Ceasefire ‘mostly implemented’ in Trincomalee

[TamilNet, Friday, 02 August 2002, 09:39 GMT]
The ceasefire agreement between the Liberation Tigers and the Sri Lankan government has largely been implemented in Trincomalee, the head of the international monitors in the eastern district said Thursday. Ms Victoria Lund was addressing the weekly meeting of the Trincomalee Rotary Club as its guest speaker where she answered several questions on the ceasefire agreement.

"The challenge for the people in Sri Lanka is to develop mutual trust and build confidence. People are now talking to each other with the ceasefire in force", she said.

Acknowledging that the SLMM in Trincomalee had received a number of complaints, Ms said "[this] is not necessarily a bad thing, it can be positive."

"The violations are very different in their nature. The SLMM will say that it is not a violation if the parties show sincere willingness to find solutions and reduce tension," she said.

Ms Lund also said she was very lucky to serve in Trincomalee as it is a beautiful place.