USA, like Sri Lanka, is engaged in a sustained struggle against terrorism- US Ambassador

(December, 06, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Effective counter-terrorism requires sound economic development policies to provide jobs and economic opportunity. It requires a political strategy that embraces democracy, freedom of speech, independent media and a marketplace of ideas. It requires political compromise to address the aspirations of combatants so they can be persuaded to lay down their arms. It requires respect for human dignity and a rejection of an ideology of hate that targets innocent civilians.”

by Robert Blake, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka & Maldives

Commanders, Ladies, and gentlemen,

I would like to thank General Fonseka for his kind invitation to be here today, for the honor of being your chief guest, and for the opportunity to speak on a subject that is of great importance to us all. I note that General Fonseka has spoken of the need of every commander to commit himself personally to the respect of the basic human rights of every individual, even when carrying out his difficult and often dangerous duties. I could not agree more.

Photo: Ambassador Blake joined with Lt. General Fonseka, Commander of the Sri Lankan Army; Mr. Toon Vandenhove, Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross; Mrs. Malathi Bodinagoda Ratwatte, Executive Director of the Institute of Human Rights; Mr. Senaka Dissanayake, Programme Manager of the Human Rights Committee of Sri Lanka, and other officers to participate in a Human Rights Seminar for Sri Lankan Army Battalion Commanders in Colombo December 4, 2007

I speak to you today as a friend of Sri Lanka. The friendly relations between the U.S. and Sri Lanka go back almost 60 years. We want to build on those to help Sri Lanka end its long conflict, strengthen its democracy, and promote economic prosperity and free markets so this beautiful country can realize the bright hopes that we all have for it.

The United States, like Sri Lanka, is engaged in a sustained struggle against terrorism. We recognize that the people of Sri Lanka continue to face the threat of terrorism from the Tamil Tigers. The United States has been a steadfast supporter of Sri Lanka’s efforts to stop the flow of arms and financing to the LTTE, by providing law enforcement assistance, and by providing training and equipment to help the Sri Lankan military defend itself.

However, experience around the world has shown it is virtually impossible to defeat a terrorist insurgency by military means alone. Effective counter-terrorism requires sound economic development policies to provide jobs and economic opportunity. It requires a political strategy that embraces democracy, freedom of speech, independent media and a marketplace of ideas. It requires political compromise to address the aspirations of combatants so they can be persuaded to lay down their arms. It requires respect for human dignity and a rejection of an ideology of hate that targets innocent civilians.

And it requires respect for human rights. Lessons from conflicts in the Middle East, the Balkans and elsewhere tell us that a key motivator in many terrorist incidents was the desire to avenge extra-judicial killings, torture and other human rights crimes committed against their families and friends. These memories burn deep and make post-conflict national reconciliation that much more difficult.

In battle, soldiers may occasionally act outside the law. What is important is that there are laws and institutions set up to investigate and respond appropriately to such transgressions. The successful empowerment of such institutions and the full implementation of such laws are measures of a strong and well-regulated military and a strong and healthy democracy.

That’s why the United States and Sri Lanka agreed earlier this year that it would be very useful to bring together military justice experts from Sri Lanka and the United States to exchange information, perspectives and best practices. As a result, military law professionals from the U.S. Pacific Command, in partnership with the American Embassy in Colombo, hosted a Military Law Exchange Program with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense to exchange ideas on ways to improve transparency, accountability and human rights in military justice. We are now planning follow-on activities to see how we can work together to strengthen your military justice institutions and improve accountability within the military.

The people of Sri Lanka face difficult times. We want to help you face them. But for us to keep helping you, it is important to realize that we hold ourselves and our partners to the highest standard of human rights observance. As the warriors of a democratic society and government, you, like we, have an obligation to protect human rights, hold people accountable for past abuses, and shield the population from any further abuses.

I am glad that General Fonseka has emphasized this point. We hope to continue working with you closely to make further progress on this, which is as important as any other part of your campaign to restore the integrity of the nation of Sri Lanka, and assure a peaceful and bright future for all its people.

Thank you again for this invitation to join you today. I wish you successful deliberations in this important seminar.

(US Ambassador Black remarks for Human Rights Seminar for Sri Lankan Army Battalion Commanders December 4, 2007)