is already coming to 
fruition. Since December, medicine, supplies and other goods are being 
shipped to Tamil Tiger-controlled areas. Shipment of goods to these 
areas has been under the control of the Sri Lankan Government, but the 
controls have been relaxed for the past several months.
  Mr. Speaker, I should note that President Kumaratunga has been 
outspoken in her criticism of the terms of the cease fire. As President 
she has the power to suspend parliament and dismiss the government. If 
she is not satisfied with certain provisions within the peace 
agreement, the deal may be canceled.
  The differences between the President and Prime Minister must be 
worked out so Sri Lanka can proceed with dealing with this deadly 
conflict between Sri Lanka and the LTTE. In any case, the Prime 
Minister has announced that any peace agreement would have to be 
supported by a referendum, which ensures that the people of Sri Lanka 
would be participating in the peace process.
  In the upcoming months, it is important to watch closely how this 
peace process unfolds in Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister is willing to 
negotiate all forms of settlement with the LTTE, except for 
establishment of an independent homeland for the Tamil community.
  I encourage the LTTE to shed its terrorist negotiating tactics and 
come to the table with the Sri Lankan Government and engage in a 
substantive debate that I hope will lead to a permanent cease fire, 
peace in Sri Lanka, and greater stability throughout the South Asian 
region.

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