Ian Martin, International Advisor on human rights met with Jayantha Dhanapala, Secretary General of the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process today, Friday 14th October, on his return from Kilinochchi and his meeting with the political leadership of the LTTE. Mr. Martin conveyed to the GOSL, that the LTTE had indicated that progress on a human rights declaration would have to be deferred until issues relating to the ceasefire agreement have been addressed.
Mr. Dhanapala reaffirmed the Government’s commitment towards a human rights declaration - as had been agreed by both parties in 2003 - and the need for an objective monitoring process. He further stated that effective monitoring is essential for meaningful progress on human rights. Human rights must always take precedence in any peace process and should not be made subservient to the improved working of the Ceasefire Agreement.
Mr. Martin agreed to continue his efforts with both parties in progressing beyond the decisions at the sixth round of talks in Hakone in March 2003.
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Violations Committed
by the GOSL - 351
