Guide to conflict resolution jargon

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, APRIL 23. For those trying to understand the efforts being made to resolve the Sri Lankan conflict, it is a verbal jungle out here, but don't reach for that dictionary because it won't be of much use.

One of the main differences between the LTTE and the Government on the issue of peace talks is over pre-conditions, sorry, pre- requisites.

The CoD believes the two words mean the same, but they might have to come out with a clarification soon based on the experience in trying to resolve the conflict here.

As in: the LTTE has placed no pre-conditions for peace talks, but only wants certain essential pre-requisites to be fulfilled before such talks can commence. Can be used interchangeably with ``requests'' that have to be met prior to talks, but never to be confused with demands. The other nuance to remember is between a ``memorandum of understanding'' and an ``agreement'', the subject of much debate between the two sides. For those who cannot catch it, here is a clue from the experts: when Norway draws up a MoU on a set of reciprocal confidence building measures that will enable the two sides to come together for talks, it has crossed that ultra-thin line from facilitator to mediator, but not so when the same set of CBMs is called an agreement. Facilitation: LTTE slang for mediation. Mediation: abusive in government parlance.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : International
Previous : LTTE withdraws ceasefire
Next     : Amanullah backs Malik's idea of polls in J&K