Joint Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Conference

The Tokyo Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, US and EU) jointly express their strong concerns about the termination of the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement by the Government of Sri Lanka. These concerns have already been expressed in individual statements.

The Co-Chairs support a continued Norwegian role as facilitator.

The Co-Chairs emphasize their belief that there is no military solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka, and reiterate their support for a negotiated settlement. Thus they

• urge the Government of Sri Lanka to finalise a politically sustainable devolution plan;
• urge all parties to comply with their obligations under international law to protect civilians and allow access by humanitarian aid agencies to populations in need;
• express deep concern about the human rights situation and protection of civilians in Sri Lanka, and call for continued monitoring of the human rights situation by such means as to assure an appropriate role for the UN;
• request the Government of Sri Lanka to provide access to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Kilinochchi for representatives of the Co-Chairs and the facilitator.