Introductory meeting with Japanese envoy ahead

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 001603

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR SA, SA/INS, S/CT
NSC FOR E. MILLARD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09-15-13
TAGS: PTER PGOV PINS PHUM CE LTTE
SUBJECT: Introductory meeting with Japanese envoy ahead
of Tokyo follow-up meeting

Refs: Colombo 1565, and previous

(U) Classified by Ambassador Jeffrey J. Lunstead.
Reasons 1.5 (b, d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador Lunstead had an
introductory meeting with Japanese special envoy
Yashushi Akashi on September 11. Akashi shared his
views on the current situation, and touched on issues to
be raised during the September 12 Tokyo follow-up
meeting. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) Ambassador Lunstead had an introductory meeting
with Japanese special envoy Yasushi Akashi on September

11. Akashi made the following points re the current
situation:

-- Akashi reiterated Japanese support for the peace
process, with the Government of Japan playing a special
role due to the longstanding relationship between the
two countries; and also because Japan is the largest
donor to Sri Lanka.

-- Akashi stated that the GoJ was "anxious" to do
immediate reconstruction work in the north/east, and
noted that the Japanese and Norwegians should have
"complementary" and not competing roles; i.e., the
Japanese as donors and facilitators of
reconstruction/rehabilitation, and the Norwegians as
political facilitators.

-- Akashi said Japan was embarking on a new route in Sri
Lanka. In other situations, it had increased its aid
after peace was established. Here Japan was attempting
to use its aid as leverage to bring peace about.

-- Regarding the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
(LTTE),Akashi expressed considerable frustration with
their continued suspension of negotiations, and noted
with concern the recent spate of killings of anti-LTTE
Tamil politicians. Further, Akashi noted that during
his last meeting with Tiger supremo V. Prabakharan,
Prabakharan seemed to listen attentively to Akashi with
a "narrow focus," but not a closed mind. Akashi also
seemed to think that Tiger political leader S.P.
Thamilchelvam's recently increased role might not
necessarily be a bad thing, citing Prabhakaran's deep
trust of Thamilchelvam, but he noted that Tiger chief
negotiator Anton Balasingham's absence of late was not
good.

-- On the domestic politics front, Akashi agreed on the
need to include President Kumaratunga in peace process
developments, citing the problems caused by differences
between Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil
Wickremesinghe. He said Kumaratunga seemed willing to
accept an invitation for an official visit to Tokyo next
spring -- part of Tokyo's efforts to woo her.


3. (C) In response to Akashi's points, Ambassador
Lunstead noted the need to consolidate efforts to get
the LTTE to return to talks, and emphasized that the
Japanese and Norwegians need to balance complementary
roles. Regarding the forthcoming LTTE proposals for
interim administration of the north/east, the Ambassador
noted that it would be important to examine the
proposals both for substance, and for the proposed
process of restarting negotiations. The proposals would
no doubt be maximalist, but what was important was if
the Tigers were willing to use them as a starting point
for negotiations. Following on this, Akashi said that
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe had told him that the LTTE
counterproposals would likely contain different elements
than those of the GSL's, and that the LTTE would likely
ask for an increase of powers. Akashi and Ambassador
agreed on the necessity of a return to face-to-face
negotiations between the GSL and LTTE.


4. (C) COMMENT: Akashi is clearly frustrated with the
Tigers, but appeared hopeful ahead of the September 12
donors meeting (reported Septel),and his following
meetings with the LTTE and other players. The readout
from his meeting with the Tigers in the north on
September 14 will be key in gauging the Tigers' current
state of mind. END COMMENT.


5. (U) Minimize considered.

LUNSTEAD