FORMER NORTHERN IRELAND MINISTER MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LTTE

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION
PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE: THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 06

On 16 November Paul Murphy the former Northern Ireland Minister met representatives of the LTTE in Kilinochchi, to share his experience of peacebuilding in Northern Ireland.

Speaking after his meeting Paul Murphy said:

"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.

The Rt Hon Paul Murphy MP is visiting Sri Lanka between 14 and 16 November. Mr Murphy was the British Cabinet Minister responsible for Northern Irish affairs between 2002 and 2005, involved in the peace process. He previously served as Political Development Minister for Northern Ireland. He is currently the Chairman of the British Intelligence and Security Committee. and will be accompanied by Mr Christopher MacCabe, the British Joint Secretary of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat.

His visit follows a meeting in August where British Prime Minister Tony Blair discussed with President Mahinda Rajapakse ways in which the UK could support the Norwegian facilitated peace process.

While in Sri Lanka Mr Murphy has met a range of key participants in the peace process to share his experiences of building peace in Northern Ireland.