The United States is committed to supporting the Peace Process launched after the 2002 Cease Fire between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam or LTTE. Only a negotiated settlement according to the agreed terms of the Oslo Declaration can achieve an equitable and long-lasting resolution to the bloody conflict that has divided the nation for too long. The people of Sri Lanka deserve an opportunity to live in peace. Any settlement must preserve the territorial integrity, unity and national sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

Both sides have to take steps to ensure that all provisions of the Ceasefire Agreement are adhered to. We call upon the LTTE to end violence against political opponents and to cease the recruitment of child soldiers.

President Kumaratunga has shown flexibility in her proposals to renew discussions with the LTTE. Further delay in restarting negotiations can only damage the interests of all Sri Lankans who stand to gain from a return to real peace. We urge both parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring peace to the island.