Ambassador Blake: US Favors set up of UN Rights Monitoring Office in Sri Lanka
February 21st, 2008
Interview-Ambassador Robert Blake and Savitri Rodrigo for the Benchmark Business and Current Affairs Television Program
[Ambassador Robert Blake-file pic-by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai]
Question: What ramifications arise for middle income countries like Sri Lanka, arising from U.S. sanctions on Iran, a nation we recently turned to in search of aid and assistance?
Ambassador Blake: Sri Lanka, like every other country in the world, has got to abide by UN Security Council resolutions. And I think that Sri Lanka is doing so. We understand Sri Lanka’s need to reach out to countries like Iran for assistance, particularly economic assistance. But obviously, as I said earlier, they must be very careful not to engage in military cooperation with Iran, because that would be contrary to the spirit and letter of the UN Security Council resolutions.
Question: So you don’t see a shift in the U.S.’ stance on the War on Terror and what impact that would have on Sri Lanka? That wouldn’t change?
Ambassador Blake: I don’t think so. I think there is going to be continued strong support to counter terrorism wherever it is, and the LTTE will be no exception to that. We will continue to help Sri Lanka to stop the LTTE in whatever way we can. I think you may have seen that the Clinton campaign recently announced that they would not accept any kind of campaign contributions from anybody who might have a link to the LTTE. That is a good example of how I think every campaign is going to be very tough on that.
Question: What ramifications will this perceived shift in America’s foreign policy actually mean for Sri Lanka? What is the impact it will have?
Ambassador Blake:I don’t think there will be major changes in our stance on the War on Terror. That has bi- partisan support in the United States Congress. Everybody understands that our counter-terrorism policy has to be a mixture of policies, including working with our friends around the world to make the operating environment for terrorists more difficult. And I think that we are making a lot of progress in that area in terms of border security, exchanging information that makes it more difficult for terrorists to travel, limiting terrorists’ finance-issues like that.
But I think that the more difficult challenge that we all must confront and will be a long term challenge is to reduce the underlying grievances that give rise to terrorism in the first place. And that is an issue that we are confronting in Iraq, in Afghanistan and in many, many other countries around the world. And also in Sri Lanka, by the way. And that is, it is very, very important to ensure the rule of law in these countries, to provide for improved governance and provide economic opportunity, particularly for these minorities-and provide hope: I think that is really the missing ingredient. And when young men and women in places like Iraq and Afghanistan are blowing themselves up, you have to wonder why they are doing that. There is such a great loss of hope in those societies. Our challenge for the international community is to turn that around.
Question: Do you see Sri Lanka as a failed state?
Ambassador Blake: I don’t see Sri Lanka as a failed state; quite the contrary. I think that Sri Lanka has got so much going for it. And one of the great frustrations of so many of us who have such affection for your country is that the elements of a solution are fairly widely known to almost everybody. It is just a matter of getting the political consensus and the political will to implement those elements. And so that is why we are pushing for things like the APRC, because we do believe that that offers a way forward.
Question: Does the U.S. support a sharp, strategic war against the LTTE?
Ambassador Blake: I don’t think that such an outcome is possible. I don’t know what that means exactly. We don’t believe that a military solution really is possible. Prabhakaran has survived now since the late seventies. He has shown himself to be very adapt and very resilient, and I think continues to be so. We certainly don’t have any great affection for Prabhakaran. But we think that the ultimate answer lies, as I said, in a political solution, and that is why we are encouraging the government to pursue that path.
Question: How would the U.S. view the very serious allegations that the Karuna faction has compromised the Sri Lankan Government’s image in the eyes of the world, and also the fact that despite the liberation of the East, the Pillayan group continues to terrorize that province? Are some forms of terror OK, do you think?
Ambassador Blake:No. No forms of terror are OK. And we have expressed our concerns about the role of all the paramilitaries, not simply the Pillayan Group or the Karuna faction. Again, we think the long-term answer to the situation in the East is to not allow these groups to bear arms and for them to become part of the political process. And I think that the government is moving in that direction. I was pleased to see the other day that PAFFREL, which is a group that is going to be providing some monitors for the election and is already monitoring the conditions out there, said that the Pillayan group has agreed to lay down their arms and not intimidate people in the East. So, that is a very good sign if that is true, and I hope it is.
Question:What disadvantages, if any, could arise from banning the LTTE, because successive governments have refused to do so on the grounds that this would preempt the possibility of future talks. But given the present all-out war effort, why not take this step?
Ambassador Blake:I am not sure that the government really gains much by banning the LTTE at this stage. I think they have already made their point. I think that banning the LTTE might be interpreted in the international community as taking a further step away from any kind of a political solution. But, obviously, it is up to the government to decide what to do.
Question: President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that he wants his military forces to actually capture Velupillai Prabhakaran alive so that he could be extradited to India to stand trial. Do you actually think this would happen? And would you support it?
Ambassador Blake:Well, he is widely believed to have been responsible for the assassination of Rajeev Gandhi, so certainly I think that would be fine. I am sure that he would get a fair trail in India. We would have no concerns about that. The question is: are you going to be able to capture him alive or not? And I’m not sure if that is possible or not.
Question: What role does the U.S. see India actually playing in conflict resolution in Sri Lanka?
Ambassador Blake: India, as you say, has a long history here; people still remember. They were the ones who really engineered the 13th Amendment and some of the things that are still being talked about today. In many ways they have played a crucial role here. And I think a very salutary role as well. And so whatever role they continue to play will be positive, from my perspective. And we will continue to work very closely with our friends from India.
Question: After the departure of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission and escalation of conflict forced the formal abrogation of the CFA has seen escalated hostilities. Is there a case for a UN Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka?
Ambassador Blake: First of all, there is no peace to keep yet. So that is a bit of a far-fetched scheme. In terms of a role for the UN, of course, that has to be requested by the member state in question. And I have not heard any suggestion that the government is interested in any kind of a UN force at this stage. Quite the contrary, they have taken quite an active role to oppose, for example, any role by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who is interested in setting up an office here.
Question: Given the climate of impunity that we see these days, how about a human rights monitoring mission, maybe even a U.S. led one?
Ambassador Blake: Any such mission would be led by, again, Louise Arbor, by her office, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The United States is in favor of such an office because we believe, as you say, that there has been a climate of impunity here, and there have been significant problems with human rights that Sri Lanka’s own institutions have been incapable of dealing with effectively. So we believe that the office could help to improve not only the functioning of Sri Lanka’s own systems, but help to provide a measure of protection. We favor that, but that is something that is going to have to be worked out between the government and Ms. Arbor. We are not playing any active role in that regard.
Question: How will, if at all, the prospect of off-shore oil in Sri Lanka change U.S. or international interests here?
Ambassador Blake: I don’t think it will have much of an impact. I went with Minister Fowzie to Houston to help lead a “Road Show” there in which we explained to a number of international oil companies about some of the opportunities here. So far no American company has bid on the opportunities. As you know there were three international companies, but none of them were American. I have not had a chance to discuss with them why they chose not to bid, but all of them, of course, are very, very experienced in these matters, and perhaps they felt that either the oil that was there is not enough to justify a significant investment, or perhaps they were worried about the security situation here. I am not sure. I don’t have a real detailed read-out of what the reasons are for the lack of bidding. But I don’t see it as a significant part of the strategic picture here. [Source: US Embassy Sri Lanka]
Entry Filed under: Federalidea, Full Text of Press Release
27 Comments Add your own
1. Thamil | February 22nd, 2008 at 6:40 am
Come on America, no double standards, if you can let Kosovo go independent why not Tamil Eelam.
Please let the Tamils live peacefully in their traditional homeland.
2. Subra S.Massey | February 22nd, 2008 at 7:36 am
Ambassador Blake,
You know why we want Baraka Obama to win this election? Because of people like you, you don’t have a consistent policy both internally and externally. Sir, you must touch your heart and you conscience and ask this question, Is LTTE really a terrorist organization or simply people fighting for their daily livelyhood? The Blacks in USA fought for their rights and got them and soon you are going to have one of them as the President. Why don’t you see the Tamils problem from that perspective? Why are 800,000 Sri Lankans outside Sri Lanka? I think LTTE can do a better job for Sri Lanka than any of the Sri Lankan governments. LTTE is not a Tamil phenomenon it is a Sri Lankans struggle.
Look at Kosovo, your Government helped them to divide, So I don’t see where your foreign policy consistency is? You are basically telling the world we are on our way to demise! Sir, you have to base your policies on clear conscience, not to flip and flop or whims and fancies. It is bad for people like us who live in North America.
If India, US,EU and UN get together this problem can be solved over night. But why don’t you all stay out and, without providing arms, encourage them to negotiate.
LTTE is not Prabaharan it is the pain of the Tamils!
LTTE is basically Lifitng Tamil Tide Everywhere(Acronym LTTE). So we the diaspora have invested our time in up lifting the economic situation of Tamils so that what ever destruction that is caused by all the parties to the conflict can be repaired later. What else can be do? Prudence is the only way to peace and prosperity later. We will salvage once the demons have left the haunted house, Sri Lanka!
By January 2009 the US will have a brand new President and Policy. I am going to campaign for Baraka Obama. The mindset in Washington has to change. How do we do that? By changing the administration completely with a different kind of person. That person is Baraka Obama. We had enough of this nonsense. Just listen to him when he talks. There is a huge tsunami coming your way Mr.Blake. We will have a brand new foreign policy that is more equitable and acceptable.
Oh by the way about OIL. Oil is going to be a past commodity, free energy is going to take over from oil.
It is good for China, India and like. They can struggle with the environmental problems associated with oil.
3. Raj | February 22nd, 2008 at 7:43 am
I second comment 1, Sri Lnaka goverment and people should help Tamil’s living in the Sri Lanka liberate Tamil Nadu through the political process to establish Tamil homeland as they seem to wish.
Tamil homeland is Tamil Nadu by al means seek its liberation through just means if that is what you wish. The terror campaign to expel Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese from certain part of Sri Lanka will not be tolerated.
4. Dayan Jayatilleka | February 22nd, 2008 at 10:23 am
Possibly because the USA is intelligent enough to know the difference between a European state which comprised uneven sized ethnic blocks, with different ethnic neighbours, and an Asian state which is a small island with a large majority. Furthermore the KLA didn’t murder any european leaders, and field suicide bombers, did it? The LTTE turned its guns on a possible KFOR, namely the IPKF. If the IPKF had remained on the island, who knows…?
5. A.Rajasingam | February 22nd, 2008 at 11:47 am
Though the answers of Ambassador Robert Blake appears to be promising, some conflicting issues have to cleared out. The Ambassador correctly states that the elements of a solution are fairly widely known for which he could have stressed on the rectification of the Constitution to a federal model with a bi-cameral system. It is then the political consensus can be obtained. Apparently Sri Lanka Government cannot just ignore the concept of Federalism but to come out boldly in favour of it. After all the JVP and the JHU have no policy.
As for Prabaharan and his companions, they will eventually have to meet the fate of Pol Pot of Cambodia. What really matters is to take adequate and effective measures to isolate the LTTE by way of pointing out the destruction of a generation of youths and winning the hearts of the Tamils. This does not mean that the Government should encourage paramilitary groups. In stead, the Government must go in search for independent professionals and/or intellectuals with the blessings of India and of other Western democracies and place forward such solutions to find out the feelers. This is one way of sending a message for support of the world openly for waging a war on terror and would neutralize the call for violation of human rights. If this can be done, disarming of the paramilitary groups and the LTTE would not be a difficult task. If civilians have become targets of bombing, government must boldly state that it was an accident and apologize. This the way to adopt counter-terrorism measures.
The introduction UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Sri Lanka should be carefully considered though there has been a climate of impunity especially when the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord has not been abrogated by India and Sri Lanka and the US is aware of it. Therefore, India has a vital role to play in this matter. The concern of India is of paramount importance at a time when Prabaharan and Pottu Amman stand as most wanted criminals by India and also before the eyes of International Community.
Simultaneously, there are other factors that need to be addressed. The claim for bid by Indian Company on the prospect of off-shore oil in Sri Lanka, the handling of KKS Cement Factory by an Indian Company, the Indian interest in Trincomalee and Elephant Pass and the future Plan over Sethu Samudra Scheme (whether to construct a bridge in time to come like in China) to monitor the activities of the terrorists both of the LTTE and of the Al-Aqsa Movement in Tamil Nadu and other terrorist movements in India - all of which warrants an interest in favour of India when providing a UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Sri Lanka. In addition, Sri Lanka and India being members of SAARC. The situation in Sri Lanka is complex, it is not only the problem of LTTE but also of other international terrorist organizations for which there are allegations that Sri Lanka is suspected to be used as a base on various pretexts such as illicit drug trafficking, human trafficking, etc. Against such a back ground the only available alternative is for the UN to collaborate with India to set up a UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Sri Lanka so that there will be no disturbances in the India Ocean surrounding Sri Lanka.
6. Ratna | February 22nd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Usually UN or US don’t get involved militarily unless a million people get killed. Until then they just make sure either party wins or lose.
Compared to East Timor or Kosova or some African nations, Lanka still around 100,000 killed so far.
Maybe once the Wanni attack goes to full swing????
7. Devinda Fernando | February 22nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Kosovo was Bill Clinton’s Foreign Policy pet project, after all the effort they put into it they had to follow through and recognize it although they have now angered China and Russia who will Veto any efforts for the UN to recognize Kosovo as a country…. It will simply remain a De Facto state with very limited diplomatic and Economic ties and no friends on its borders…. It is basically a Life-Support country that teeters on the brink of destruction as soon as the next major shift in global power occurs. I don’t hold my hopes high for the Future of Kosovo,..but then again I’m speculating once again.
Who will be willing to pick up Eelam as a Political Pet project…? No one… Prabhakaran and the LTTE have made no friends with anyone in the World. They Screwed themselves Royally when they Killed Rajiv Gandhi. If there ever were a chance of Eelam materializing that foolish Assassination was the final nail in the coffin of that Pipe Dream.
The fact remains that Blake, like Chilcott both sit on the Fence, they all have good diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka and they both have Large Tamil Lobbyists pushing them to make it seem like they are doing something in Sri Lanka to help the Tamils. Fact remains that they will continue to make these vague Feel Good statements that are nothing more than time stalling tactics to see which way the War goes. If it decisively heads in Mahinda’s favor (which so far it seems to be doing) you will see them move in that direction, if not, they will push the Human Rights angle… But let me tell you they will not just Jump in to save the Tigers, this is for sure… it would not serve any of their Interests (UK or USA) to set up a Government run by the LTTE who are nothing more than a bunch of Belligerent Barbaric Thugs who have no friends anywhere in the world.
8. Kamal | February 22nd, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I am sure that the USA will support the freedom stuggle of Tamils in the future.
9. Ramesh Sinniah | February 23rd, 2008 at 2:41 am
I salute you Mr. Ambassador.
You stand out among all other Ambassadors in Sri-Lanka.
We, Tamils owe you so much for singlehandedly and successfully stopping the rampant abductions of Tamils in Colombo.
I’m pretty confident you are well aware of the perpertrators, and those same ones now shedding crocodile tears for Tamils plight.
Keep up the good work Ambassador. You are the shining star in Sri-Lanka’s dark clouds.
10. Esta | February 23rd, 2008 at 8:26 am
Talk as much as you like Ambassador! You will be shifted soon out the island.
The blindness of Robert O’Blake to realities is unreal.
Kosovo can be an Independent Nation, East Timor can be an Independent Nation but Tamils can’t have theirs?????
Things will change soon. There are a lot nations will recognize TE but all in good times.
Right now, Tamils must defend and liberate their lands. Then, build a force that can withstand any assault by SL Forces. Kosovo have KFOR and NATO stationed to protect any military aggression by Serbia or Russia. Serbian FM is a puppet of USA.
11. Subra S.Massey | February 23rd, 2008 at 9:21 am
Mr.Davinda Fernando,
We don’t need any friends. Money in what denomination you need and we will give it to you. Study the Industrial might of Germany and you will know it all. When they put an oil embargo on Germany, they invented plastics from air. Can you put embargo on air or sun light?
Davinda you are talking with the Tamils, we are world class people, we thrive on challanges. We know how to take advantage from disadvantages. Nothing is impossibel and impossible is nothing for us.
We were the first people to have used antigravity is industrial applications. You know where we are heading towards, if you can harness gravity half the oil demand is gone. Do you want us in Sri Lanka or not?. Now sit down , take a sip of water, relax, take a deep breath and write back to me. I read lots of your and another educated friend Dr.Jayatilake’s comments. The war in Sri Lanka will be over very soon. Sad part is you, jeyatilake and I have to look for new avenues to waste our time.
12. ilaya seran senguttuvan | February 23rd, 2008 at 9:58 am
Ambassador Blake,
With the enormous influence the US have over GoSL what have you done to ensure the latter “reduces the underlying grievances that give rise to terrorism” to use your own words?Only yesterday over 11 civilians were reduced to smithereens by air-bombing - including a young mother, her infant child and many other children. There have been such brutal murders from the air, on school buses in the Tamil areas in recent months. The Govt version is that “they successfully targeted an LTTE hideout/arms bunker”
Tamils get one version of a given incident and the Sinhala yet another while the truth cannot be both. Today’s Mt Lavinia.
Bus incident - thank God there were no lives lost as such - is said to have been in response to the Kilinochchi air raid.
The Mt Lavinia incident will be followed by the midnight arrest of hundreds of Tamils. Almost all of them will be innocent civilians - while many of them will get out after some days in remand after the usual ” payments” That cannot be “the rule of the law” you refer to here. Neither can this be when one sees the return of the White Vans that go about abducting Tamils with such impunity. It is true the Tamils in their weak condition are unable to prevent the sale of their land and precious assets to foreigners going on now - all of which are done without our consent and participation. But, Sir, please note the liquidation of these assets are done without our consent and, therefore, we reserve the right to re-claim them at the right time - the Oil tanks, the off-shore wealth etc., While the world is told there is a democratic election to be held in the Eastern Province people connected to the District are abducted and some killed - which is but a warning who should vote and who should not. How can the US approve such a flawed process of Elections in an issue so vital for Tamil
Nation’s survival in the future? Our own Ambassador Dayan Jayatilake , who unlike you, finds himself in a situation where his credentials are under question by some countries - in these columns refers to the Kosovan parallel. He - and the dozens of his ilk within this tottering govt whose life is extended by printing currency notesm - have the fright of Moses into them after the Kosovo UDI whether the world will recognise Tamil Eelam. Ambassador Blake, the large majority of Tamils in this country and the diaspora do not want a Separate
Tamil Eelam if we are given back our land, the right to rule our land, the right to continue our agriculture, fishing and other economic actities and our right to live in peace, dignity without the fear of attack on our person and the loss/enial of our properties. What we want is the restoration of the Status Quo of the pre-1950s. We want to live with the South and our Sinhala brothers and sisters - vast of whom have been cheated with a gross mis-representation of the Tamil struggle by their own leaders in the different political parties in the past 60 years. If you want to help the restoration of peace in the Island - ruled by 3 different kingdoms when the first European invaders came here in the 16th century - what the USA can do is to help us Tamil speaking people regain our former tranquility which is our birth-right. The Tamils ask you to be cautious about those current leaders of this land who loot the country’s assets and invest them in your own country - often dubiously - claiming they are legally US citizens. The cover of one being a US citizen does not permit him the right to bring in stolen assets. Surely, Sir, your country that proudly claims transparency, accountability etc should know what is legitimate funds and what is not when large amounts come to within US shores. I believe US Money laundering laws carefully question transfers over US$5,000 at a time such as origin of transfer, purpose etc
13. Thamil | February 23rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
USA, Tamils will be your best strategically and economical partners in the whole South Asia, they are intelligent and hard working people with enormous natural resources.
They can be like a Kosovo in the Balkans, Israel in the Middle East and future Tamil Eelam in the south Asia. Please realise the potential.
Singhalese only can be a burden for you, they will always depend on your handouts, but if something goes wrong against their wishes, they will definitely burn your embassy and forcefully send you all back to US.
The choice is yours.
14. Westmead | February 23rd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Hats off for Mr Blake for supporting UN monitoring office in Colombo, as first step Sir, please push this concept as pre requisite for any future endeavours with the GOSL.
The world knows now the creation of EELAM is more legitimate than Kosavo’s UDI. But on the other hand Tamils have not aligned themselves with the impotent players in this world to achive statehood. In this era of globalisation it will be foolish to think LTTE regaining East and Jaffna again would lead them one step closer to self rule. Tamils have to do plenty of homework in building credibility for the West to partner with them in archiving statehood,
No Point blaming Mr Balke for double standard . Tamils need to get their house in order before seeking recognition.
15. suhin | February 23rd, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Where ever ethnic minorities living under authoritarian or oppressive majority rule, need their freedom, if they wish or choose to live on their own.
Hats off to UK and US for their timely intervention and recognition of the independents Kosovo, this rule should be applied to anywhere to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and encourage countries in dispute progress towards prosperity, and democracy.
Tamils in Srilanka need immediate attention.
16. Ramesh Sinniah | February 24th, 2008 at 2:59 am
# 4 Comment.
Dear DJ,
Don’t kid yourself. US Ambassador is a Humanitarian unlike you and the ruling Junta in Sri-Lanka.
The Western countries are quite familiar with the atrocities inflicted upon Tamils by the GOSL and it’s armed forces.
Hon. Ambassador is genuinely concerned about the deteriorating human rights and ethnic issues in Sri Lanka.He has been voceferously advocating for a peaceful solution but to no avail mainly due to arrogant people like you and your erstwhile boss MR with a hideous mustache!
Your Government has lost it’s credibility throughout the World’s Capitals as clearly evidenced by the lack of opposition or condemnation for LTTE’s “Air Wing” attacks.
Thank you USA, EU, France and Germany for your unwavering support to the Kosovo people. It;s a clear example of Victory over evil!
17. Suresh M | February 24th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
# 7
Hey Devinda Fernando,
You can scream the loudest, nothing will change. Kosovo is an independent country. It is a done deal!
Russia, China, (Iran, Pakistan, Burma, India.) you can list the countries that could veto at U.N, but beyond that, only just some noise as usual. What matters is that USA/EU had recognized Kosovo, who cares about UN anymore? Especially, Sinhala government does not care UN, as they have been branding U.N agencies as Tiger agents anyway.
Fernando, It was Serbians who pushed Kosovans to seek separation with their actions. Sound familiar to you? Sinhala majority has the key to a united Lanka. The past and present mentality of Sinhala polity had not demonstrated this, and unfortunately Tamil-Eelam may be inevitable.
I am a firm believer in the Western powers, as they have been consistent in promoting freedom and equality around the world.
Only the West can help Tamils get their fair share in Sri Lanka.
18. Dias | February 24th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
The State Department of a sitting-duck presidency, the George Bush administration has no inkling to mess with the problems of a distant small island.
I agree with Subra #2 it is a President Obama that will enforce an intelligent solution on the island - one that will be beneficial to both the Sinhalese and the Tamils. In my projection it will be a solution along a federal model that permits all the communities to mind their own affairs.
19. Dias | February 24th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
The present George Bush State department while keeping a close watch on Sri Lanka is not about to make drastic policy changes in a sitting-duck presidency. This job will be passed to the next US president who I too hope is Obama - someone very solutions oriented and well aware of the challenge in Sri Lanka.
While I also agree with #2 Sunbra’s assessment of Obama I do not believe that his assertion that “we are world class people” in referring to Tamils help promote goodwill among the diferent ethnic communities. Towards this we must begin to respect one-another as Sri Lankans as opposed to identifications along narrow ethno-religious lines.
#4 Dayan’s comment that about US realization that it may not be a good idea to split-up a tiny island holds much validity though the SInhalese general self-comforting assertion that India will never allow the splitting of the island is unfounded. With the next US president expect India to be in a jam. US + EU + UN, driven from the most powerful office in the world will exert enormous pressure on India to live up to its Regional power status and force a political solution on the island, or if the heat is too much to get out of the kitchen - so that the powerful block may do this task for the Regional power.
It will most probably be an Indian implemented but EU + US driven conclusion. Either way, irrespective whether Prahabakaran is alive or not, LTTE is defeated or not, the SInhalese will have little choice but to agree to a federal-like solution with a bi-cameral body as described by #5 Rajasingham.
#7 Devinda is also right in that no one will jump in to save the Tigers though the IC accomplish the identical objective through the many other options available to them - such as cripling the Sri Lankan economy and UN sponsored sanctions. Expect these measures to be implemented relatively soon. India meantime possibly is hoping that SL armed forces will be able to deal a death blow to Prahabakaran so that they can take over without the fear - and possibly covertly encouaging the Rajapaksa administration to prosecute the war.
The point is no matter whether the Rajapaksa administration wins or not, the eventual outcome will be the same - a federal-like solution. So, why not announce this, marginalize the JVP, JHU, LTTE; ally with the UNP, form a national government; builld consensus, win the respect and support of the IC, and forge forward with the task of building the nation. Why create a viscious environemnt and wait till the nation is drained?
20. Eelam mama | February 24th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Tamils are welcome to their ‘fair’ share in Tamil Nadu their trditional homeland, In Sri Lanka they can live like all other citizens.
The west are welcome to give them Tooting, or Toronto or New Jersey if they wish, I am sure there are few second gen tamil tigers in the areas who claim it as their traditional homeland.
21. Sam Thambipillai | February 25th, 2008 at 9:56 am
I read the interview with ambassador Blake. It appears that he is a victim of misinformation by the government of Sri Lanka.
When Dr Martin Luther King Jr was speaking of his dream being deeply rooted in the American dream in 1963, our leader SJV Chelvanayakam was speaking of the Tamil dream, where Tamils and Sinhalese, would live with equality and justice, without any economic neglect and discrimination under a federal constitution of the island.
Non violent sit-in movements and direct action demonstrations were carried out by Tamils from 1950’s to 1970’s. The people of North East exhibited volcanic show of solidarity. The state often replied with degrading attack using Sinhalese mobs, the police and the armed forces. Tamils were dehumanised and either jailed or put under house arrest.
During the 1960’s, John F Kennedy was never desperate to please his white constituency. He gave public support to the sit-ins by Dr Martin Luther King Jr. In contrast, all the leaders of the south of Ceylon were competing desperately with one another to apeace the Sinhalese constituency.
Degrading discrimination of Tamils became a common practice and increased in vigour daily. Competition amongst the political leaders to make discrimination constitutional, produced the discriminatory unilateral constitution of the rebel state of Sri Lanka in 1972 in the south, illegally annexing the North East.
This action ignited the fire for freedom and a freedom movement for the North East was born. By self referendum, the people of North East mandated the birth of Tamil Eelam as an independent sovereign state.
The problem in Ceylon became the problem of two countries; Tamil Eelam and Sri Lanka. All the governments portrayed falsely, the problem in the island as ethnic problem and terrorist problem to the international community. Even the USA administration has erroneously understood the real problem in the island.
The political ideology of sit-ins in America and India yielded results because the citizens of America and Britain valued freedom, equality and justice for mankind. High morals and values were running in their blood streams and culture.
The sit-ins in Ceylon had a contrasting effect because the Sinhalese do not value human freedom, equality and justice. This made the state to gear up Tamil discrimination, violence, murder and displacements, forcing the Tamils to abandon non violent methods. Resistance against Sinhalese violence remained the only option available for survival.
Now, the cycle of violence has culminated into state terror and counter terror.
Morality cannot be legislated and laws cannot change attitudes. Military support to a country engaged in state terror is dangerous. For this reason, the United States has a policy to refrain from any military co-operation with dictatorial and terror states.
Because the United States is not applying this policy to the present government of Sri Lanka, the government is moving faster towrds dictatorship. The government is stubbornly arrogant even to grant the reasonable requests of the International Community.
The US government, should therefore, make its military support conditional that the government of Sri Lanka should permit a UN monitoring mission to be present in the island.
22. Devinda Fernando | February 25th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
*** Davinda you are talking with the Tamils, we are world class people, we thrive on challanges. We know how to take advantage from disadvantages. Nothing is impossibel and impossible is nothing for us. ***
Yes Subra Massey, I know you people have this inflated opinion of yourselves… You are obviously Genetically superior to the rest of the Human Race…I guess that is why you cannot share a country with the Sinhalese,… you need your own Racially Pure Land so that the Tamil Ethnicity can inbreed and grow devoid of any inferior genes…
Just curious, if nothing is impossible for you,..then why dont you take on a bigger better Army? Conquer the world? Have the Next major Empire on the globe? Hell! why not colonize Space? Why is such an inferior 3rd world country like Sri Lanka, and the less superior intellect of humans (we Sinhalese) giving you Superior Tamils such a hard time? I mean after 25 years of fighting our antiquated Planes and Guns, and our ‘Lazy Work Mentality’, you still can’t decisively beat us? How much more motivation do you need? What more of a challenge do you need? You say you thrive on challenges? So this quest for Eelam? Is that not a challenge?
Eagerly awaiting to hear your answer to this?
23. Devinda Fernando | February 26th, 2008 at 11:48 am
***I am a firm believer in the Western powers, as they have been consistent in promoting freedom and equality around the world. ***
Suresh, Kosovo is not a done deal.
Russia and China will VETO any attempt for that country to become a UN member. oh…. did you not read that part on Tamilnet? What good is a de facto country? The minute the USA drops its backing of Kosovo,…. it is a goner… What kind of a government do you think Kosovo can possibly have? They cannot even form a Military capable to defend themselves…. Any weapons shipments to Kosovo from those countries that recognize it like the USA and European Union will be considered a Hostile act and an Act of War, it will no doubt spark the next confilct and proxy war fought between the West and Eastern Europe….
But you can keep believing it if it continues to make you feel positive about Western Powers and their ‘Desire’ to help the downtrodden poor little brown people! LOL!
Yes, I’m sure those Westerners in the countries you live in welcome you immigrants with open arms! They MUST JUST LOVE the fact you come to their countries and undercut their labor forces, take jobs away from them, and alter their country’s Political and Religious landscapes. They all have these Pluralistic Harmonious societies that are just Itching to Help other races on the planet…. I’m sure they must love you coming to their schools and dating their daughters. Wow! Everytime you go outside into the streets they must carry you on their Shoulders in Canada or UK! and shout out loud to the people “All Hail the Little Brown people for Wherever!? “
24. Suresh M | February 27th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
#23
Davinda,
I repeat, Kosovo is an independent country.
It is a done deal! You can scream the loudest, and nothing will change.
What you care about UN, as your uncle MR has branded them (U.N agencies) as Tiger agents anyway.
By the way, why are you so emotional that Kosovans get their freedom? You should be happy for them. Also, preare yourself for feeling happy soon, for SL Tamils!
25. Devinda Fernando | February 29th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
*** By the way, why are you so emotional that Kosovans get their freedom? You should be happy for them. Also, preare yourself for feeling happy soon, for SL Tamils! ***
Actually I don’t care about Kosovo, the KLA, or the Kosvars, nor do I care about Serbia. I would not know a Serbian or an Albanian if I were pissing on one. No Tamil either cares who or what is a Kosovar, Albanian, or a Serb… That is not the point. Tamils have suddenly vocalized their support for Kosovo because it is hopefully the example and angle that they hope to exploit in the UN to gain Eelam. You are happy for them because they set the precedent of what R2P has achieved for the KLA. No Tamil will care about Kosovo if it were invaded tomorrow by the Russians. That is the truth.
26. Peter | March 3rd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
What about the thugs (monks) JHU,thugs (JVP) who killed more of intelectuals like teachers, lecturers and army and police officers in a short time compared to the LTTE in that space of time, the present day Govt.ministers(thugs) like mervyn Silva who propup the present GOSL. So in short it is a Govt. by the thugs for the thugs. Go to the ‘ liberated ‘ East and see for yourself how the ,in somebodies eyes were the former thugs(LTTE) and now become the moderate and the sole representatives of the tamils of the east just because they are towing the line of the GOSL categorised as Govt. by the thugs for the thugs, are roaming the streets with crispy uniforms and guns. Of course the guns are hidden from the public temporarily until the local elections are over.
Compare the days of the 1956 when the tamils conducting a peaceful protest (Satyagraha) against the racist policy of Bandaranyake regime were taking cover from the thugs setupon by the then GOSL , are fighting a full fledged army,Navy and Airforce of the GOSL today. This cannot be achieved by a bunch of thugs as claimed ,but you need brains ,vision and courage. Stop blaming everybody else except the successive Sinhala regimes racist policies which has braught the present state of affairs. If you had the opportunity to see the consequences of the so called the riots (genocide) of the 1958,1971,1977,1981 and the 1983 will not deny the fact that the tamils were driven to the walls. Look at the present day where people are abducted, busedout of Colombo,deadbodies thrown at various places of the country,arbitarily arrested just for the simple reason they are TAMILS nothing else. Listen to what the Prime Minister of Srilanka has to say about the Tamils.
He brands every tamil as a terrorist when he said that they are the only govt.providing food for the terrorist who are filghting the Armed forces.What clearer statement you want show how the Sinhala regimes treat the Tamils. Do you know why the BUDHIST MONK in Batticaloa has started a FAST UNTO DEATH protest? He tried to be a just and a genuine BUDHIST. But he is branded as a supporter of the LTTE by no other than the JHU(thugs).Also do you know when one of the international reporters asked Pirabaharan who his best recruiting agent,pat came the answer the Srilankan armed forces. So it was a case of wrong after wrong continuing to this day.Even the just people trying to do the right are branded as terrorists or LTTE. REmember what Dr.Colvin R de silva once said, one language two nations two languages one nation.Also remember there are lots of Monkies waiting to solve the fight of the cats over the bread.
27. dingiri | March 4th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Oh.. I love it when Subra Massey gets on his supremacist hobby horse !! Readers, just see how the tide turned in favour of Obama soon after Subra endorsed him!! Subra is omnipotent! He is God! There is little doubt that the first thing on Obama’s to-do list is to berth the Indian Ocean fleet in Trinco, fence off a huge part of the country and help the Tamils chase the Sinhalese and Moslems out of it before recognising the new Eelam.
Subra’s next job is to invent that Anti-Gravity Super-Duper Nuclear Bomb and then drop it on the Sinhalese. He’s already got a work bench ready for the invention on the factory floor of his highly successful business. All he now needs it the Invention. (With apologies to Ibsen’s Wild Duck)
But seriously, I have observed this guy’s delusions worsening everytime I read his posts. Its time one of you Canadians drag him to a therapist or he might hurt himself jumping out of a window thinking he is Superman.
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