Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2000-05-18-Speech-4-230"
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"en.20000518.10.4-230"2
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"Mr President, the resolution initiated by my colleagues, Mr Van Orden and Mr Deva, concerns a matter that is highly topical and most urgent even though this is the first occasion on which Parliament has devoted time to the tragic conflict in Sri Lanka which has been going on for over 17 years.
The resolution sends out a powerful message. The fighting has to stop. The parties have to get round the table and reach a reasonable solution that will last. In this regard, it can only be helpful for the international community, whether it is the UN, the Commonwealth or the European Union, to maintain a strong and current interest in developments.
This legitimate interest should not interfere with the work that has already been carried out by the Indian and Norwegian governments whose representatives have been engaged for some time now in the difficult and sensitive task of brokering negotiations. I know that in spite of the dreadful atrocities that have been committed against the civil population and against members of successive administrations, the Sri Lankan government at the highest levels is willing to enter into negotiations and is setting no conditions. We must all recognise the overriding importance of maintaining the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Beyond that there are many political options that can fruitfully be pursued.
The international community, including the EU, should be ready to provide substantial material support in due course for whatever solution is worked out and to assist the economic and social reconstruction of the country after so many years of conflict.
Above all, Parliament’s resolution is unequivocal in its condemnation of terrorism. This is a scourge which affects us all. There is no excuse for the indiscriminate acts of murder and mayhem carried out by the so-called Tamil Tigers against children and ordinary civilians going about their daily business and against democratically elected politicians. This is an attack on civilised society and the democratic institutions which we all value so highly.
Inevitably, the people most effected and most helpless in these situations are the nationals of the target country who have fled the conflict and are trying to lead new lives in Europe. These people are most vulnerable to threats and intimidation from organisations acting on behalf of terrorists such as the Tamil Tigers. Of course, there are many other terrorist groups whose activities are sustained in a similar way. They cleverly avoid breaking the laws of the host country and so can continue their ghastly activities with impunity. This situation must change.
I commend the resolution on Sri Lanka to this House."@en1
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