OUTGOING US Ambassador Robert O’ Blake yesterday commended the Sri Lankan government for defeating LTTE terrorism and evacuating thousands of civilians trapped in the No Fire Zone. Thus, he said the government had abided by its commitment.
Responding to a question how the US looked at the manner in which the security forces had engaged in the evacuation of civilians trapped in the No Fire Zone and ended the 30-year-old war Ambassador Blake said, "They have a done a commendable job … the LTTE was using civilians in the No Fire Zone as human shields."
However he said, "We couldn’t have first-hand knowledge of what was really going on there since none of us had access to the war torn areas."
Ambassador Blake said, "In my opinion this marks the beginning of a new era for Sri Lanka and not the end of an era." He said the final phase of Sri Lanka’s war had erupted with the LTTE’s capture of the Mavil Aru anicut soon after his posting to Colombo for three years. He said he had relinquished duties as ambassador one day after President Mahinda Rajapaksa proclaimed victory over the LTTE.
Now it was time for the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims to see there was national reconciliation and to work towards creating a prosperous Sri Lanka, he said.
People in the north had undergone immense hardships due to war and now that terrorism had come to an end there was a lot to be done to alleviate their suffering, Ambassador Blake said.
"The government will have to expedite the resettlement of the displaced people," he said.
The Tamil Diaspora had a key role to play in the future and the government should engage them productively by accommodating them. The US, he said, would help Sri Lanka with the task.
Asked whether the US subscribed to the charges of so-called war crimes against Sri Lanka Blake said the matter was under review. He avoided elaborating on the issue.
Asked whether at least now the US would stop blocking the IMF loan facility to Sri Lanka, he answered evasively: He said that the US had already provided US$ 21 million for the welfare of the IDPs and more funds for resettlement and rebuilding would be forthcoming from the US.
Asked when the US$ 4.5 billion pledged by the Tokyo co-chairs for rebuilding and resettlement would be released, the Ambassador resorted to prevarication again. He said US had already provided US$ 21 million and each of the co-chairs would also assist in this endeavour.
Ambassador Blake said he and his family had enjoyed their stay in Sri Lanka. "We enjoyed every minute of it,’ he said adding that he had had an opportunity to mingle with people from all walks of life and gain insights into the countries pressing problems, especially the war. He said he looked forward to continuing relations with Sri Lanka in his new capacity as Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs as successor to Richard Boucher. (Courtesy: The Island)
