Resolution before US Congress calling for peace talks

A resolution was tabled before the US Congress yesterday calling on all parties to the Sri Lankan conflict to negotiate a political solution that will be fair to all ethnic communities whilst ruling out a military solution to the conflict.

The resolution was initiated by Democratic Congressman from New Jersey, Frank Pallone and Republican Congressman from Illinois, Jerry Weller. The Congressmen have said the US has a strategic interest in promoting peace in Sri Lanka and throughout South-East Asia.

It expresses serious concern over the worsening situation in Sri Lanka and urges all pertinent parties including the main Tamil parties to resume peace talks immediately.

The resolution further urges the LTTE to revoke violence as a means of achieving its political goals. It also recommends to President George Bush to further US involvement to secure a lasting peace.

It is further stated that thousands of innocent civilians have already been killed and more continue to die in Sri Lanka as a result of the military conflict between the LTTE and the government of Sri Lanka.

The resolution further states families in the north and east of Sri Lanka live in constant fear, anxiously hoping for their safety.

Stating the LTTE is designated in the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization the resolution adds twenty-five years of terrorism have not improved the lives of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka.

Fighting has steadily worsened over the past year despite the fact that a 2002 cease-fire between the rebels and the government is still technically in place while peace talks have been stalled since 2003 it is further stated.