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Murphy to brief Blair on peace process
Thursday, 16 November 2006 - 11:47 PM SL Time
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Paul Murphy, the former Northern Ireland Minister on Thursday met representatives of the LTTE in Kilinochchi, to share his experience of peacebuilding in Northern Ireland, according to a press release issued by the British High Commission.
The High Commission quoted Murphy as saying,`Ten years ago, people didn`t think that the Northern Ireland conflict could be resolved. But it has happened through political negotiations. They are similar hopes and prayers for a political solution in Sri Lanka. We urge parties to keep the lines of communication open. This was the case even during the worst times of conflict in Northern Ireland.
The Sri Lankan peace process needs to be inclusive. Listen to views of all parties and take on all subjects for discussion. This ranges from human rights and humanitarian assistance, to language issues and constitutional affairs.
There are striking similarities between Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka conflict. Firstly and primarily is the loss of life ? 3,500 people out of 1 and half million died in Northern Ireland. In Sri Lanka, 65,000 people out of 20 million have died as a result of the conflict. Discrimination and human right issues were prevalent during the Northern Ireland conflict and remain so in the conflict in Sri Lanka.
The war absolutely cannot be won by either side.`
Mr. Murphy was accompanied to Kilinochchi by officials from the British High Commission.
Paul Murphy came to Sri Lanka to discuss with different people their views on the peace process. He will now report back to Prime Minister Tony Blair on the discussions he had in Kilinochchi today and also earlier meetings in Colombo.
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