The third sesson of peace talks between the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) (Oslo Communique)
Export agreement coding (PDF)Country/entity
Sri LankaRegion
Asia and PacificAgreement name
The third sesson of peace talks between the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) (Oslo Communique)Date
5 Dec 2002Agreement status
Multiparty signed/agreedInterim arrangement
YesAgreement/conflict level
Intrastate/intrastate conflict ( )Stage
Pre-negotiation/processConflict nature
Government/territoryPeace process
Sri Lanka LTTE 2002 onward processParties
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE); Government of Sri LankaThird parties
Royal Government of NorwayDescription
Press statement highlights attempts at re-consolidating the ceasefire, giving access to humanitarian aid and that parties re-affirmed the need to help women and children.
Agreement document
Groups
- Children/youthGroups→Children/youth→RhetoricalPage 2, As a priority area identified by the parties for humanitarian action, the parties stressed the need to improve the situation for children affected by armed conflict. Inspired by the international norms protecting the rights of the child, the parties underlined that children belong with their families or other custodians and not in the workplace, whether civilian or military. The LTTE will engage in a partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to draw up an action plan for restoring normalcy to the lives of children, and the parties called on the international community to provide financial support for such an action plan.
- Disabled persons
No specific mention.
- Elderly/age
No specific mention.
- Migrant workers
No specific mention.
- Racial/ethnic/national group
No specific mention.
- Religious groupsGroups→Religious groups→SubstantivePage 1, The parties recognised that progress on political issues must be supported by the continued consolidation of the Ceasefire Agreement. New concrete measures will be taken to facilitate further de-escalation and to improve normalcy:
- The parties will facilitate restoration and rehabilitation of places of worship in the north and the east belonging to all religious communities. - Indigenous people
No specific mention.
- Other groups
No specific mention.
- Refugees/displaced persons
No specific mention.
- Social class
No specific mention.
Gender
- Women, girls and genderPage 2, The parties acknowledged the need to ensure that the priorities and needs of women are taken into account in all aspects of the peace process. To this effect, they agreed to establish a permanent advisory committee which will, on a regular basis, submit proposals relating to women's interests to the sessions of negotiations and to the sub-committees of the peace process. The committee will consist of four representatives of each party.
- Men and boys
No specific mention.
- LGBTI
No specific mention.
- FamilyPage 2, As a priority area identified by the parties for humanitarian action, the parties stressed the need to improve the situation for children affected by armed conflict. Inspired by the international norms protecting the rights of the child, the parties underlined that children belong with their families or other custodians and not in the workplace, whether civilian or military. The LTTE will engage in a partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to draw up an action plan for restoring normalcy to the lives of children, and the parties called on the international community to provide financial support for such an action plan.
State definition
- Nature of state (general)Page 1, ... based on a federal structure within a united Sri Lanka. The parties acknowledged that the solution has to be acceptable to all communities.
- State configurationGuided by this objective, the parties agreed to initiate discussions on substantive political issues such as, but not limited to:
- Power-sharing between the centre and the region, as well as within the centre - Self determinationPage 1, Responding to a proposal by the leadership of the LTTE, the parties agreed to explore a solution founded on the principle of internal self-determination in areas of historical habitation of the Tamil-speaking peoples, based on a fedral structure within a united Sri Lanka. The parties acknowledged that the solution has to be acceptable to all communities.
- Referendum
No specific mention.
- State symbols
No specific mention.
- Independence/secession
No specific mention.
- Accession/unification
No specific mention.
- Border delimitation
No specific mention.
- Cross-border provision
No specific mention.
Governance
- Political institutions (new or reformed)
No specific mention.
- Elections
No specific mention.
- Electoral commission
No specific mention.
- Political parties reform
No specific mention.
- Civil society
No specific mention.
- Traditional/religious leaders
No specific mention.
- Public administrationPage 1, Guided by this objective, the parties agreed to initiate discussions on substantive political issues such as, but not limited to:
...- Political and administrative mechanism - Constitution
No specific mention.
Power sharing
- Political power sharingPower sharing→Political power sharing→GeneralState levelPage 1, Guided by this objective, the parties agreed to initiate discussions on substantive political issues such as, but not limited to:
- Power-sharing between the centre and the region, as well as within the centre
- Geographical regionPower sharing→Political power sharing→OtherState levelPage 2, The parties acknowledged the need to ensure that the priorities and needs of women are taken into account in all aspects of the peace process. To this effect, they agreed to establish a permanent advisory committee which will, on a regular basis, submit proposals relating to women's interests to the sessions of negotiations and to the sub-committees of the peace process. The committee will consist of four representatives of each party. - Territorial power sharingPower sharing→Territorial power sharing→OtherPage 1, Guided by this objective, the parties agreed to initiate discussions on substantive political issues such as, but not limited to:
- Geographical region - Economic power sharing
No specific mention.
- Military power sharing
No specific mention.
Human rights and equality
- Human rights/RoL generalPage 1, Guided by this objective, the parties agreed to initiate discussions on substantive political issues such as, but not limited to:
...- Human Rights protection - Bill of rights/similar
No specific mention.
- Treaty incorporation
No specific mention.
- Civil and political rights
No specific mention.
- Socio-economic rights
No specific mention.
Rights related issues
- Citizenship
No specific mention.
- Democracy
No specific mention.
- Detention procedures
No specific mention.
- Media and communication
No specific mention.
- Mobility/access
No specific mention.
- Protection measuresRights related issues→Protection measures→Protection of groupsPage 2, As a priority area identified by the parties for humanitarian action, the parties stressed the need to improve the situation for children affected by armed conflict. Inspired by the international norms protecting the rights of the child, the parties underlined that children belong with their families or other custodians and not in the workplace, whether civilian or military. The LTTE will engage in a partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to draw up an action plan for restoring normalcy to the lives of children, and the parties called on the international community to provide financial support for such an action plan.
- Other
No specific mention.
Rights institutions
- NHRI
No specific mention.
- Regional or international human rights institutions
No specific mention.
Justice sector reform
- Criminal justice and emergency law
No specific mention.
- State of emergency provisions
No specific mention.
- Judiciary and courts
No specific mention.
- Prisons and detention
No specific mention.
- Traditional Laws
No specific mention.
Socio-economic reconstruction
- Development or socio-economic reconstructionSocio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic developmentPage 1, The third session of peace talks between the Government of Sri Lanka {GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam {LTTE) was held in Oslo, Norway on 2 to 5 December 2002. In a frank, open and constructive manner, the parties focused on three major areas:
- Humanitarian and rehabilitation action
Page 1, The parties recognised that progress on political issues must be supported by the continued consolidation of the Ceasefire Agreement. New concrete measures will be taken to facilitate further de-escalation and to improve normalcy:
- The parties will facilitate restoration and rehabilitation of places of worship in the north and the east belonging to all religious communities.
Page 1, The parties strongly underlined the need to move rapidly on humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts in the north and east. For this purpose, the early establishment of the North-East Reconstruction Fund will be critical. The parties agreed that the custodian of the fund should be selected and modalities for its operation agreed at the next meeting of the Sub-Committee on Immediate Humanitarian and Rehabilitation Needs. The parties expressed their appreciation of the strong support extended bySocio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Humanitarian assistancePage 1, The third session of peace talks between the Government of Sri Lanka {GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam {LTTE) was held in Oslo, Norway on 2 to 5 December 2002. In a frank, open and constructive manner, the parties focused on three major areas:
- Humanitarian and rehabilitation action
Page 1, The parties recognised that progress on political issues must be supported by the continued consolidation of the Ceasefire Agreement. New concrete measures will be taken to facilitate further de-escalation and to improve normalcy:
- The parties will facilitate restoration and rehabilitation of places of worship in the north and the east belonging to all religious communities.
Page 1, The parties strongly underlined the need to move rapidly on humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts in the north and east. For this purpose, the early establishment of the North-East Reconstruction Fund will be critical. The parties agreed that the custodian of the fund should be selected and modalities for its operation agreed at the next meeting of the Sub-Committee on Immediate Humanitarian and Rehabilitation Needs. The parties expressed their appreciation of the strong support extended by - National economic plan
No specific mention.
- Natural resources
No specific mention.
- International fundsPage 1, The parties expressed their appreciation of the strong support extended by several governments to the peace process at the Sri Lanka Support Meeting held in Oslo on 25 November, and urged these governments to rapidly release funds needed for humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts.
Page 2, The LTTE will engage in a partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to draw up an action plan for restoring normalcy to the lives of children, and the parties called on the international community to provide financial support for such an action plan. - Business
No specific mention.
- TaxationSocio-economic reconstruction→Taxation→Reform of taxationPage 1, Guided by this objective, the parties agreed to initiate discussions on substantive political issues such as, but not limited to:
... - Public finance - Banks
No specific mention.
Land, property and environment
- Land reform/rightsLand, property and environment→Land reform/rights→Other land rightsPage 1, On the basis of their firm conviction that the maintenance of law and order in the north and east is of paramount importance, the parties agreed to request the Sub-Committee on De-escalation and Normalization to propose a common approach to settling cases involving the disputed use of private property, where such use has been impeded by the conflict. Furthermore, the LTTE will ensure that the activities of their law and order mechanisms will not be extended beyond the areas dominated by the LTTE.
- Pastoralist/nomadism rights
No specific mention.
- Cultural heritageLand, property and environment→Cultural heritage→TangiblePage 1, The parties recognised that progress on political issues must be supported by the continued consolidation of the Ceasefire Agreement. New concrete measures will be taken to facilitate further de-escalation and to improve normalcy:
- The parties will facilitate restoration and rehabilitation of places of worship in the north and the east belonging to all religious communities. - Environment
No specific mention.
- Water or riparian rights or access
No specific mention.
Security sector
- Security GuaranteesPage 1, Guided by this objective, the parties agreed to initiate discussions on substantive political issues such as, but not limited to:
... - Law and order - CeasefireSecurity sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provisionPage 1, The third session of peace talks between the Government of Sri Lanka {GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam {LTTE) was held in Oslo, Norway on 2 to 5 December 2002. In a frank, open and constructive manner, the parties focused on three major areas:
- Consolidation of the ceasefire
- Humanitarian and rehabilitation action
- Political matters
Page 1, The parties recognised that progress on political issues must be supported by the continued consolidation of the Ceasefire Agreement. New concrete measures will be taken to facilitate further de-escalation and to improve normalcy:
- The LTTE will accept the right of political groups to carry out political work, including in the Jaffna peninsula and the islands, provided that they are unarmed, as stipulated by the Ceasefire Agreement - Police
No specific mention.
- Armed forcesPage 2, As a priority area identified by the parties for humanitarian action, the parties stressed the need to improve the situation for children affected by armed conflict. Inspired by the international norms protecting the rights of the child, the parties underlined that children belong with their families or other custodians and not in the workplace, whether civilian or military. The LTTE will engage in a partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to draw up an action plan for restoring normalcy to the lives of children, and the parties called on the international community to provide financial support for such an action plan.
- DDR
No specific mention.
- Intelligence services
No specific mention.
- Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forcesPage 1, The parties recognised that progress on political issues must be supported by the continued consolidation of the Ceasefire Agreement. New concrete measures will be taken to facilitate further de-escalation and to improve normalcy:
- The LTTE will ensure that all future transportation of area commanders will take place under the supervision of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM)]
- The LTTE will accept the right of political groups to carry out political work, including in the Jaffna peninsula and the islands, provided that they are unarmed, as stipulated by the Ceasefire Agreement
Page 1, On the basis of their firm conviction that the maintenance of law and order in the north and east is of paramount importance, the parties agreed to request the Sub-Committee on De-escalation and Normalization to propose a common approach to settling cases involving the disputed use of private property, where such use has been impeded by the conflict. Furthermore, the LTTE will ensure that the activities of their law and order mechanisms will not be extended beyond the areas dominated by the LTTE. - Withdrawal of foreign forces
No specific mention.
- Corruption
No specific mention.
- Crime/organised crime
No specific mention.
- Drugs
No specific mention.
- Terrorism
No specific mention.
Transitional justice
- Transitional justice general
No specific mention.
- Amnesty/pardon
No specific mention.
- Courts
No specific mention.
- Mechanism
No specific mention.
- Prisoner release
No specific mention.
- Vetting
No specific mention.
- Victims
No specific mention.
- Missing persons
No specific mention.
- Reparations
No specific mention.
- Reconciliation
No specific mention.
Implementation
- UN signatory
No specific mention.
- Other international signatory
No specific mention.
- Referendum for agreement
No specific mention.
- International mission/force/similarPage 1, The parties recognised that progress on political issues must be supported by the continued consolidation of the Ceasefire Agreement. New concrete measures will be taken to facilitate further de-escalation and to improve normalcy:
- The LTTE will ensure that all future transportation of area commanders will take place under the supervision of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) - Enforcement mechanism
No specific mention.
- Related cases
No specific mention.
- SourceArchived hard copy, C. Bell. Originally from http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/insidepages/Pressrelease/RNG/PV/RNG5thDecPV.html
PARTIES HAVE DECIDED TO EXPLORE A POLITICAL SOLUTION FOUNDED ON INTERNAL SELF-DETERMINATION
BASED ONA FEDERAL STRUCTURE WITHIN A UNITED SRI LANKA
Oslo, 5 December 2002
Statement of the Royal Norwegian Government
The third session of peace talks between the Government of Sri Lanka {GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam {L TTE) was held in Oslo, Norway on 2 to 5 December 2002.
in a frank, open and constructive manner, the parties focused on three major areas:
- Consolidation of the ceasefire
- Humanitarian and rehabilitation action
- Political matters
The parties agreed on a working outline defining the objective as well as a number of substantive political issues tor negotiation.
Responding to a proposal by the leadership of the L TTE, the parties agreed to explore a solution tounded on the principle of internal self-determination in areas of historical habitation of the Tamil-speaking peoples, based ona fed~ral structure within a united Sri Lanka.
The parties acknowledged that the solution has to be acceptable to all communities.
Guided by this objective, the parties agreed to initiate discussions on substantive political issues such as, but not limited to:
- Power-sharing between the centre and the region, as well as within the centre
- Geographical region
- Human Rights protection
- Political and administrative mechanism
- Public finance
- Law and order
The parties recognised that progress on political issues must be supported by the continued consolidation of the Ceasefire Agreement.
New concrete measures will be taken to facilitate further de-escalation and to improve normalcy:
The GOSL will shortly return one of the hotels in Jaffna to its original use
The LTTE will ensure that all future transportation of area commanders will take place under the supervision of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM)
The LTTE will accept the right of political groups to carry out political work, including in the Jaffna peninsula and the islands,
provided that they are unarmed, as stipulated by the Ceasefire Agreement
The GOSL will, in consultation with all relevant parties and groups, evolve a solution to the problems arising from recent developments in the Delft island
The parties will facilitate restoration and rehabilitation of places of worship in the north and the east belonging to all religious communities.
On the basis of their firm conviction that the maintenance of law and order in the north and east is of paramount importance, the parties agreed to request the Sub-Committee on De-escalation and Normalization to propose a common approach to settling cases involving the disputed use of private property, where such use has been impeded by the conflict.
Furthermore, the L TTE will ensure that the activities of their law and order mechanisms will not be extended beyond the areas dominated by the LTTE.
The parties strongly underlined the need to move rapidly on humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts in the north and east.
For this purpose, the early establishment of the North-East Reconstruction Fund will be critical.
The parties agreed that the custodian of the fund should be selected and modalities tor its operation agreed at the next meeting of the Sub-Committee on lmmediate Humanitarian and Rehabilitation Needs.
The parties expressed their appreciation of the strong support extended by several governments to the peace process at the Sri Lanka Support Meeting held in Oslo on 25 November, and urged these governments to rapidly release funds needed tor humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts.
The parties acknowledged the need to ensure that the priorities and needs of women are taken into account in all aspects of the peace process.
To this effect, they agreed to establish a permanent advisory committee which will, on a regular basis, submit proposals relating to women's interests to the sessions of negotiations and to the sub-committees of the peace process.
The committee will consist of tour representatives of each party.
As a priority area identified by the parties tor humanitarian action, the parties stressed the need to improve the situation tor children affected by armed conflict.
lnspired by the international norms protecting the rights of the child, the parties underlined that children belong with their families or other custodians and not in the workplace, whether civilian or military.
The L TTE will engage in a partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to draw up an action plan tor restoring normalcy to the lives of children, and the parties called on the international community to provide financial support tor such an action plan.
The GOSL will, in order to arrive at the broadest possible consensus, establish an appropriate mechanism far consultation with all segments of opinion as part of the ongoing peace process.