The Presidency of the European Union urges the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to cease hostilities immediately and to go to the peace talks in Switzerland on October 28-29 with substantial suggestions to resolve the ongoing conflict and to abide by their Geneva commitments. The Presidency believes there is no military solution to the conflict and has called on the parties to find a political solution. The legitimate interests and aspirations of all communities must be accommodated as part of the political settlement.

The EU reiterates its full support for the peace process, for the important work of the Norwegian facilitator and for the SLMM. The EU urges the parties to support and guarantee the security of the personnel of the SLMM. The EU expresses its full support for the Oslo principles of a federal solution, no secession and an accommodation of Muslims, and calls on the parties to abide by them.

The Presidency welcomes the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and United National Party (UNP) to cooperate on key issues vital for the nation's well being and to work together on a common national agenda.

The EU expresses its deep concern about the allegations of both sides committing highly serious human rights abuses, including killings of NGO workers, and urges both parties to show their commitment to respecting human rights. In this respect, the EU welcomes the announcement by President Rajapaksa of his intention to invite an international commission to inquire into recent killings, disappearances and abductions in Sri Lanka. The EU emphasises the importance of guaranteeing the independence, impartiality, credibility and effectiveness of the commission and calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Presidency expresses its deep concern about the humanitarian situation and urges the parties to protect civilians caught in the middle of the conflict. The EU urges the parties to guarantee free and safe access for NGOs and international organisations to help civilian population and communities in need of essential humanitarian assistance, and to continue valuable reconstruction and development work.

Source: http://www.eu2006.fi/news_and_documents/cfsp_statements/vko43/en_GB/1161867672116/