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Selected Texts from the 1994-5 Negotiations Process
Declaration of Cessation of Hostilities
The modalities for the implementation of the agreed Cessation of Hostilities by the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam for a specified period will be as follows:-
1. There will be no offensive operations by either party during this period. An offensive operation will be considered a violation of the agreement.
2. The security forces and the LTTE will maintain their present positions on the ground, keeping a minimum of 600 metres between each other. However, each party would reserve the right of movement within 100 metres from their own bunker lines, keeping a minimum of 400 metres in between. Any party moving in the restricted areas would be considered an offensive operation.
3. The navy and airforce will continue to perform their legitimate tasks for safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, from external aggression, without in any way engaging in offensive operations against the LTTE, or causing any obstructions to legitimate and bona fide fishing activity in specified areas.
4. Acts such as sabotage, bomb explosions, abductions, assassinations and intimidation directed at any political group, party or any individual will amount to an offensive operation.
5. a. It is suggested that committees to deal with violations of this agreement be set up to inquire into any instances of violation of the above terms of agreement. These committees could be set up in the areas of Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa-Ampara and any other areas as deemed necessary
b. It will be the responsibility of these committees to take immediate action on complaints made by either party to this agreement to inquire into and resolve such disputes.
c. These committees could comprise representatives drawn from Canada, Netherlands, Norway, ICRC and from retired judges or public officers, religious heads and other leading citizens: all appointed by mutual agreement.
d. Each committee could consist of five members; two from government, two from the LTTE and one from a foreign country, who will be Chair.
e. Freedom of movement for the committees to perform their tasks will have to be ensured by both parties to the agreement.
f. Facilities required for the committees to act swiftly and impartially will have to be provided by mutual agreement.
6. Recommend establishment of communication between Sri Lanka and LTTE military area leaders which will enable them to sort out problems expeditiously, locally.
7. Cessation of Hostilities will continue till notice of termination is given by either party. Such notice should be given at least 72 hours before termination.
Signed on 7/8 January 1995
Mr. Veluppillai Pirabhakaran, Leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge, President of Sri Lanka and Commander in Chief of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces
Text as published by the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka, 8 January 1995
Letter of 3/2/95
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