15.1.2008
Presidential Secretariat says that Japanese Special Peace Envoy, Mr Yashushi Akashi met President Mahinda Rajapaksha yesterday evening.
At this meeting which took place at Temple Trees, Mr. Akashi has inquired the President of the steps government intends to take in respect of peace after the abrogation of Cease Fire Agreement and the President in reply has told that the government has placed full confidence in a political solution.
According to sources from Presidential Secretariat, Mr. Akashi has also inquired the President about the activities of the All Party Representative Committee and he has emphatically told the President that Japan agrees only to a political solution with devolution of power.
Meanwhile Mr. Yashushi Akashi also had a special discussion with the chairman of the All Party Representative Committee, Mr. Tissa Witharana yesterday.
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Intention of my visit is to compel S.L. Govt. to bring in devolution proposals! – Japan's Special Envoy
The intention of his visit to Sri Lanka this time was to compel the government of Sri Lanka to present a devolution package as a solution for the prevailing crisis said Japan's special envoy Yasushi Akashi. He said he conveyed “Japan's grave concern to the Government of Sri Lanka, and urged strongly the political solution of the problem through negotiations.”
He said this at a press conference held in Colombo today (15th) before leaving his three day visit to the island.
Speaking further Mr. Akashi said, “The Government of Japan, following the decision by the Government of Sri Lanka on January 3rd to withdraw from the Ceasefire Agreement with the LTTE, issued a statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs which expressed the deep concern of the Government of Japan on the decision, stating that such decision may lead to an increased level of violence and greater civilian casualties.”
He said he decided to visit Sri Lanka urgently as he “could convey Japan's grave concern to the Government of Sri Lanka, and urge strongly the political solution of the problem through negotiation, since the termination of the Ceasefire Agreement may prompt the pursuit of military solution of the conflict, with dire humanitarian consequences.”
Speaking further Japan's special envoy said, “Last evening I had a meeting with His Excellency the President, during which I conveyed the serious concerns of our Government, and emphasized that the political solution of the problem would be indispensable and in that context, a devolution package on which the government of Sri Lanka had been exerting considerable efforts must be drafted as soon as possible and be offered to the relevant parties, including LTTE. His Excellency the President in response expressed commitment to the political solution of the conflict, stating that the drafting of devolution package would be completed very soon.”
With regard to human rights issues Mr. Akashi said, “Our Government has been urging Government of Sri Lanka on the vital need to improve the human rights situation, and I reiterated our concern over this matter to the President, We will continue to observe closely the political, military and human rights situation in Sri Lanka.”
In response to a question raised by a journalist whether Co-Chairs had taken a decision to halt aid to Sri Lanka Mr. Akashi said, “I can speak only on behalf of Japan, As a responsible country the aid policies of Japan are decided on economic, humanitarian and other factors. In giving aid in the future the prevailing situation would be observed and taken into considered.”
When a journalist asked what he intended by having discussions first with the JVP which rejects mediation by Norwegian and Japanese governments Mr. Akashi said, “The JVP is a vital factor in this matter. We have to understand them and befriend them. Also, explaining our objectives is important in reaching our goal,” said Mr. Akashi adding what exists today is a shrinking world.
Courtesy - Lanka Truth