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August 2008
Secession & Imperialism
Ima Stand by Cuba
Mani Conflict Resolution Economic Notes Call for Peace Movement Poetry:
Krishna, Nat
F
Editorial ● NDP Diary ● Sri Lankan Events ● Inte

ust 2008
sion&Imperialism
Imayavaramban by Cuba
Manik Mukherjee ict Resolution
MeeNilankco mic Notes
Sri or Peace Movement
Vidyasekera y:
Krishna, Nathalie Handal, Fadwa Tuqan
ri Lankan Events ● International ● Book Reviews

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TONIGHT Nathalie Handal
water will reach the rim of the glass but will not allow itself to leave the glass
violence will erupt and horrors will tie themselves to every bare tree
tonight we will hear speeches that tell us to open our legs to scandal like whores
tonight we will see tattooed waistlines and kalashnik in the back trunks of cars
paralyzed memories and revolutions behind every house door
we will see red landscapes, stones of light, light feathers sway in the nightscape
and wrinkles will multiply on our faces tonight as every dead raises from its grave
tonight exiles, immigrants, refuge will be caught in songbirds, cracked asphalt will recite old me
tonight we will listen to the cracks the screams of those strangled by the night at night
we will listen to the longing of purple evenings under god’s robe
tonight love will be difficult and we will forget how to wipe the from my neck, breasts, words

TONIGHT Nathalie Handal
ch glass but will not leave the glass
rupt and horrors
lves to e
l hear speeches
pen our legs whores
l see lines and kalashnikovs nks of cars
ories and hind oor
landscapes, , light feathers swaying
pe
ill multiply night as every m its grave
immigrants, refugees in songbirds, lt will recite old memories
l listen to the cracks of narratives f those strangled
night
o the longing ings be
ill be difficult rget how to wipe the sweat , breasts, words

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From the Edito
The 15th SAARC Summit cost at least three billi benefit to this country is highly questionable. I the conference here the Sri Lanka will hold the next year and there will be benefits to some w posts with impressive sounding names. But SAARC has achieved anything for the regi experience of the past 23 years is that SAARC mere talk-shops with nothing to offer to the pe the case for the foreseeable future. For an organisation like SAARC to be a succes be equal, irrespective of the sizes of the countr seeking to play “big brother” and using the var push its agenda of regional hegemony, coopera series of one-sided bilateral relations. Whatever the prospects are for SAARC, governments of member states show the priori in the member states. The newest member, Afg US puppet regime at war with its own people should not have been here, and it was manipula that delayed the formation of a government outcome of the election to its Constitutional A civilian government of Bangladesh is controlled has been actively persecuting the main pol leaders. The elected government Pakistan is un of its people who rejected the dictator Musha under pressure from the US to let him contin also bullies it into doing the dirty work of figh sympathisers. Bhutan has a government el managed election manipulated by its king who power. The Maldives is still far from mult charges of persecution of political opposition h The biggest bourgeois democracy of the planet before the summit by the way its government su by reportedly buying MPs from opposing p

From the Editor’s Desk
ost at least three billion to the country, but its highly questionable. It is true that by holding ri Lanka will hold the chair of SAARC for the be benefits to some who will be appointed to unding names. But the question is whether nything for the region or its people. The years is that SAARC conferences have been hing to offer to the people. That is likely to be le future.
AARC to be a success, the partnership has to he sizes of the countries involved. With India er” and using the various SAARC meetings to al hegemony, cooperation will be reduced to a al relations.
are for SAARC, recent records of the states show the priority that democracy enjoys e newest member, Afghanistan, is headed by a r with its own people. The premier of Nepal e, and it was manipulation by a regional power on of a government in Nepal based on the to its Constitutional Assembly. The caretaker ngladesh is controlled by the armed forces and cuting the main political parties and their rnment Pakistan is unable to fulfil the wishes d the dictator Musharraf at the polls and is US to let him continue as President. The US the dirty work of fighting the Taliban and its as a government elected through a stage- lated by its king who still wields considerable still far from multi-party democracy, and political opposition have been there for long. ocracy of the planet disgraced itself only days way its government survived a confidence vote Ps from opposing political parties, and its

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increasingly unpopular government is keen to s US before its term expires in a few months. The host country has distinguished itself with human rights and freedom of the media. corruption, a field in which there will of course for the top spot from among fellow member legislators, Sri Lanka can give lessons for the r as a host of corrupt ‘democracies’. What the rulers of the eight SAARC countries h submission to imperialist globalisation, the economic backwardness and poverty in each recent statement of the Politburo of the New out, the SAARC leaders who have declared a terrorism are unwilling to examine the cau terrorism, but show an unprecedented intere resistance to corrupt dictatorial regimes by calli
The summit conference has been conducted ag rise in the number of cruel mass murders w attack, on the pretext of fighting terrorism as retaliation. Attacks on the media are threatenin protests are being dealt with in brutal fashion. put down with help of the law, threats have beco
Demolition of squatters’ dwellings in the hear with no regard for their right to proper shel illustration of the callous contempt in which pe poor. It is significant that the demolition took p before the Summit. The dwellings were describ the Summit by senior officials of the Urban Dev undertook the demolition.
These developments are ominous and mean tha the population that threatens the existence in like critical media personnel, strikers and pro sections of the population may be sacrificed to few. The days to come could be increasingly declaration against terrorism is symbolic of it.
*****

vernment is keen to sell out the country to the
in a few months. tinguished itself with its record of breach of dom of the media. And there is rampant ch there will of course be powerful challengers ong fellow members. As for merchandising give lessons for the rest of South Asia as well cracies’. ht SAARC countries have in common is willing st globalisation, the very cause of growing and poverty in each of the countries. As a olitburo of the New Democratic Party points who have declared aloud their opposition to to examine the causes for what they call unprecedented interest in criminalising mass
torial regimes by calling it terrorism.
as been conducted against a background of a uel mass murders with civilians as target of fighting terrorism as well as in the name of e media are threatening democracy and public ith in brutal fashion. Where strikes cannot be law, threats have become the norm.
dwellings in the heart of the city of Colombo right to proper shelter and amenities is an contempt in which people in power behold the the demolition took place a barely a fortnight wellings were described as a security threat to cials of the Urban Development Authority that .
minous and mean that not only any section of tens the existence in power of the ruling elite, nel, strikers and protesters, but also passive n may be sacrificed to serve the interests of a could be increasingly harsh, and the SAARC sm is symbolic of it.
*****

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Secession as Imperialist
Imayavaramban
Imperialism and the National Questio
Imperialism knows no principle except what right to plunder the planet and its people. It human and democratic rights to the right t undermine any state that crosses its path; equa these rights to defend and expand its interests.
The principle of self-determination is not democracy but of the revolutionary ideology of proposed it to unite nationalities divided oppression. He boldly summed up the right to s inalienable right of a nation to secede. Thus se mean equality among nations coexisting within out of their own accord and no form of coercion
The notion of self-determination put forwa 1918 targeted certain European powers, and ha the expansionist interests of US imperialism t economic power in the wake of World War independence of various British colonies was co the desire for access to markets that were held rulers.
The dubious nature of the stand of the US and self-determination was clear from its cond and Central America and the Caribbean since th was subject to a series of interventions that b American control as was the case with the Do and Nicaragua. US annexation of Alaska and H the 20th Century was no more than the colonia the annexation of parts of Mexico early that cen

sion as Imperialist Tool
Imayavaramban
e National Question
principle except what it sees as its inalienable et and its people. It will use anything from rights to the right to self-determination to crosses its path; equally it will violate each of expand its interests.
determination is not a product of bourgeois lutionary ideology of the working class. Lenin nationalities divided by imperial Russian med up the right to self-determination as the on to secede. Thus self-determination came to ions coexisting within the framework of a state
d no form of coercion.
ermination put forward by Woodrow Wilson opean powers, and had behind a liberal guise s of US imperialism that emerged as a major wake of World War I. US support for the ritish colonies was considerably motivated by arkets that were held captive by the colonial
the stand of the US on the colonial question as clear from its conduct in relation to South the Caribbean since the late 19th century. Cuba f interventions that brought it under effective the case with the Dominican Republic, Haiti ation of Alaska and Hawaii in the latter half of ore than the colonial style expansion akin to Mexico early that century. Island territories of

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American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Maria and the US Virgin Islands are still under the holds on to Guantanamo, a part of Cuba, hous notorious military prison. The Philippines was and its nominal independence followed Japa World War II. The US now has military bases in the world and, significantly, its army of occup South Korea and Japan, over half a century either country.
Colonialism disapproved secession except w could be annexed by it, as was intended in Tibet if it helped to delay independence from coloni India. The colonial rulers were not interested in religion, nationality or any form of ethnic iden unless it served their interests. Secession was ‘divide and rule’ strategy.
In the colonial era self-determination mostly a weak or small country from a colonial master With such issues resolved by the liberation colonies, foreign control took the form of neo-c several imperialist countries dominated the eco by means including terms of trade, foreign cred Politics of identity came to the fore so that nati and religion became fault-lines along which the That suited the local ruling elite and exploi differences served to divide the oppressed cl developed into a major conflict that posed a thr
The nature of the contradiction in the natio colonial era differs qualitatively from that in th determination needs to be seen in a wider pers of the century when the question mainly con oppressor and the oppressed. The situation national minorities comprising various ethnic common enemy changed with the removal of a a colonial master or an aggressor like German o
Contradictions between nationalities, ethnic developed into powerful divisive forces as the n nominal control over the state of the former c expectations of the masses who supported th struggle. The ruling classes exploited the

, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico ds are still under the US, which shamelessly a part of Cuba, housing its naval base and its . The Philippines was a US colony since 1898 dence followed Japanese occupation during w has military bases in many countries around tly, its army of occupation is still stationed in over half a century since fighting ceased in
ed secession except when the seceded territory was intended in Tibet in early 20th Century, or pendence from colonial rule, as in the case in were not interested in quarrels based on race, y form of ethnic identity among their subjects terests. Secession was not always part of the
-determination mostly concerned liberation of rom a colonial master or an imperialist power. ed by the liberation of colonies and semi- ook the form of neo-colonialism, where one or ies dominated the economy of a former colony s of trade, foreign credit and development aid. o the fore so that nationality, region, language -lines along which the people could be divided. ling elite and exploiting classes, since such ide the oppressed classes, except when they nflict that posed a threat to the rulers.
radiction in the national question in the post- atively from that in the colonial era; and self- e seen in a wider perspective than at the dawn question mainly concerned two nations, an essed. The situation where nationalities and rising various ethnic groups united against a with the removal of a visible oppressor such as gressor like German or Japanese fascism.
n nationalities, ethnic groups and communities ivisive forces as the new elite classes that took state of the former colony failed to fulfil the es who supported them in the independence lasses exploited the contradictions among

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nationalities, religious communities and region important issues concerning the economy Imperialism too benefited from it.
Imperialism and Secession
Let us now examine the stand of imperialism to self-determination. Secession is no end imperialists or to Marxist Leninists. But they di way they see the right of a people to nationhood secession.
Eritrea, forced to federate with Ethiopia in and made a province of Ethiopia in 1962, stru US sided with Ethiopia to crush the struggle un coup overthrew ‘Emperor’ Haile Selassie of Et Soviet government. Then the US supported th the Soviet Union in its rivalry with US for glob Ethiopia. When the pro-Soviet regime fell in 19 but nothing could stop Eritrean independence in
Even more cynical was the imperialist supp mineral rich Katanga Province of Congo in government of newly independent Congo. Foll assassination of Prime Minister Patrice Lum brought the Congo under imperialist control, Tshombe were abandoned.
Imperialism forced the division of Vietnam defended the division of the former until its South Vietnam in 1975 but still keeps Korea div of Taiwan was invaded by the fleeing reactiona army following communist victory on the ma KMT regime in Taiwan was treated as the law until 1972 when the US was forced to recognise China. The US then changed its strategy an secessionism in its bid to divide and weaken secessionist agenda in the late 1950s and the C landlords to rebel. The uprising of 1959 was and their ally the Dalai Lama fled, and were s pressure from the US. Today the US is the clamour for Tibetan ‘independence’.

munities and regions to divert attention from rning the economy and living conditions.
from it.
ecession
e stand of imperialism on the right of a people ecession is no end in itself either to the Leninists. But they differ fundamentally in the people to nationhood, self-determination and
rate with Ethiopia in 1952 with US approval Ethiopia in 1962, struggled for secession. The crush the struggle until 1974, when a military ’ Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and set up a pro- the US supported the Eritrean struggle, and alry with US for global domination supported oviet regime fell in 1991, they switched sides, itrean independence in 1992.
s the imperialist support for secession of the rovince of Congo in 1960 to weaken the ependent Congo. Following the coup and the Minister Patrice Lumumba in 1961, which r imperialist control, Katanga and its leader
.
e division of Vietnam and Korea; and the US the former until its defeat by the people of t still keeps Korea divided. The Chinese island the fleeing reactionary Guo Min Dang (KMT) st victory on the mainland in 1949, and the as treated as the lawful government of China as forced to recognise the People’s Republic of anged its strategy and promoted Taiwanese o divide and weaken China. Tibet joined the late 1950s and the CIA encouraged its feudal uprising of 1959 was defeated and its leaders ama fled, and were sheltered in India under oday the US is the main force behind the pendence’.

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The Soviet Union and China recognised very the correct handling of their complex national q their respective national questions more effect state. US imperialism found in militant Islam two states. It found Islam to be more effe regionalism to mobilise resistance to the pr Afghanistan. Thus the Taliban was nurtured by CIA. What became of it later is another matte creation of the US, with support from Saudi A anti-communist mission. US imperialism pro Muslim majority states of the Soviet Union an Autonomous Province of China, and continues t Republic of Russia.
Since the fall of socialist regimes in Europe acted fast to dismantle Yugoslavia, with no reg its nationalities. That was a joint imperialist p European partners. Slovenia’s relative prosper first. European powers also encouraged Croat cleansing followed, with Serbs expelled en mas forces and much bloodshed. Secession of Bosni imperialists are now distorting history to blame all ills, but they are answerable for most of t about the active role of the West to recruit Isla and of the dubious role of the UN and NAT secession of Kosovo is a case of calculated a problem to punish Serbia for its defiance. But t its hand and the secession has revived calls Bosnia to secede from Bosnia and move closer t
On the contrary, in Georgia, not far from Y protective about its client state. Georgian seces South Ossetia have a longer claim to secession facto control of their territory for over a deca pressure to deny support to them or to the sece Autonomous Province who have grown strong in
Imperialism has used ethnic groups and liberation movements as it did in Vietnam and Nicaragua’s Sandinista government in that fas the correct handling of the national question by
Secession as an imperialist tool has now tran In Bolivia, in an effort to counter moves by

China recognised very early the importance of eir complex national questions, and dealt with questions more effectively than any capitalist nd in militant Islam a way to undermine the am to be more effective than tribalism or resistance to the pro-Soviet government in liban was nurtured by the US, specifically the ater is another matter. Al Qaeda was another support from Saudi Arabia, to use Islam in its US imperialism promoted secession in the f the Soviet Union and in the Sinkiang Uighur China, and continues to stir trouble in Chechen
ist regimes in Europe in 1989-90, imperialism ugoslavia, with no regard for the wellbeing of s a joint imperialist project of the US and its nia’s relative prosperity tempted it to secede lso encouraged Croatia to secede and ethnic erbs expelled en masse by pro-Western Croat ed. Secession of Bosnia was even bloodier. The rting history to blame Serbian nationalism for werable for most of the crimes. Little is said e West to recruit Islamic Mujahideen fighters, of the UN and NATO forces in Bosnia. The case of calculated aggravation of a national for its defiance. But the West has over played on has revived calls by the Serb Republic of
nia and move closer to Serbia.
orgia, not far from Yugoslavia, imperialism is state. Georgian secessionists in Abkhazia and er claim to secession than Kosovo and have de ritory for over a decade. But Russia is under to them or to the secessionists of the Adzharia o have grown strong in recent years.
ethnic groups and nationalities to weaken it did in Vietnam and Laos. It tried to weaken vernment in that fashion, but failed owing to e national question by the Sandinistas.
alist tool has now transcended ethnic identity. to counter moves by the state to control its

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natural resources, the US is encouraging att wealthy Santa Cruz Province to secede. Si encouraged in Venezuela in the fuel-rich state o where the US proxy, Ethiopia is losing control f the government of the Union of Islamic Courts t country, there are efforts to carve out the s legitimate struggle for self-determination by th Iraq, Iran and Turkey could be cynically man and destabilise Iran. Turkey will, however, be oppression of the Kurds while attempt will be nationalists into thinking of the US as an ally.
Thus the imperialist rules are clear and safeguard its territorial integrity it should su imperialism; and if it seeks to defend its resou it risks destabilisation of the state. Secession h the imperialist armoury to blackmail and bull World, without imperialism risking direct interv
Marxist Leninists and Secession
The fact that imperialism uses secession as a Marxist Leninists and anti-imperialists shou secession. On the contrary they should uphold firmly. To Marxist Leninists the right to session right to self determination and not a licence to is a proven way to prevent secession and conflic
Many secessionist movements are the result to secession or the forced annexation of region people concerned. Thus what is important is to which the call for secession is made and ex represents the genuine concerns of a nation exploiting classes and imperialism. Even wher support a secessionist movement, a careful discriminate between genuine concerns of a manipulation by imperialism and its lackeys.
*****

S is encouraging attempts by the relatively vince to secede. Similar efforts are being in the fuel-rich state of Zulia. Also in Somalia, pia is losing control following its overthrow of ion of Islamic Courts that restored order to the s to carve out the state of Somaliland. The f-determination by the Kurds divided between uld be cynically manipulated to control Iraq key will, however, be allowed to continue its while attempt will be made to delude Kurdish
of the US as an ally.
rules are clear and simple: for a state to ntegrity it should submit to the demands of ks to defend its resources against imperialism the state. Secession has become a weapon in to blackmail and bully countries of the Third m risking direct intervention.
and Secession
sm uses secession as a tool does not mean that nti-imperialists should oppose the right to y they should uphold the principle even more ts the right to session is an integral part of the n and not a licence to secede at will. In fact, it t secession and conflicts between nationalities.
ements are the result of the denial of the right annexation of regions without consulting the hat is important is to determine the basis on sion is made and examine whether the call oncerns of a nationality or the interests of perialism. Even where imperialism is seen to ovement, a careful study of the call could nuine concerns of a community and sinister ism and its lackeys.
*****

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Stand by the People of C
by
Manik Mukherjee Socialist Unity Centre of
The oppressed people from all over the wo freedom and emancipation from capitalist exp the example of how Cuba under the leadership holding high the banner of socialism defying States and the economic attack of the entire cap States never accepted the existence of socialis backyard, and from the beginning of the victor has constantly tried to bring about the to government through internal intrigues and infi revolutionaries, through political propagand about Comrade Fidel Castro and the socialist s invasion, and imposition of economic embargo.
Countless times the CIA had hatched con Castro. But the Cuban people under the leade Castro and the Communist Party of Cuba br American machinations, and by successfully defended their freedom and protected the s country. The toiling people of our country s Comrade Fidel Castro and the people of Cuba the imperialist aggression led by USA. With revolution the Cuban people have become fr capitalist exploitation and are marching forwar development and progress. Cuba has made rem period following the revolution. Poverty a eradicated. Superior education has reached erected a remarkable public health system, s medical attention is available for the whole pe

d by the People of Cuba
by
Manik Mukherjee
ist Unity Centre of India
from all over the world who are aspiring for n from capitalist exploitation are inspired by under the leadership of Fidel Castro has been of socialism defying the might of the United ttack of the entire capitalist world. The United existence of socialist Cuba, practically in its eginning of the victory of Cuban revolution it bring about the toppling of the socialist nal intrigues and infiltration of hired counter- political propaganda spreading calumnies tro and the socialist system, threat of military of economic embargo.
IA had hatched conspiracies to assassinate eople under the leadership of Comrade Fidel ist Party of Cuba bravely fought against the and by successfully foiling these attempts and protected the socialist system in their ple of our country salute the leadership of d the people of Cuba for successfully resisting n led by USA. With the victory of Cuban ople have become free from the bondage of are marching forward on the road of socialist s. Cuba has made remarkable progress in the evolution. Poverty and hunger have been cation has reached the masses. Cuba has blic health system, so that the best possible able for the whole people. Even the advanced

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capitalist countries admire the excellence of t system.
Cuba is now passing through a difficult perio the dismantling of socialism in Soviet Russia it back up of a strong ally, and on the other han single-handedly the stringent economic blocka its western allies. After the revolution when C socialist economy, Nikita Khrushchev of Sov Cuban leaders to concentrate on development and not spend its effort on industrial develo Cuba was a part and parcel of the socialist famil industrial goods necessary for its development Cuba followed this advice, but now that the cou Russia has led to the disintegration of the soc also does not exist.
Now Cuba is feeling effects of this deficienc has realized that to survive in these hostile embark on a process of rapid industrialization is entering into agreements with foreign countr Cuba, but fully protecting the Cuban interests working class. At the same time Comrade indefatigably to forge a unity of the progress America to resist US hegemonism and stop the American people by the US-based multinationa American countries the left and democra ascendancy and the USA had to retreat from i many occasions are measures of the success of C
In today's world when the socialist camp h imperialists are getting more belligerent only North Korea are holding high the banner of soc duty of the freedom-loving people of the whole to convey the message to the imperialist powe whole world are in total solidarity with Cuba keep the flame of socialism burning. We are in courage and determination of the Cuban peop toiling people of India we express our so Communist Party and its leader Comrade Fidel
Throughout the world the people who globalization and liberalization, against the mu of the people and of the country's resources loo

re the excellence of the Cuban public health
rough a difficult period. On the one hand with sm in Soviet Russia it has lost the support and and on the other hand it has to fight almost gent economic blockade imposed by USA and he revolution when Cuba was building up its a Khrushchev of Soviet Russia advised the rate on development in the agricultural sector on industrial development. He assured that l of the socialist family and it would get all the y for its development from Soviet Russia itself. , but now that the counter-revolution in Soviet integration of the socialist camp, this back up
ffects of this deficiency in industrialization. It vive in these hostile surroundings it has to pid industrialization and modernization. So it ts with foreign countries to set up industries in g the Cuban interests and the interests of the ame time Comrade Castro has been trying unity of the progressive forces through Latin monism and stop the exploitation of the Latin S-based multinationals. That in so many Latin left and democratic forces are gaining had to retreat from its aggressive postures in res of the success of Comrade Castro's efforts.
the socialist camp has disintegrated and the ore belligerent only two countries Cuba and igh the banner of socialism. It is the bounden g people of the whole world to stand by Cuba the imperialist powers that the people of the solidarity with Cuba in its determination to m burning. We are inspired by the exemplary on of the Cuban people and on behalf of the we express our solidarity with Cuba, its leader Comrade Fidel Castro.
ld the people who are fighting against ation, against the multinationals' exploitation ountry's resources look up to Cuba for support

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and patronage. It is of urgent necessity today imperialist struggles being organized in differe imperialist menace can be decisively beaten. T the world ardently desire that Cuba would pl global coordination.
In India the ruling parties of the Central or they the branded bourgeois parties, or t communal parties or even the so called left or engaged in a policy of establishing and mainta multinationals and foreign finance capital. Th or left, are inviting the multinationals and In spreading out the red carpet for them, and givin and facilities for exploiting and looting the peop asked to invest obeying the conditions set dow protect the interest of the workers and of th contrary, the multinationals are setting down t wrest maximum benefits.
Special Economic Zones are being set up wh no rights and the multinationals will have the u and oppress. The governments are working globalization, but the Indian people are resi Throughout India they are organizing to fight of national and multinational capital. Th machinery everywhere including in those rul parties is used to crush such movements, the p The more the oppression the more determine fight it. In this life and death struggle the pe support and solidarity of the progressive for particular from the socialist country of Cuba w anti-imperialist struggle.
I conclude with the hope that the peop solidarity and support to the true anti-imper country.
[The above is the text of the talk delivered by C at the Fourth Asia Pacific Regional Conference Colombo 14th & 15th June 2008.]
*****

rgent necessity today to coordinate the anti- g organized in different countries so that the e decisively beaten. The struggling people of that Cuba would play a leading role in this
ties of the Central or State Governments – be rgeois parties, or the reactionary rightist the so called left or communist parties – are tablishing and maintaining close ties with the n finance capital. These parties, centre, right multinationals and Indian monopoly houses, pet for them, and giving them all opportunities g and looting the people. It is not that they are he conditions set down by the government to e workers and of the Indian people; on the als are setting down the terms for investing to
s are being set up where the workers will have tionals will have the unfettered right to exploit ments are working in favour of imperialist dian people are resisting these manoeuvres. e organizing to fight against the combination national capital. Though the government cluding in those ruled by the so-called left uch movements, the people are not giving up. the more determined they are becoming to death struggle the people are looking up for f the progressive forces of all countries, in list country of Cuba with its long tradition of
hope that the people of Cuba will extend the true anti-imperialist movements in our
e talk delivered by Comrade Manik Mukherjee Regional Conference for Solidarity with Cuba, 08.]
*****

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Resolution of Armed Con
A Comparative Study of Nepal an
by
MeeNilankco Theiventh
INTRODUCTION
The importance of conflict resolution cann South Asian context, where ethnic, class, caste tearing society apart to hinder social and econom
Sri Lanka and Nepal, despite vast differe geographic and political situations, have m influences of dominant neighbours such as Indi a less extent, play a crucial role in the con However, the impact of the dominant fore contrasting trends in the two countries.
Conflicts mainly concern ethnicity, religion issues remain important. While, in terms of eth far more complex situation than Sri Lanka, Lanka, with a longer history of party politics, and its ground situation more alarming than The People’s War initiated by the Communist CPN(M), in 1996 found its way towards a peace achieved a uniquely fast and extraordinary succ other Asian countries, and would seem to set a world. People in Sri Lanka nurture hopes amid
The most impressive part of the Nepal announcement of the Comprehensive Peace Ag decade long violent conflict. It leapt a step ahea Sri Lanka in 2002 that failed. The peace p smooth progress with optimism faces many decisive outcome of the election to a Cons Commendably, the parties have so far acted fa

ution of Armed Conflict:
e Study of Nepal and Sri Lanka*
by
ilankco Theiventhran
nflict resolution cannot be overstated in the re ethnic, class, caste and other conflicts are nder social and economic advancement.
despite vast differences in their respective l situations, have much in common. The ighbours such as India and China, although to ucial role in the conflict in both countries. f the dominant foreign parties has led to
wo countries. ern ethnicity, religion and caste; but gender While, in terms of ethnic diversity, Nepal has a ion than Sri Lanka, political diversity in Sri ory of party politics, has been more complex more alarming than common acknowledged. d by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), s way towards a peace process in 2006, which nd extraordinary success when compared with d would seem to set an example to the rest of
nurture hopes amid great fears. part of the Nepali peace process is the prehensive Peace Agreement at the end of a ct. It leapt a step ahead of the peace accord of failed. The peace process of Nepal despite timism faces many challenges, even after a election to a Constituent Assembly (CA). s have so far acted fairly responsibly at every

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turn to avert possible negative impacts of cruc to be an aspect where the Sri Lankan peace proc Generally, the purpose of science is to iden them. But solutions can be different in form, different aim. The purpose of this paper is to m of the peace processes in Nepal and Sri Lan lessons from the People’s War and the peace hoped that in the process pointers will emer Lankan people to bring peace to the country.
Sociological explanations of social conflict by a class struggle between proletariat and b capitalist industrial society, are among the mo analysis. The strength of the Marxian approa intuitively persuasive, and fitting well with his in one package an explanatory and to som description as well as remedies for contempor importance of Marxist ideology in Nepali c examines the possible role of a Marxist appro process in Nepal more successful than in Sri La that the aim is not to comment on peace proces in general but to understand the nature of countries in a class perspective in order to dr peace process.
Several Third World Marxists hold that th matter of class struggle. Over the past century, Sri Lanka has, at every stage, been developed and majoritarian politics. What many have mi underlying the development of the nation recognise the central feature that the politica cause of Sinhala Buddhist chauvinism have rep the ruling classes with a feudal-capitalist lineag class relationships inherent to the national qu that forms the essence of the national questi only through an analysis of the objective rea social structure.
Turning to Nepal, the course of the struggle tortuous. The establishment of People’s Power i was through mass struggle against feudal expl and the implementation of land reform as w counter caste, gender and ethnic oppression i The CPN(M) demonstrated that revolutionary s

ative impacts of crucial decisions. This seems Sri Lankan peace process has seriously failed.
of science is to identify problems and solve be different in form, with each addressing a e of this paper is to make a comparative study in Nepal and Sri Lanka and to learn useful s War and the peace process in Nepal. It is ss pointers will emerge for action by the Sri
ace to the country. ns of social conflict by Karl Marx, who posited n proletariat and bourgeoisie intrinsic to ty, are among the most useful tools of conflict f the Marxian approach is that it is dynamic, d fitting well with history, and able to provide lanatory and to some degree a predictive edies for contemporary problems. Given the ideology in Nepali conflict, this paper also le of a Marxist approach in making the peace ccessful than in Sri Lanka. It should be noted ment on peace processes or insurgency groups stand the nature of the conflicts in the two ective in order to draw lessons from Nepal’s
Marxists hold that the national struggle is a ver the past century, the national question in tage, been developed on the basis of ethnicity . What many have missed are the class issues ment of the national question. Failure to ture that the political forces that upheld the t chauvinism have represented the interests of eudal-capitalist lineage would blind one to the nt to the national question. The class content f the national question could be understood of the objective realities of the Sri Lankan
course of the struggle over the past decade was nt of People’s Power in the Nepali countryside le against feudal exploitation and domination of land reform as well as definite steps to d ethnic oppression in the name of tradition. d that revolutionary struggle could achieve for

Page 15
the people what parliamentary and other refo The armed struggle, termed People’s War, was the state apparatus, especially the police and a the state. The struggle also included countryw mass demonstrations, hartals and blocka demonstrated that the revolutionaries could b standstill. This showed that class played a dom brought about a radical change for the whole o of Nepal to resolve its 10-year long conflict is light of class and class struggle. The question o why Sri Lanka failed to resolve its conflict of 25
THE PEACE PROCESSES IN NEPAL AND SR Between 2001 and 2006 Nepal and Sri L processes. Nepal had two failed peace proce followed by a successful peace process in late other hand, had a peace process, comprising six 2002 and 2005, which ultimately failed. So Nepal and Sri Lanka will be compared in this se differences between the two situations.
Ground situations that enabled the peace It is important to look back at how the resp talks were created. In Nepal, ten long years of course, paved the way for the peace process. E over of the government in May 2002 by the new the throne following a palace coup in June 20 realized that the struggle of the CPN(M), f monarchy was right. Given the popular upsurg there was no alternative but for the main parlia to come together to form a seven-party allia support of the CPN(M) to restore democracy in In Sri Lanka, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil important military victories and their attack on had a significant impact on the economy. This Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) and the Memora (MoU) between Government of Sri Lanka Besides, both warring parties wanted a brea external as well as internal pressures relating to

ntary and other reformist methods failed to. ed People’s War, was a broad struggle against ially the police and army, aimed to transform lso included countrywide campaigns such as hartals and blockades that increasingly volutionaries could bring the government to at class played a dominant role in Nepal and hange for the whole of Nepal. Thus, the ability -year long conflict is best understood in the ruggle. The question of class also may explain solve its conflict of 25 years.
IN NEPAL AND SRI LANKA 06 Nepal and Sri Lanka experienced peace o failed peace processes in 2001 and 2003 peace process in late 2006. Sri Lanka, on the rocess, comprising six rounds of talks between ultimately failed. Some case scenarios from e compared in this section to bring out salient o situations.
t enabled the peace process
back at how the respective climates for peace pal, ten long years of mass struggle had, in its the peace process. Especially after the taking May 2002 by the new monarch who ascended lace coup in June 2001, most Nepali citizens le of the CPN(M), for the abolition of the n the popular upsurge against the monarchy, ut for the main parliamentary political parties a seven-party alliance (SPA) and seek the restore democracy in the country. ation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had some es and their attack on the international airport on the economy. This set the platform for the A) and the Memorandum of Understanding ment of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the LTTE. arties wanted a break, and were subject to l pressures relating to resources.

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Creating the political space
Another important aspect of the Nepali pea King Gyanendra assumed absolute power, ther for the political parties to work. All the politic and could not act. It was the CPN(M) that creat them to work for democracy in Nepal; the Peo was what enabled the seven-party alliance of th had been notorious for their bargaining for p while bickering among themselves. For wan political parties, despite their differences, form democracy. The agreement between the SPA an parliamentary democracy by peaceful mass mo beneficial to the SPA, since the member organ Gyanendra was doomed even before they forme working agreement with the CPN(M) with an democratic politics was the best option before had decided in favour of a broad united front to in consideration of the geopolitics of the reg people in blood if the state of civil war was pro where the monarchy receives military backing This is the most striking feature of the Nepali pe
In Sri Lanka the non-unity of the main polit of the main hurdles on which the failed peac same kind of obstacle has hindered progress in revive the peace process.
Flexibility in approach
The differences in the outcomes of the peac Lanka seem to relate to the need for a comm importantly a shared desire to solve the und than merely seeking stopgap solutions for an on
The main precondition laid down by the C was ‘abolition of the monarchy and the creatio they agreed to an arrangement where a ‘cons formed through democratic election. The CPN(M political mainstream through an interim adm their commitment to a competitive multiparty d major features of the Comprehensive Peace Agr human rights, the right to life and livelihood, economic and social rights, the rights of wome right to personal liberty.

pace ect of the Nepali peace process is that when absolute power, there was no political space work. All the political parties were sidelined the CPN(M) that created the political space for acy in Nepal; the People’s War of the CPN(M) en-party alliance of the political parties, which heir bargaining for power with the monarch themselves. For want of an alternative, the heir differences, formed an alliance to restore t between the SPA and the CPN(M) to restore by peaceful mass mobilization was potentially ce the member organisations knew that King ven before they formed an alliance, and that a the CPN(M) with an assurance of return to he best option before them. The CPN(M) itself broad united front to isolate the King, mainly geopolitics of the region and the cost to the te of civil war was prolonged under conditions ives military backing from foreign meddlers. eature of the Nepali peace process.
nity of the main political parties had been one hich the failed peace process stumbled. The s hindered progress in subsequent attempts to
outcomes of the peace talks in Nepal and Sri the need for a common objective and more sire to solve the underlying problems rather
ap solutions for an ongoing armed conflict.
laid down by the CPN(M) during the peace archy and the creation of a new republic’. But ement where a ‘constituent assembly’ will be ic election. The CPN(M) also agreed to join the ough an interim administration and showed mpetitive multiparty democratic system. Other prehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) concerned o life and livelihood, civil and political rights, ts, the rights of women and children, and the

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The CPA mainly concerned the promotion of d and civil, political and economic rights define respect for international conventions and treati is clear in its preamble which emphasised progression in the spirit of the historical struggl The CPA also showed a strong commitment to problems in the country, based on class, caste democratic values, including a competitive governance, civil liberty, fundamental rights freedom, and the rule of law; and to the U Human Rights, international humanitarian la and acceptance of human rights. In summary, t of the commitment of the signatories to demo progressive economic and social change as indivisibility, sovereignty, and self-respect of th The Sri Lankan peace initiative, in contrast, territorial stand-off and on seeking an alt arrangement. The LTTE entered the talks wit state’ while the GoSL stood firmly by the ‘uni Neither party was willing to accommodate othe talks always centred on power sharing with issues such as human rights, democracy, civil an talks approached a virtual standstill, the LTTE p governing authority (ISGA), with little ambigui talks should proceed from. A government th solution to the national question could negotiations using the ISGA proposal as the st towards peace in a spirit of mutual understand But that was not to be the case. While the UN and delayed on various pretexts, the UPFA gov other pretexts.
Mechanisms for implementation of agree Agreement was also reached between CPN after painful negotiations, whereby Maoist co confined in cantonments in seven different pl locked in storages within the designated canto provided with a sensor device for surveillance close circuit camera while the keys of the re leadership. The Nepali Army was also require number of weapons under surveillance by UN m

d the promotion of democracy, human rights, onomic rights defined in a broad sense, and onventions and treaties. The spirit of the CPA which emphasised democracy, peace and f the historical struggles of the people. rong commitment to the resolution of existing based on class, caste, region, sex; defence of ding a competitive multi-party system of , fundamental rights, human rights, media f law; and to the Universal Declaration of onal humanitarian laws, and basic principles rights. In summary, the CPA was an assertion e signatories to democracy, peace, prosperity, d social change as well as independence, , and self-respect of the country. nitiative, in contrast, centred on securing a on seeking an alternative power sharing entered the talks with its call for a ‘separate od firmly by the ‘unitary nature’ of the state. to accommodate other possibilities so that the power sharing with scant consideration for ts, democracy, civil and political rights. As the l standstill, the LTTE proposed an interim self- A), with little ambiguity about where from the m. A government that was sincere about a al question could have proceeded with GA proposal as the starting point to progress of mutual understanding and accommodation. he case. While the UNP government dithered retexts, the UPFA government did worse using
mentation of agreements eached between CPN(M) and SPA, although s, whereby Maoist combatants would remain in seven different places with their weapons the designated cantonments. The locks were vice for surveillance by UN monitors through le the keys of the remained with the Maoist rmy was also required to lock up a matching
surveillance by UN monitors.

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The United Nations Mission in Nepal (U response to a written request in August 200 General by the SPA government and CPN(M) the UN to create a free and fair atmosphere Constituent Assembly (CA) and the entire p purpose the UNMIN was granted a mandate inc
• Monitoring the management of arms an government of Nepal and CPI(M).
• Assisting the parties to implement the agreem of arms and armed personnel through Coordinating Committee (JMCC).
• Providing technical assistance to the Elec planning, preparation and conduct of the e and fair atmosphere.
• Assisting the monitoring of ceasefire arrange CPN(M), in its bid to reorient its strate calculated risk, militarily in terms of safety of in terms of protecting the gains of its revoluti willingness to abandon arms that created the national political mainstream. This space was n something won through political and military st
The Sri Lankan peace process was marke promises and non-implementation of steps agr was the main reason for the peace process comi
During the second round of peace talks held agreed to set up a sub-committee dealing with sub-committee on de-escalation and normaliza HSZs; and a sub-committee for immedi rehabilitation needs (SIHRN). The GoSL’s unw sub-committees created mistrust in the L Consequently, nothing could go right during th of Post-Tsunami Operational Management Str upon in 2005, two years after the collapse confirmed that agreements on the table and th promises seldom travel in the same direction, in negotiated agreements.
Give and take
The success of the negotiations in Nepal Lanka could also be explained in terms of the n

Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) was created in quest in August 2006 to the UN Secretary- rnment and CPN(M) seeking the assistance of and fair atmosphere for the election to the A) and the entire peace process. For that granted a mandate including the following:
gement of arms and armed forces of the nd CPI(M).
implement the agreement on the management personnel through a Joint Monitoring ee (JMCC). ssistance to the Election Commission in the and conduct of the election of a CA in a free
g of ceasefire arrangements. o reorient its strategy, undoubtedly took a in terms of safety of personnel and politically e gains of its revolution. It was their declared arms that created the space for them in the eam. This space was no gift to the CPN(M) but olitical and military struggle.
process was marked by a series of broken entation of steps agreed upon at the table. It he peace process coming to a standstill.
nd of peace talks held in Thailand, the parties mmittee dealing with 'core' political issues; a alation and normalization (SDN) to deal with mittee for immediate humanitarian and RN). The GoSL’s unwillingness to set-up these mistrust in the LTTE about the GoSL. uld go right during the peace process. The fate onal Management Structure (P-TOMS) agreed s after the collapse of the peace talks, only ts on the table and the implementation of the the same direction, thus shattering the faith .
egotiations in Nepal and their failure in Sri ined in terms of the need for the involvement

Page 19
of the masses. In Nepal, the CPN(M) entered n backing, and had the bargaining power to dem of the agreement by the SPA government, wh implementation of the CPA and the failure of doom of the SPA.
In September 2007, CPN(M) quit the Interim against dithering by the SPA government o monarchy. CPN(M) demanded the immediate and an electoral system based on proportiona SPA refused. CPN(M) declared that it will la while reserving its right to counter those w peaceful programme. Through protests and pea CPN(M) pressurised the government, and the abolish the monarchy and declare Nepal a fed state, subject to the ratification of the resolutio in April 2008. Parliament also adopted a pro system for elections to the CA, following which Interim Government.
It was a matter of give and take between the crucial issues. CPN(M) withdrew its demand to before elections to the constituent assembly, a Maoist demand for a fully proportionate system The spirit of compromise was very much la peace negotiations even during the more Although the LTTE declared during the third ro that it was willing to consider a federal optio there was lack of accommodation where it ma implementation of the CFA and accommod outside the ambit of the CFA and the MoU, whi successful implementation of the CFA as well as national conflict. Parties including political riv LTTE as well as the Muslim leadership of the and used any available opportunity to undermi potential ‘spoilers’). The UNP sought political which it failed to secure, and the LTTE ins representative of the Tamils and limited th leadership. A more inclusive and consultative ap the diehard opponents of a peaceful solution, altogether different outcome.

he CPN(M) entered negotiations with popular gaining power to demand the implementation SPA government, which was aware that non- PA and the failure of the process will be the
N(M) quit the Interim Government in protest e SPA government on the question of the anded the immediate abolition of monarchy ased on proportional representation, but the clared that it will launch peaceful protests, t to counter those who try to suppress its ough protests and peaceful demonstrations the government, and the parliament resolved to d declare Nepal a federal democratic republic ation of the resolution by the CA to be elected t also adopted a proportional representation CA, following which the CPN(M) rejoined the
and take between the SPA and the CPN(M) on thdrew its demand to declare Nepal a republic nstituent assembly, and the SPA accepted the
proportionate system of election. ise was very much lacking in the Sri Lankan during the more optimistic early stages. ed during the third round of talks held in Oslo nsider a federal option in place of secession, odation where it mattered, especially in the CFA and accommodation of considerations FA and the MoU, which were important to the n of the CFA as well as a lasting solution to the including political rivals of the UNP and the lim leadership of the North-East felt left out portunity to undermine the peace process (as UNP sought political mileage out of the CFA, e, and the LTTE insisted on being the sole amils and limited the role of the Muslim ive and consultative approach, leaving out only a peaceful solution, could have produced an me.

Page 20
Dealing with failure Peace negotiations between warring parties fa and Sri Lanka were no exceptions. Negotiatio and the Nepali monarchy have failed and resum ways; but, significantly, without recourse to m nor foreign. Even after the signing of the CPA, caused by pressures brought on the SPA on monarchy by the US and India, through the N its leader Koirala through India, with whom t had close ties and with whose blessings the SPA with the CPN(M). Neither CPN(M) nor the SPA liked the CPA CPN(M) remained in the interim governmen lack of consultancy on key issues like the stat role of the Royal Nepal Army (RNA) and dealing importantly about the election to the CA. government, the CPN(M) declared its comm leverage that the CPN(M) had was the rising m parts of Nepal, especially Kathmandu, where ea earlier. It used mass demonstrations to disp mass support for its position on important issu the monarchy. King Gyanendra and officers of to him were known to have held consultations w US and India. The anxieties of the CPN(M) ab were also fuelled by various utterances by Koi months ago when his daughter, also a leadin indicated a strong desire to preserve the mo CPN(M) prompted member organizations of t Nepali Congress to retreat. What seems clear in Nepal is that the parties to to risk wrecking the CPA, and even less to be fa is in contrast to its response to the failure of 2003, when CPN(M) resumed its People’s Wa simultaneously calling for mass mobilisation fo equality. It is, however, doubtful whether the CFA felt sufficiently committed to save the CFA although the LTTE reacted to the failure of merely calling for the reinforcement of Tamil meant the strengthening of Tamil national unity While a call for Tamil nationalist solidarity perhaps necessary, and it is true that the natio

en warring parties face obstacles, and Nepal xceptions. Negotiations between the CPN(M) have failed and resumed in direct and indirect without recourse to middlemen neither local e signing of the CPA, there have been disputes ught on the SPA on behalf of the embattled India, through the Nepali Congress (NC) and h India, with whom the party and the leader hose blessings the SPA entered into agreement
SPA liked the CPA to be abandoned. The e interim government despite protests about ey issues like the status of the monarchy, the my (RNA) and dealings with the UN, and most election to the CA. Even when it left the ) declared its commitment to the CPA. The had was the rising mass support it enjoyed in Kathmandu, where earlier its rivals held sway monstrations to display its strength and the tion on important issues, including the fate of endra and officers of the RNA who were loyal e held consultations with key officials from the ties of the CPN(M) about the fate of the CPA us utterances by Koirala, including one some aughter, also a leading politician in the NC, e to preserve the monarchy. Protests by the er organizations of the SPA to persuade the t.
l is that the parties to the CPA were unwilling and even less to be faulted for its failure. This nse to the failure of peace talks in 2001 and med its People’s War initiated in 1996 while mass mobilisation for democracy, justice and doubtful whether the Sri Lankan parties to the itted to save the CFA and build on the MoU, ted to the failure of the talks with GoSL by nforcement of Tamil nationalism, by which it
f Tamil national unity under its leadership. nationalist solidarity is understandable and is true that the nationalism of the oppressed

Page 21
cannot be placed on the same footing as that o oppressed social group has a right to stru liberation, securing national rights and liberat requires the promotion of goodwill between th winning allies. A narrow nationalist approa Equally, the GoSL, irrespective of the party in has all along pandered to chauvinism and port Tamils as terrorism in order to maintain its e been conditioned to chauvinistic ideology.
Thus, when talks failed, the tendency for GoSL was to assure their respective electorate the interests of the electorate and would not com was reinforced on the one hand by the relianc the ruling political parties on narrow nation growth and survival.
Also the two sides were insensitive to othe The LTTE effectively rejected the need to addr on caste oppression and regionalism as well as Tamil community; while the approach of th containing the LTTE and resolve the conflict by will not be electorally damaging. Neither sid comprehensive look at the national question, s the national question concerning the rig nationalities let alone new issues created including that by planned settlements and di ignored.
REVISITING THE SRI LANKAN NATIONAL
Today the countries of the Third World fa crises, of which the ones that concern con nationalities and the related struggles seem to The national question in each country could them. In handling the national question, each military oppression, in accordance with the ne The environment of national crisis is taken adv imperialism to serve their needs and interests Third World. The dominant countries prov assistance and support to military oppression nation states. Meantime, for the ultimate purp interests, they also assess the forces involved in

ame footing as that of the oppressed and any has a right to struggle for its rights and nal rights and liberation through negotiations f goodwill between the nationalities as well as nationalist approach does not help here. ective of the party in power, has for decades chauvinism and portrayed the struggle of the rder to maintain its electoral base which has
inistic ideology. d, the tendency for both the LTTE and the respective electorates that they had stood by ate and would not compromise. This approach e hand by the reliance of the LTTE as well as ies on narrow nationalist ideology for their
re insensitive to other urgent political issues. cted the need to address contradictions based egionalism as well as gender issues within the the approach of the GoSL was limited to resolve the conflict by making concessions that amaging. Neither side was willing to take a e national question, so that salient aspects of concerning the rights of other minority new issues created by internal migration d settlements and displacement were largely
L NKAN NATIONAL QUESTION
f the Third World face several problems and es that concern contradictions between the ted struggles seem to be the most prominent. each country could be seen to be based on ational question, each nation state resorts to cordance with the needs of its ruling classes. nal crisis is taken advantage of by the forces of ir needs and interests in the countries of the nant countries provide direct and indirect o military oppression of nationalities by the for the ultimate purpose of serving their own the forces involved in the liberation struggles

Page 22
and accordingly provide them with support. As on ethnic, linguistic and religious nationalism a It is the national question that projec contradiction and as the war and struggle in question needs to be seen as a problem conce the country. Further, we see in each of the s different aspects of the problem ideologies b outlook and courses of action based on them. put forward on behalf of the Sinhala and Tami claims to an ancient history, conservatism, pu for the future, distrust, and mutual rejection. T its solution are viewed on their basis. The no declared aloud in terms of the notion of majo counterpoint, the notion of “Tamil Eelam” is e for a separate state.
What many who comment on the national q or to avoid is its class basis. Anyone who exclud the national question will readily fall in line wit nationalistic positions. Hence it is important nationalities, and understand the class roots th the respective roles played by them in the natio
The social order of Sri Lanka is, via its semi- condition, being transformed into a neo-coloni cannot be denied or concealed that the fundam Lanka is one of class. However, the national con by the related struggles, is overshadowing the p the main contradiction today. The national con side the war of oppression by the Sinhala Buddh the other the liberation struggle of the Tamil na Although it is possible to resolve the ethnic taken the form of the national question, the cha class forces are not prepared for a just solutio forward their class interests.
What is essential for the future of Sri Lank highest forms of autonomy, incorporating e human rights, on the basis of the right determination within a united Sri Lanka. I autonomies that would guarantee the wellb nationalities that unity, mutual understanding be achieved for all nationalities, and it could b

hem with support. As a result, conflicts based eligious nationalism are prolonged. question that projects itself as the main war and struggle in Sri Lanka. The national n as a problem concerning all nationalities of see in each of the sections representing the problem ideologies based on a conservative ction based on them. Especially among ideas the Sinhala and Tamil nationalities, one finds ory, conservatism, purity, hierarchy, and fear d mutual rejection. The national question and n their basis. The notion of “our country” is of the notion of majority and minority. As a of “Tamil Eelam” is emphasized as a demand
ent on the national question choose to ignore is. Anyone who excludes class in the analysis of readily fall in line with chauvinistic or narrow ence it is important to take account of the and the class roots that run through them and
by them in the national question. Lanka is, via its semi-colonial and semi-feudal med into a neo-colonial social order. Hence, it aled that the fundamental contradiction in Sri ever, the national contradiction, accompanied s overshadowing the principal contradiction as day. The national contradiction has on its one by the Sinhala Buddhist ruling classes and on ruggle of the Tamil nationality.
to resolve the ethnic contradictions that have onal question, the chauvinistic capitalist ruling ared for a just solution. They, essentially, put
ts. the future of Sri Lanka is the granting of the my, incorporating equality, democracy and basis of the right of nationalities to self united Sri Lanka. It is only through such guarantee the wellbeing and future of the utual understanding and development could alities, and it could be ensured that Sri Lanka

Page 23
is a multi-ethnic country with unity and prosper still remained whether the chauvinistic capitali offer such a solution. That is why it is essential to insist on the founded on the basis of class struggle. The im that the liberation struggles of nationalities sh with policies based on class struggle.
C
ONCLUSIONS
It is important to note that democracy, installed in Nepal through a people’s war, wh Nepal tirelessly struggled for peace and demo road was a bumpy and posed several difficulties fight for themselves kept the peace process in t joining the peace process and working with S CPN(M) Dr. Baburam Bhattarai said “strateg flexibility of the Maoists made this peace p question remains whether this element is missin The comprehensive approach in Nepal succ different starting point and integrated the dem struggle for ethnic and other social rights. The somehow been historically narrowed to nation groups to blind the public to other pressing and issues, including democratic and human righ Lanka has been messed up for decades, and ne struggle should be for peace, democracy and so recognition of national and ethnic rights.
The current Sri Lankan situation demands the hands of the ruling classes to the true repre Major changes are required in state power. Peo ruling classes. The old system of government a ruling classes have reached their limit of in classes have forfeited their eligibility to cont Under these conditions, the people of Sri Lan ways, directly and indirectly. Even the comfor and the considerable wealthy are starting to fe Thus, not only the ordinary masses, but als comfort are compelled to seek changes thro activity. Hence it is necessary to transfor

ith unity and prosperity. But the question has e chauvinistic capitalist ruling class forces will
ial to insist on the importance of struggles class struggle. The importance is to point out les of nationalities should be carried forward ss struggle.
ote that democracy, justice and peace was h a people’s war, where ordinary citizens of for peace and democracy. Even though the sed several difficulties, the will of the people to the peace process in track. When asked about and working with SPA deputy leader of the hattarai said “strategic firmness and tactical s made this peace process a success”. The
this element is missing in Sri Lanka. proach in Nepal succeeded, because it had a d integrated the democratic struggle with the her social rights. The Sri Lankan problem has ly narrowed to national conflict between two to other pressing and even more fundamental atic and human rights. The situation in Sri p for decades, and needs a new start and the ce, democracy and social justice, based on the d ethnic rights. n situation demands the transfer of power in asses to the true representatives of the people. ed in state power. People have lost faith in the stem of government and administration of the hed their limit of incompetence. The ruling eir eligibility to continue to rule the people. the people of Sri Lanka are affected in many tly. Even the comfortably off middle classes lthy are starting to feel insecure. inary masses, but also those living in relative o seek changes through alternative political ecessary to transform completely the old

Page 24
approaches of the people, to undertake new forward new forms of struggle in new direction of workers and peasants, strikes, electo processions and demonstrations have only pr accompanied by violence, and yielded counterp Thus several struggles that are distinct from be carried out, outside the scope of the parlia and the confines of trade unions, unlike the str and outside the electoral arena, and in way traditional propaganda.
The armed struggle of the JVP in 1971 an struggle for the right to self determination of th to a feeling of disgust among the people. The s since then. The oppressed people have no cho impair the existing system of government and t the correct form of struggle and establish a government. To achieve that, new forms of m meaning should be launched. It is in that way t and uprisings take place across the globe.
Today, a political climate prevails in which face against the ruling classes, their political en requires no less than a fundamental social c urgently demands a new popular uprising unde change in political leadership. The maturing o achievement of victory depends on the entire Sr
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. Maoist Movement in Nepal: A Sociological New Delhi.
ns-Seidel (2007). Peace Process in Sri Lanka: India Centre for Security Analysis, New Delhi.
in the Land of Buddha: An Analytical Study of the lgrims Book House, Nepal. egotiating Peace in Sri Lanka: Efforts Failures and
stence, Sri Lanka. ). Nepal: Struggle for Democracy. Adhyayan
ira (2006). A Kingdom under Siege: Nepal's Maoist ims Book House, Nepal.
Understanding the Maoist movement of Nepal.
rmed conflict & peace process in Nepal. Adroit
ed Conflict and Peace Process in Nepal: The Maoist , and Opportunities for Conflict Transformation.
Morina (2003). Sri Lanka's Peace Process 2002: entists Association of Sri Lanka. ople's Power in Nepal. Manak publications, New
tled “Armed Conflict and its Resolution: A l and Sri Lanka” presented by the author at the e and Development in Sri Lanka, April 24-25,
*****

Page 26
Globalisation and Growth of Poverty:
by
Sri
It is three decades since the introduc programme of globalisation in Sri Lanka. Th privatisation, liberalisation and the arrival of were put into practice. Did that lead to greater poverty?
From the reports of the Central Bank Statistics one may discern a fall in the standard people. The rate of growth of poverty is certa statistics would show. Yet, they can be used minimum levels.
According to information from the Centr income of an individual increased from US$ 85 2006. The average annual income of a Sri La this is not representative of the reality. Per capi that all the people are getting incomes compara
Two million people who belong to the topm 40% of the earnings in the country. Their av Rs 462,500. At the same time the poorest two per annum. Their monthly earnings are close to
With the per capita income of the wealthi balanced 36 times that of the poorest two millio fourteen million is less than what is received by
Poverty in Sri Lanka has a rural character. level stood at 6.7% and rural poverty level sto plantation sector was 32%.

Globalisation and Growth of Poverty:
by
Sri
since the introduction of the imperialist ion in Sri Lanka. The imperialist policies of n and the arrival of multinational companies id that lead to greater prosperity or to greater
the Central Bank and the Department of a fall in the standard of living of the working th of poverty is certainly more than what the et, they can be used as scales for measuring
tion from the Central Bank, the per capita creased from US$ 858 in 2002 to US$ 1504 in l income of a Sri Lankan is Rs 165,000. But of the reality. Per capita income does not mean ting incomes comparable to it.
ho belong to the topmost income group receive the country. Their average annual income is time the poorest two million receive Rs 12,815 y earnings are close to a thousand rupees.
ncome of the wealthiest two million a poorly the poorest two million, the income of nearly a an what is received by the richest two million.
has a rural character. In 2006, urban poverty ural poverty level stood at 15.7%. That in the .

Page 27
According to information from the Departm Western Province the poverty level was 5.4% and 8.7% in the Gampaha District, despite generating 50.1% of the nation production. I poverty dominates the population with agricu Agriculture in the country has been badly neg years in keeping with the advice of the World Ba
The Sri Lanka Department of Statistics h relating to ‘poverty assessment’ in March 20 based on the income and expenditure of hou 2006-07. While officially the poverty level is 15.2%, statistics reveal that 2.8 million people line.
What is significant here is that the North these estimates. Consequently, the number livin has been underestimated. The poverty levels i remittance of Rs 276.81 billion to Sri Lanka in million working abroad.
In 2006, 85% of the population had acc hygienic living conditions. This means that 15 no access to clean water or hygienic living cond only 43% of the households have access to c living conditions.
Only 80% of the population has access to e are compelled to use unsubsidised kerosene for electric power also varies from province to p Province 92% of the households have electricity Uva Province have electricity.
Poverty level is 27%in the Uva Province, 24 Province and 22% in the Central Province. The Sabaragamuwa Province and the Nuwara Eliy Province have the largest number of poor peo making a total of 500,000. Between 150,000 a the each of the Districts of Kurunagala, K Gampaha and Monaragala.
A person receiving social welfare under receives a mere 91 rupees per month. This statistics published by the Central Bank. In 20

tion from the Department of Statistics, in the verty level was 5.4% in the Colombo District aha District, despite the Western Province nation production. It should be noted that opulation with agriculture as its occupation. y has been badly neglected over the past 20 advice of the World Bank.
rtment of Statistics has provided fresh data ssment’ in March 2008. This information is d expenditure of households during the year the poverty level is said to have declined to at 2.8 million people live below the poverty
ere is that the North-East is not included in ntly, the number living below the poverty line . The poverty levels identified are despite the billion to Sri Lanka in 2007 by the nearly 1.5
population had access to clean water and . This means that 15% of the population had r hygienic living conditions. In the North-East lds have access to clean water and hygienic
lation has access to electric power. Thus 20% bsidised kerosene for their lighting. Access to s from province to province: in the Western eholds have electricity whereas only 57% in the city.
the Uva Province, 24% in the Sabaragamuwa entral Province. The Ratnapura District in the and the Nuwara Eliya District in the Central t number of poor people, with 250,000 each 0. Between 150,000 and 240,000 are poor in ts of Kurunagala, Kandy, Badulla, Kegalle,
.
social welfare under the Samurdhi scheme es per month. This information too is from e Central Bank. In 2002 the poverty line was

Page 28
determined as a per capita monthly income o persons per household, Samurdhi relief is a mer
Although it is reported that the number of line in 2002 was 3.2 million, Samurdhi relief w million households, implying that 8.0 million p
Of the poorest 30% households only 50% r It is also said that 10% of the wealthy as well high income levels received Samurdhi relief.
In 2006-07 the poverty line was determined income of Rs 2233. Although the poverty thre Samurdhi relief rose by 14% only.
While one statistic claims that 2.8 millio million persons below the poverty line are rece is thus clear that Samurdhi relief has not poverty in the past five years.
Although every government has granted another to the poor on the pretext of eliminati relief has not reduced poverty. It has only serve
The open economy was implemented by economy under the guidance of imperialism an deceptive bourgeois parliamentary democracy. rate is a consequence of it; i.e. while the rich b the toiling masses were pushed into poverty a impoverished. This is what the government sta reality of poverty is even bigger than these stati
There are no shortcuts for the alleviation of Bank and the programmes of the non-governme as its agents are mere eyewash and deflection o issues. It should be clearly understood that po only through a mass political struggle for socia establishment of people’s government through t
*****

ita monthly income of Rs 1423. Based on 4.2
murdhi relief is a mere 6% of that income.
d that the number of people below the poverty ion, Samurdhi relief was made available to 1.9
ing that 8.0 million people benefited.
ouseholds only 50% received Samurdhi relief. f the wealthy as well as 18% households with d Samurdhi relief.
ty line was determined as a per capita monthly ough the poverty threshold has risen by 57%,
% only.
laims that 2.8 million people are poor, 7.6 e poverty line are receiving Samurdhi relief. It rdhi relief has not alleviated or eliminated ars.
rnment has granted relief of one form or e pretext of eliminating poverty in Sri Lanka, erty. It has only served as a political tool.
as implemented by destroying the national nce of imperialism and behind the guise of the amentary democracy. The increase in poverty t; i.e. while the rich became richer and richer, pushed into poverty and became increasingly at the government statistics demonstrate. The
igger than these statistics reveal.
s for the alleviation of such poverty. The World s of the non-government organizations that act wash and deflection of attention from the real ly understood that poverty can be eliminated ical struggle for social transformation and the government through that struggle.
*****

Page 29
Build a World Peace Move
by EA Vidyasekera
Secretary Coordinator, Afro-Asian Peoples’ S
The Afro-Asian Peoples Solidarity Organisation Council for inviting a delegation of our organisa assembly. We congratulate the WPC for holdi region, which is the first time in its history. Today the progressive and forward looking peo attention to the progressive changes taking pla years ago it was only Cuba which shined as a bri challenge and threat from the strongest imperi With the democratic elections making changes in forces the number of bright stars in the cons Among them the Bolivarian revolution under the President Hugo Chavez in Venezuela has made a defying the US hegemony in the region. The most contentious issue that the people of t growing aggressiveness of imperialism desp Afghanistan. The total "defence budget" of the billion which is half of the worlds’ military sp Washington cries ‘wolf’ against China, whose ne $ 58.8 billion. At the same time the US continu new military bases world wide and expand NA Russia and China on the false pretext of protec Iran and North Korea. In pursing these adventur to any method undermining the United Nations such as NPT. For the people of the world, specially the develop of poverty, peaceful economic development, grow and using their own natural resources such as oi quality and standard of life of their own people people in these countries lack basic needs such cheap medical treatment, and eradication of Prescriptions of the imperialist dominated inst

World Peace Movement*
by EA Vidyasekera
Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organisation
lidarity Organisation thanks the World Peace ation of our organisation to participate at this the WPC for holding such an event in this e in its history. forward looking people all over the world pay e changes taking place in Latin America. Fifty which shined as a bright star facing the biggest the strongest imperialist power in the world. ns making changes in favour of left and socialist ht stars in the constellation have multiplied. revolution under the charismatic leadership of enezuela has made a worldwide impact strongly
the region. that the people of the world face today is the f imperialism despite fiascos in Iraq and fence budget" of the US today stands at $ 515 e worlds’ military spending. While doing this ainst China, whose new defence budget is only time the US continues to modernise and build wide and expand NATO in Eurasia encircling alse pretext of protecting against threats from ursing these adventurous policies the US stoops g the United Nations and international treaties
, specially the developing countries, eradication ic development, growth with equity, fair trade l resources such as oil for the betterment of the of their own people is the priority. Millions of lack basic needs such as clean drinking water, and eradication of diseases and illiteracy. ialist dominated institutions such as IMF and

Page 30
World Bank and the structural adjustment p progress and make them poorer. Worst of all thes privatisation of the world under trans-national Pepsi Cola. In India through a strong people’s mo was able to close down Coca Cola and Pepsi Co water supply to the people. It is a good omen tha too the Pacific Institute, a sustainable developm in Oakland, California, has launched a campaign concerns huge energy consumption, green hou environmental effects of water extraction, the p social issues. Such movements need to be strengt the rest of civil society and with peace and solida through the experience of the people in t multinational corporations including the pharma huge profits by keeping the people in abject po companies are richer than most countries in the d the revenues of the US car company General M greater than the GDP of more than 148 countrie 2005, the US retailer WalMart's revenues were $ the combined GDP of sub-Saharan Africa. The powerful and capable of dictating terms to go countries. With the disintegration of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, the US unilaterally assumed the power in the world. This paved the way for inten former Yugoslavia leading ultimately to the e federation. As the Balkan states were brought un the latter’s mandate extended as far as Afgha propaganda lie, Iraq was invaded to bring the o US, but this has further exacerbated the crisis bleeding in Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan contin region has become a humanitarian catastrophe. are left of the Bush presidency, there is no lik president, whoever it may be, will genuinel settlement of Middle East problem. Despite US sponsored UN Security Council sanc to submit to US hegemony. The US has already c Russian Federation over the US missile shields Republic. The conflict has further aggravate incorporate Georgia and Ukraine into the N extended to African continent precisely with the resources. There is more and more foreign pen affairs whose result is continued tension and con some African rulers also indulging in profligacy a

uctural adjustment policies only retard their orer. Worst of all these is the ongoing process of under trans-nationals such as Coca Cola and h a strong people’s movement, such as in Kerala, ca Cola and Pepsi Cola as they drain the clean It is a good omen that within the United States sustainable development research organisation launched a campaign against bottled water as it sumption, green house gas emissions, waste, ater extraction, the perils of privatisation and nts need to be strengthened and integrated with with peace and solidarity movements. As known of the people in the developing countries, including the pharmaceutical industries extract e people in abject poverty. These multinational ost countries in the developing world. In 2004, company General Motors were $ 191.4 billion, ore than 148 countries. In the fiscal year ending art's revenues were $ 285.2 billion, larger than -Saharan Africa. They are rich and politically dictating terms to governments of developing
the Soviet Union and the socialist countries in ilaterally assumed the position of the sole super aved the way for intensifying the conflicts in the ultimately to the extinction of the Yugoslav tates were brought under the umbrella of NATO, ded as far as Afghanistan. With an invented vaded to bring the oil resources directly under xacerbated the crisis in the Middle East. The nd Afghanistan continue to intensify. The whole nitarian catastrophe. Although only few months ency, there is no likelihood that the incoming ay be, will genuinely facilitate the peaceful
roblem. Security Council sanctions, Iran is not prepared . The US has already come into conflict with the he US missile shields in Poland and the Czech as further aggravated with the attempts to Ukraine into the NATO. US militarism has ent precisely with the motive of controlling oil and more foreign penetration into the African inued tension and conflict, indirectly assisted by
ulging in profligacy and corruption.

Page 31
It is crystal clear that the greatest danger to the hegemonism of the US combined with some of conflict in Palestine and Lebanon are an exam peace process, Israel is rewarded for sabotaging the conflicts. The time has come for building a strong peace uniting all the fragmented groups. We all admire by the WPC. We are certain that this assembly he an appropriate forum to launch such a movemen society in Latin America. AAPSO since its in cooperating with WPC in strengthening the peace in multifarious activities. We shall continue that p Last February, the AAPSO had a representative Cairo from 26th to 28th commemorating the organisation, where the WPC was represented. Th immensely to the future strategy of AAPSO. I also the All India Peace and Solidarity Organisatio Congress of AAPSO next year. Owing to the very the WPC and the AAPSO, it is important to take projects between the two organisations. This ca and regional levels. As some of the national organ peace and solidarity, grassroots mobilisation is fe AAPSO takes great pleasure in attending the WP to be here in Caracas, the Bolivarian Republic o meeting in Venezuela, in South America, it is im America Civil Society Organisations with African future. We request our friends who are present countries to pursue these contacts. We hope this organisations with Latin American experiences. may help us to expand and consolidate the move the hosting committee COSI providing us an o their new experiment in building a socialist societ
[*Text of speech delivered on behalf of AAPSO Peace Councils, Caracas, Venezuela, April 8-13
*****

reatest danger to the peace and stability are the bined with some of EU policies. The ongoing Lebanon are an example. While talking about arded for sabotaging any peaceful settlement of
ilding a strong peace movement world over by groups. We all admire the historical role played that this assembly held in Latin America will be nch such a movement to integrate with the civil AAPSO since its inception had been closely rengthening the peace and solidarity movement, e shall continue that process in future. had a representative international gathering in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the C was represented. That conference contributed ategy of AAPSO. I also wish to mention here that olidarity Organisation will be hosting the 8th ar. Owing to the very close relationship between it is important to take joint initiative on agreed rganisations. This can be at both international e of the national organisations are based on both oots mobilisation is feasible.
in attending the WPC Assembly. We are happy Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Since we are outh America, it is important to integrate Latin isations with African and Asian organisations in nds who are present here from Latin American ontacts. We hope this will enable us to link our merican experiences. Mutual contact and visits consolidate the movement. We sincerely thank SI providing us an opportunity to learn about ilding a socialist society in the 21st century.
n behalf of AAPSO at the Assembly of World nezuela, April 8-13, 2008].
*****

Page 32
NDP D
NDP Statement to the Media Stop Attacking the Media
24th May 2008
Comrade SK Senthivel, General Secretary of th issued the following statement in connection w Noyahr, Associate Editor of the Nation on 22 M Intimidation, abduction, attacks, detention and k of media freedom today. Continuous perpetrat forms against the media is a blatant violation o rights. It is as part of this series of misdeeds that Editor of ‘The Nation’ was abducted by unknown released close to his home with severe attac admitted to the Colombo National Hospital for injuries suffered. It is disgraceful for a governme necessary steps against continuing acts of abduct in the name of unknown person to talk about the New-Democratic Party strongly denounces the continuing acts of abduction, attacks and de personnel are subjected. In Sri Lanka today, all media personnel live unde personnel who communicate independent news and the people have to carry out their duties am state of affairs exposes the double act of the gove media freedom. Media personnel in the countr killed, attacked and detained. Some months ago to the state-owned Rupavahini Corporation we attack. Recently three Tamil media personnel detained without trial. Already several Sinhala a are under prolonged detention without inquiry. on Associate Editor of the Nation is a continuatio It is under circumstances under which the disappearing of media personnel and members persons’ continued unhindered that Sri Lanka w

NDP Diary
the Media cking the Media
eneral Secretary of the New Democratic Party ent in connection with the abduction of Keith the Nation on 22nd May evening. tacks, detention and killings comprise the plight Continuous perpetration of attacks of various a blatant violation of fundamental and human ries of misdeeds that of Keith Noyahr, Associate abducted by unknown persons two days ago and e with severe attack wounds. He has been National Hospital for treatment of the serious aceful for a government incapable of taking the tinuing acts of abduction, attacks and detention rson to talk about the freedom of the media. The ongly denounces the above incident and the tion, attacks and detention to which media
ia personnel live under unsafe conditions. Media te independent news and views to the country ry out their duties amid anxiety and fear. This double act of the government on the question of rsonnel in the country have on occasion been d. Some months ago media personnel attached ahini Corporation were subject to continuous mil media personnel have been arrested and ady several Sinhala and Tamil media personnel tion without inquiry. The abduction and attack
ation is a continuation of the above trend. s under which the abduction, attacks and onnel and members of the public by ‘unknown ered that Sri Lanka was defeated in the election

Page 33
to the United Nations Human Rights Council government should sincerely come forward to p violations of fundamental and human rights. Th against the so-called ‘unknown persons’. The Par through such action that the media personnel protected.
General Secreta
NDP Statement to the Media Stop Targeting Civilians
12th June 2008
The Politburo of the New-Democratic Party issue denouncing the increasing number of attacks on and south of the country. Murderous attacks targeting civilians in the no country are increasing on a daily basis. Ordi Muslim people who are not involved in the war these planned indiscriminate cruel attacks. Th strongly denounces these murderous attacks on out as acts of revenge. The Party also appeals to behalf of the people to put an immediate end civilians. Recently there has been an increase in the nu incidents with civilians as target of attack. Pl carried out against ordinary civilians travelling f work. It is barbaric to subject unarmed civilians w to Claymore attacks, suicide bombings and o attacks have killed men, women, children, the students in the North and the South. Many have are disabled for life. Such attacks are not by any of warfare. They only serve to instil fear for life a Sinhala and Muslim people and to propagate w among them. Meanwhile, there is no compensation or assista for those killed or injured in attacks on civilia

uman Rights Council. Even at this stage the ly come forward to put an end to the ongoing and human rights. They should take firm steps wn persons’. The Party points out that it is only the media personnel and the public could be
SK Senthivel General Secretary, New-Democratic Party.
the Media eting Civilians
emocratic Party issued the following statement number of attacks on civilians in the north, east
g civilians in the north, east and south of the a daily basis. Ordinary Tamil, Sinhala and t involved in the war are killed and injured in ate cruel attacks. The New-Democratic Party urderous attacks on civilians which are carried Party also appeals to the two warring parties on t an immediate end to their attacks targeting
n increase in the number of cruel murderous target of attack. Planned attacks have been y civilians travelling for their daily needs and to ct unarmed civilians who play no part in the war ide bombings and other such attacks. These women, children, the old and the young, and he South. Many have been seriously injured and ttacks are not by any means justifiable methods to instil fear for life among the ordinary Tamil, e and to propagate weird mutual ethnic hatred
mpensation or assistance from the government in attacks on civilians in the North. All such

Page 34
losses of life there are included in the list of Tiger hand, ordinary Tamil people are arrested and revenge killings in the South. Overall, it is the ordinary Tamil, Sinhala, Musli people who are affected and are made to face the attacks on civilians. The parties involved in th political and military gains from the attacks. T plunge the country and the people deeper in circumstances that facilitate interference and infi The only way to put an end to the problem is t national question and seek an appropriate p negotiation. The Party points out that the bu responsibility and lies with the President and the
General Secreta
NDP Statement to the Media 30th Anniversary of the New-Democratic Party
3rd July 2008
The Central Committee of the New-Democratic statement on the occasion of the 30th anniversa Party. The whole country and the people are being drive the pursuit of a cruel war and the implementation system. The pursuit of war is the result of a Sin capitalist stand unwilling to offer a just solution question. Meantime, a liberal privatised economi imperialist globalisation. If these two serious pr consequences are not subject to review and found, there is imminent danger of further ag destruction by war and the ravages of poverty. T and duty to stop it lies with the entire working p of the country. People’s movements should be o against those in power who pursue the wron

ded in the list of Tigers eliminated. On the other ple are arrested and detained in response to h. Tamil, Sinhala, Muslim and Hill Country Tamil d are made to face the losses caused by targeted arties involved in these attacks seek to make s from the attacks. These attacks only serve to he people deeper into destruction and create e interference and infiltration by foreign forces.
d to the problem is to stop the war due to the ek an appropriate political solution through ints out that the bulk of the obligation and the President and the Government.
SK Senthivel General Secretary, New-Democratic Party.
the Media versary of the ocratic Party
the New-Democratic Party issued the following of the 30th anniversary of the founding of the
people are being driven towards a deep abyss by nd the implementation of a neo-liberal economic is the result of a Sinhala-Buddhist chauvinistic offer a just solution of any kind to the national al privatised economic policy is being guided by f these two serious problems and their adverse ject to review and appropriate solutions not danger of further aggravation of the ongoing ravages of poverty. The supreme responsibility the entire working people and the nationalities ovements should be organised to exert pressure ho pursue the wrong political, economic and

Page 35
military policies and against those seeking to com the same policies, but in different forms. Gen progressive forces should come forward to de common programmes for the purpose. The emphasises that only the powerful people’s mo overcome the hazardous challenges facing the co make progress. The Mahinda Chinthanaya government is trouble war that has been going on for the past quarte difficulties in facing the economic crisis. This c something for which the Rajapaksha government the adverse result of a constitution that has been and the executive presidential system under it. B political parties have enjoyed power under presidential rule of a single individual and a si 1978 by JR Jayawardane. Neither of these par been able to find a solution to the national transformed into war. Their Sinhala Buddhist ch not allow them to do so. At the same time globalisation, they welcomed and implemented which their affinity and loyalty towards imperial The net effects of these and accompanying probl by the people in the form of destruction by wa rising cost of living. Meantime, behind the curtain of war, individu power and those close to them have become v wealth through corruption, fraud and abuse of p the ordinary workers and peasants of the Sout cannon fodder on the warfront. This situati Likewise, those who get killed daily in the No people and their children. On the other hand, multinational companies resources of the country and exploit the toil of t agriculture has been wrecked and an import-ba been expanded. As a result, the peasants who co country’s population have become impoverished, made to await foreign shipments for essential higher prices for them. The rulers of the country conceal such truths an people by claiming that the cost of living in the co of the increase in oil and food prices in the world spending of many billions of rupees each d contributed to inflation and price increases is als

t those seeking to come to power to implement different forms. Genuine democratic, left and come forward to develop and carry forward r the purpose. The New-Democratic Party powerful people’s movements thus created can allenges facing the country and the people, and
government is troubled by its inability to win the n for the past quarter of a century and by its onomic crisis. This calamitous situation is not japaksha government alone is responsible. It is titution that has been in force for three decades ial system under it. Both hereditary ruling class joyed power under the dictatorial executive le individual and a single party, as initiated in Neither of these parties nor their leaders had tion to the national question that has been r Sinhala Buddhist chauvinistic positions would . At the same time, compelled by forces of ed and implemented its economic systems, for alty towards imperialism was an added reason. accompanying problems are being experienced of destruction by war, economic crises and a
tain of war, individuals who were and are in them have become very rich by accumulating fraud and abuse of power. But the children of peasants of the South have been sacrificed as arfront. This situation persists to this day. illed daily in the North-East are the ordinary
inational companies continue to plunder the d exploit the toil of the workers. The country’s ed and an import-based consumer market has , the peasants who comprise the majority of the ecome impoverished, and the people have been ments for essential food items as well as pay
onceal such truths and continue to deceive the cost of living in the country has risen as a result od prices in the world market. The fact that the s of rupees each day on the war also has price increases is also being concealed. Unable

Page 36
to award wage increases in keeping with the government, in order to placate opposition by th employees, has offered modest increases in inadequate to meet their needs. While destruction and displacement continue as war with all its ferocity, there is a rise in the inci forms of violation of human rights. Unlawful disappearances continue uncontrolled. Denia democratic rights is assuming new forms. Freed threat and media persons are being attacked and have remained in prolonged detention without in US and Japanese multinational companies hav domain of liberalised and private sector econom joined by Indian businesses. The forces dominat to this day given every possible form of direct pursue the war. But their rivalry to dominate There seems to be a tendency for the two to awai intervention. Hence, talks should be initiated to find a jus national question, which has been renamed a national economic policy should be carried forw in the prices of essential food items and lighten th of living. It is also essential that the consti presidential system is amended. The New-Dem that to achieve these, a powerful people’s move transcends the desire for parliamentary seats and
General Secreta
NDP Statement to the Media The 15th SAARC Summit
5th August 2008
The Politburo of the New-Democratic Party issu on the recently concluded 15th SAARC Summit. The Mahinda Rajapaksha government has co Summit Conference at a cost of three billion ru war rather than find a just political solution to th

in keeping with the rising cost of living, the acate opposition by the state and private sector modest increases in wages that are totally
eds. lacement continue as a result of the pursuit of re is a rise in the incidence of some of the worst an rights. Unlawful killings, abductions and uncontrolled. Denial of trade union and ing new forms. Freedom of the media is under re being attacked and killed. Political detainees
detention without inquiry. tional companies have already penetrated the private sector economy. They have since been s. The forces dominating the US and India have ssible form of direct and indirect assistance to rivalry to dominate over Sri Lanka continues. cy for the two to await an opportunity for direct
itiated to find a just political solution to the has been renamed as terrorism. Meantime, a hould be carried forward to curtail the increase d items and lighten the burden of the rising cost ntial that the constitution with an executive nded. The New-Democratic Party emphasises werful people’s movement should be built that rliamentary seats and positions.
S.K. Senthivel General Secretary, New-Democratic Party
the Media AARC Summit
emocratic Party issued the following statement 5 SAARC Summit.
government has conducted the 15th SAARC ost of three billion rupees to carry forward the political solution to the national question and to

Page 37
divert the attention of the people who are confr Meanwhile, India has used this conference once hegemonic purposes. Beyond this the Colombo D not offered any feasible solution to the problem South Asia. These conferences for regional coope years been mere talk-shops to gather to discuss a that people have not gained anything from them nothing in the future. The basic problem of the SAARC countries is po population of these countries are compelled to li The unequal nature of economic, political and countries and its survival form the basis of aggravated by imperialist globalisation. The rul countries are carrying forward their economies imperialist globalisation. Its adverse consequenc economic, political, social and cultural crises. Un governments and the ruling classes struggle to fa people, and in the process unleash oppress oppression is dubbed terrorism and social forces terrorists by the ruling classes. What the SAA aloud as opposing terrorism concerns this. Bu examine the causes for what they call terrorism have expressed an unprecedented interest in br what they consider terrorism. This is an attemp law into military rule. Further, India has used this SAARC conference reinforce its regional hegemonic intentions. For i effort to conclude the CEPA amid a situation military support to Sri Lanka. It was also eviden conference to strengthen its position vis a vis i ventures. The SAARC Summit Conference has not achieved except to make a show of the offer of the chair o its President for the coming year. What will be le of this pompous conference will be additional b burdened by war and economic crises. The positi Summit Conference is of no benefit not only to t also to the people of all the member countries of S
General Secreta

people who are confronted by economic crises. this conference once again to serve its regional d this the Colombo Declaration by SAARC has lution to the problems faced by the people of ces for regional cooperation have in the past 23 to gather to discuss and disperse. The reality is d anything from them in the past and will gain
AARC countries is poverty. More than half the es are compelled to live below the poverty line. nomic, political and social structures of these form the basis of poverty, which has been globalisation. The ruling classes of the SAARC ard their economies in collaboration with this s adverse consequences manifest themselves as nd cultural crises. Unable to find solutions, the g classes struggle to face the opposition of their ess unleash oppression. Activity to oppose rism and social forces that struggle are dubbed asses. What the SAARC leaders have declared sm concerns this. But they are not ready to at they call terrorism. At the same time, they dented interest in bringing under criminal law m. This is an attempt to transform the rule of
is SAARC conference to create opportunities to onic intentions. For instance, it made its fullest PA amid a situation in which it has provided ka. It was also evident that India also used the ts position vis a vis its commercial investment
ence has not achieved anything mention worthy he offer of the chair of SAARC to Sri Lanka and year. What will be left of it will be that the cost e will be additional burden on a people already mic crises. The position of the Party is that this benefit not only to the people of Sri Lanka but member countries of SAARC.
S.K. Senthivel General Secretary, New-Democratic Party

Page 38
NDP at the 4th Asia Pacific Re Conference for Solidarity wi
The New Democratic Party was represented by General Secretary and E Thambiah, National Or Pacific Regional Conference for Solidarity with June 2008 in Colombo. Participation by the N pressure from progressive elements among the or by Sri Lankan revisionists and those from acros have any qualms about inviting the chauvinist Marxist track record. Comrade Thambiah addressed the Conference o text of his talk will appear in the next issue of New 

Page 39
______
Appeal for Support
The NDP publications, Puthiya Poomi and Ne democratic values and defend the interes independently of ethnic, religious or any su unique among Sri Lankan journals for high useful content and coverage of issues that mainstream media and publications of politica the interests of the exploiting classes. The printing and postal rates have added to the fin Party, which relies on financial support from well wishers, also struggling against the risi Party has neither NGO funding, nor rich patro Hence the Party appeals to readers and well to its Publications Fund by adding to the s donation, or sponsoring the publication of par of either journal. Payments may be made to:
S Thevarajah, account numbe Bank of Ceylon, Supermarket
Colombo 11, Sri Lanka Please mention ‘Publications Fund’ in the cov 47, 3
rd
Floor, CCSM Complex, Colombo 11, S 

Page 40
______

e 4th Asia Pacific Regional ce for Solidarity with Cuba
y was represented by Comrades SK Senthivel, hambiah, National Organiser at the Fourth Asia e for Solidarity with Cuba held on 14th & 15th articipation by the NDP was made possible by lements among the organizers, despite attempts and those from across the waters, who did not viting the chauvinist JVP, with a strong anti-
sed the Conference on behalf of the NDP. The n the next issue of New Democracy. 

Page 41
_____
Appeal for Support
Puthiya Poomi and New Democracy uphold defend the interests of the oppressed, , religious or any such identity. They are an journals for high journalistic standards, erage of issues that are unaddressed by publications of political parties representing ploiting classes. The rise in the costs of have added to the financial burdens of the inancial support from some supporters and gling against the rising cost of living. The funding, nor rich patrons. ls to readers and well wishers to contribute d by adding to the subscription, making a the publication of part or whole of an issue nts may be made to:
jah, account number 452868 eylon, Supermarket Branch lombo 11, Sri Lanka ions Fund’ in the covering note addressed to:
plex, Colombo 11, Sri Lanka. 

Page 42
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Page 43
Sri Lankan
Provincial polls: painting by nu
Having won the Eastern Provincial Council Electi the government has gone in for early elections Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils where the r minority. The strategy seems to be to bring the government party control before parliamentary e advantage of the propaganda value of the appa northern war front as well as the split in the JV leadership in the UNP. The Supreme Court di rights petitions filed on 13th June by the UNP dissolution of the Provincial Councils, stating t Provincial Councils had followed legal procedur councils. The JVP and the UNP have protested resources for election purposes. But such object earlier elections and things will not be any differ be of little consequence unless they deliver an un government.
Unauthorised Attacks?
Dwellings of squatters along the railway line in residents with legal access to amenities and demolished by the Urban Development Authority This act of vandalism took place despite a co alternative accommodation to which the victims incomplete and badly lacking in basic facilities toilets. The President later denounced the heart claimed that he was unaware of the events. A few similarly claimed ignorance of how a demon members of the Buddhist clergy was subject to t attack by the police and asked the police not to at this fashion. If such serious breaches of democra could occur without the knowledge of an executi wonder if there is a parallel government in operat

Sri Lankan Events
olls: painting by numbers
ovincial Council Elections, by means fair or foul, in for early elections in the North Central and Councils where the ruling party functions as a s to be to bring the provincial councils under efore parliamentary elections in 2010 by taking da value of the apparent military gains on the as the split in the JVP and quarrels about the e Supreme Court dismissed two fundamental June by the UNP and JVP challenging the ial Councils, stating that the Governors of the llowed legal procedure in the dissolution of the UNP have protested about the abuse of state oses. But such objections served no purpose in will not be any different now. The elections will less they deliver an unlikely decisive blow to the
ed Attacks?
g the railway line in Colombo 2, who had been ss to amenities and registered voters, were evelopment Authority with help from the police. k place despite a court order against it. The to which the victims were forced to move are ing in basic facilities including ventilation and denounced the heartless act of demolition and re of the events. A few weeks ago, the President ce of how a demonstration by students and lergy was subject to tear gas and water cannon ed the police not to attack students and clergy in breaches of democratic and fundamental rights owledge of an executive president, it makes one
government in operation.

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Mystery of the passport
Muralitharan (a.k.a. Karuna) the leader of the T Britain for illegally entering the country on a fals was extradited to Sri Lanka without fuss organisations expressed disappointment at their Karuna be tried for alleged human rights violation to demands in Sri Lanka to arrest him for trave claimed that he had travelled on a legitimate pass He is probably right. Then who are the culprits?
One also begins to wonder whether the British au irregularities, from the very outset. If so, for w theatre of arrest, detention and extradition?
Pawns in Indian chess games?
The Indian government claims to be keen on national question in Sri Lanka, although its rec impressive. It uses the warm relationship that with Sri Lanka as pretext to become a leading Lankan government. Three decades ago it used moving close to the US as its excuse to promote T it changed loyalties and turned against the main T
The rise in the frequency of attacks by the Sri La fishermen has embarrassed the DMK in power support the Congress-led alliance ruling India d play acting has gone on at the centre and in Tam hand arrests of suspected LTTE activists an intensified to impress the Sri Lankan governm LTTE including its allies in the Congress; and o Minister led a public protest against the at demanded action by the central government.
Strangely, Tamil nationalist parliamentarians fin for the Tamil cause in the most opportunistic In over the affairs of Sri Lanka. What is equally ama of the JVP to the presence of Indian naval ves during the SAARC Summit, although even a few against Indian meddling in Sri Lanka in the name
*****

he passport
a) the leader of the TMVP was sent to prison in g the country on a false passport. On release, he Lanka without fuss. British human rights appointment at their government’s failure to let human rights violations. Karuna, in his response arrest him for travelling on a forged passport, d on a legitimate passport and not a forged one.
ho are the culprits?
whether the British authorities were aware of the ry outset. If so, for whose consumption is the and extradition?
dian chess games?
aims to be keen on a peaceful solution to the anka, although its record in this respect is not rm relationship that China and Pakistan have to become a leading arms supplier to the Sri decades ago it used the pretext of Sri Lanka ts excuse to promote Tamil militants. Soon after ned against the main Tamil militant movement.
f attacks by the Sri Lanka Navy on South Indian d the DMK in power in Tamilnadu on whose lliance ruling India depends for survival. Much the centre and in Tamilnadu, where on the one d LTTE activists and supporters have been Sri Lankan government and opponents of the the Congress; and on the other hand the Chief otest against the attacks on fishermen and tral government.
t parliamentarians find signs of Indian support most opportunistic Indian move to gain control . What is equally amazing is the muted response e of Indian naval vessels in Sri Lankan waters , although even a few weeks ago it breathed fire Sri Lanka in the name of ending the war.
*****

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Two poems from Welikada Remand P
War: Some Observatio The crippled child sobs carrying its dead Disfigured and blood-soaked corpses litt Blossoms of spring die trampled under b Cuckoo birds of the mango grove tire of s The flute split in two playing Mukhari, th Eyes are parched for lack of tears
and the fie Warmed up guns intoxicated by consump Resolutions doze off at the table
while fearful hearts stay Jackals of the palmyra forests howl at hi
Freedom A bottled moon keeps sobbing A caged dove is fumes within A wounded star is moaning The peasant in the desert feels desperate The impoverished worker withers away
The shoot of a seed smiles, having struck and broken through the soil
They said it beautifully: “Freedom comes

elikada Remand Prison by Krishna
r: Some Observations bs carrying its dead dreams -soaked corpses litter the streets
e trampled under booted feet ango grove tire of singing their sorrow playing Mukhari, the scale of sadness lack of tears
and the fields for lack of water xicated by consumption of life at the table
fearful hearts stay awake day and night a forests howl at high pitch.
17.06.2008
Freedom sobbing within aning sert feels desperate rker withers away
iles, having struck root en through the soil from the deep down
ly: “Freedom comes through struggle”
16.06.2008

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International
Afghanistan: Aggressor in Trou
Reports from Afghan battlefronts indicate tha aggression and occupation is suffering major se Taliban who are tightening their control over s disagreement is growing within the US milita correct strategy. US allies like Indian use the pre government against fundamentalist terror to ju puppet regime of Karazai.
The explosion in early July in the vicinity of the that killed forty-one including two Indians and should be seen as a warning against Indian supp being a demonstration of Taliban’s ability to st Another explosion at the end of the month outsi in Afghanistan's peaceful western Herat province police guard is further signal that the Taliban se regime as a collaborators.
Whether fundamentalism is acceptable to the p matter for them to decide. One has every rig people’s struggles for democratic and social rig endorse imperialist aggression and bullying in fundamental rights. Progressive forces the wo support for Taliban’s anti-imperialist struggl themselves from the reactionary parochialism of
Pakistan: Wake-up Call
In January, Pakistan reiterated that it will not le Qaida and Taliban militants on its soil, following was considering expanding military and int Pakistan's tribal regions. Despite denials at the t Bush's top security officials discussed a propos pursue militants along the Pakistan-Afghanistan the end of July that a top CIA official travelled se

International Events
: Aggressor in Trouble
tlefronts indicate that the US-led alliance of is suffering major setbacks at the hands of the g their control over southern Afghanistan; and within the US military establishment on the ike Indian use the pretext of defending a secular mentalist terror to justify support for the US
in the vicinity of the Indian Embassy in Kabul ding two Indians and injured over 140 others g against Indian support US aggression besides Taliban’s ability to strike targets in the capital nd of the month outside the Pakistani consulate estern Herat province that wounded at least one al that the Taliban sees all who engage with the
is acceptable to the people of Afghanistan is a . One has every right to express support for ocratic and social rights, but it is immoral to sion and bullying in the name of human and essive forces the world over give unqualified ti-imperialist struggle; equally they distance nary parochialism of Taliban.
ake-up Call
ated that it will not let American forces hunt al- s on its soil, following a news report that the US g military and intelligence operations into espite denials at the time that the US President ls discussed a proposal to deploy US troops to Pakistan-Afghanistan border, it was reported at IA official travelled secretly to Islamabad in July

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to confront senior officials with new informatio the country’s powerful spy service, and militan tribal areas.
The success of the Taliban lies in its relating to th US regimes have never been able to. For insta regions seem to prefer the Sharia courts establish to resolve disputes rather than wait for action by US imperialism will never learn that the rise Pakistan is due to the failure of democracy, for w to a great extent because it has always undermin by seeking to set up a client regime of one kind approach of the US makes it difficult for even regime to abide by the wishes of the US.
Implied threats by the US were followed by firin security personnel as well as an intrusion into agency in July. Some 11 Pakistan troops, includi June 10 when US planes bombarded a Paki neighbouring Mohmand Agency tribal district. protest with Afghanistan and the ‘International and warned that such incidents must not be Foreign Office spokesman emphasized that m territory was the exclusive responsibility of Pakist
Recent events have shown that the democratic realize that the question of democracy in Pakista struggle against US imperialism inside Pakistan a
India: Late Awakening of the O
Withdrawal of support by the Left Front to Progressive Alliance government, was a welcom late in the day for the parliamentary left as well a had previously helped the UPA government to br (Amendment) Act and the Special Economic imperialist policies. The CPI and CPI(M) vacil making a decisive break when the UPA govern Defence Framework Agreement and voted again muted protests allowed progression towards th India nuclear power agreement.
The desperation of the UPA Government to get t a time when the people were increasingly burden

with new information on ties between the ISI, service, and militants operating in Pakistan’s
ies in its relating to the people in ways that pro- en able to. For instance, people in the border haria courts established by the Tehrik-i-Taliban han wait for action by the tribal administration. r learn that the rise of pro-Taliban forces in re of democracy, for which the US is answerable has always undermined democracy in Pakistan t regime of one kind or another. The aggressive s it difficult for even the most pliant elected es of the US.
were followed by firing, shelling and killing of a as an intrusion into a border post in Bajaur kistan troops, including one officer, were killed bombarded a Pakistani border post in the gency tribal district. Pakistan lodged a strong nd the ‘International Security Assistance Force’ cidents must not be repeated. The Pakistani emphasized that military action inside its esponsibility of Pakistani forces.
that the democratic forces of Pakistan should democracy in Pakistan is inseparable from the lism inside Pakistan as well as internationally.
Awakening of the Old Left
y the Left Front to the Congress-led United nment, was a welcome move, but came rather mentary left as well as the country. The left MPs PA government to bring into being the Patents Special Economic Zones Act based on pro- PI and CPI(M) vacillated and held back from hen the UPA government signed the Indo-US ent and voted against Iran at the IAEA. Their ogression towards the finalization of the US- ent.
Government to get the nuclear deal through at e increasingly burdened by soaring inflation was

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a direct consequence of the US-directed policies which was only too willing to break its election honour at any cost its promises to the US Pres grossly inadequate to meet India’s energy needs, to the strategic interests of the US in Asia.
A positive outcome of the withdrawal of suppor exposure of the bankruptcy of India’s bourgeois The purchase of votes of several MPs, for cro government desperate to secure a vote of confid the country to US imperialism was denounced as observers. The point is that the events only reiter
Any struggle against a sell out of this nature, to mass campaign that rises above short sighte considerations. It is important that all left and p Indian polity learn from their experiences and ri interests to unite is mass campaigns against the India and its people.
Nepal: Continuing Mischief
Nepali reactionaries bared their teeth following failed save the 240-year old feudal monarchy federal democratic republic, although the Co (Maoist) was short of a majority in the Constitu pledges contained in its agreement with the Seven
Nepal is still a semi-feudal, semi-colonial countr struggle led by the CPN(M) weakened feudalism and democratic elections to it. But feudalism is s with comprador capitalism, US imperialism an block radical transformation of social, economi and to threaten Nepal’s national integrity and the
The newly established republic is linked to the im not the "New Nepal" that the oppressed cl nationalities need. The people need to eliminate from Nepal under the joint dictatorship of demo led by the party of the proletariat.
Counter revolution, guided by the US and Ind Nepali Congress supported by narrow nation Forum, and aided the revisionist Communist Marxist Leninist) is determined to prevent pow

US-directed policies pursued by a government, to break its election pledges to the nation but mises to the US President. The nuclear deal is India’s energy needs, and will only shackle India the US in Asia.
withdrawal of support by the Left Front is the of India’s bourgeois parliamentary democracy. several MPs, for crores of rupees each, by a ecure a vote of confidence to allow it to sell out sm was denounced as a national shame by many the events only reiterated the reality.
out of this nature, to be effective, needs to be a above short sighted parliamentary political tant that all left and progressive sections of the eir experiences and rise above narrow sectarian ampaigns against the betrayal of the interests of
inuing Mischief
their teeth following their electoral defeat, but ld feudal monarchy or stop the founding of a lic, although the Communist Party of Nepal ajority in the Constituent Assembly to fulfil the
eement with the Seven Party Alliance.
, semi-colonial country. The 10-year long armed weakened feudalism and made possible the CA it. But feudalism is still alive. It has ganged up , US imperialism and Indian expansionism to n of social, economic and cultural institutions ional integrity and the sovereignty of its people.
blic is linked to the imperialist world order, and at the oppressed classes, social groups and ple need to eliminate feudalism and imperialism dictatorship of democratic and patriotic forces tariat.
by the US and India, led by the reactionary d by narrow nationalist Madhesi Janadhikar visionist Communist Party of Nepal (United ined to prevent power from slipping into the

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hands of the oppressed. The opportunistic allia CPN(UML), manipulated by Indian expansio agreement between the CPN(M) and the Seven P India, engineered the defeat of the CPN(M) sp vice-presidential candidates to the CA. The al opponents of social justice threatening the territorial integrity of Nepal. Thus the tussle in the form of a contest between the Indian dominat and democratic and patriotic forces led by the pro
It was against this background of developing leader Prachanda rejected the demands by the NC the People’s Liberation Army and to disarm th 02.07.2008 for the "Boletín informativo Solidariedade co Nepal", reproduced by the web Asia]. The refusal is correct and the CPN(M) sh mass political action.
Since the election of the President and the Vice- the new government has become deadlocked, a demands the unity of all democratic and patrio strong united front of anti-feudal and anti-im leadership of proletariat against national capitula power to build a New Democratic Nepal. The CP lead the new government of Nepal, and may be depend on developments in the coming months editorial of the Red Star, organ of the CPN(M), Ju instructive.
Since the Maoists emerged as the largest election, the parliamentary parties began to pl the Maoists taking power. In line with this a provision to remove the Prime Minister was were forced to abandon the Presidency by be monarchy. Having done that, the parliamen dissolve the PLA, abandon progressive la restructure of Nepalese society. Finally UML understanding of forming a government wit coalition was formed between the NC, UML undemocratic, unnatural and vengeful act agai
However, the first President of Nepal is nationality, a Madhesi. This was possible bec and politics. Again, it is an interesting point th the CPN Masal, so-called leftist parties, lined It is an expression of the political degeneration

he opportunistic alliance of the NC, MDF and by Indian expansionism in breach of the N(M) and the Seven Party Alliance endorsed by at of the CPN(M) sponsored presidential and s to the CA. The alliance is a regrouping of ce threatening the national sovereignty and l. Thus the tussle in the CA is class struggle in en the Indian dominated comprador bourgeoisie ic forces led by the proletariat.
round of developing conspiracy that, CPN(M) he demands by the NC and CPN(ML) to disband my and to disarm the CPN(M). [Interview on oletín informativo do Comite Galego de eproduced by the web site, Revolution in South t and the CPN(M) should back it up with firm
esident and the Vice-President the formation of ecome deadlocked, and needs to be broken. It emocratic and patriotic forces in struggle, as a i-feudal and anti-imperialist forces under the ainst national capitulation and for the seizure of ocratic Nepal. The CPN(M) is under pressure to of Nepal, and may be compelled to. Much will n the coming months. Excerpts below from the gan of the CPN(M), July 25-August 10, 2008 are
rged as the largest party through the CA ry parties began to plot conspiracies to stop er. In line with this attitude, the two-thirds Prime Minister was changed; the Maoists the Presidency by betting this post against that, the parliamentary parties wanted to ndon progressive land reforms and the society. Finally UML broke away from the ng a government with the Maoists, and a tween the NC, UML and MJF. This was an l and vengeful act against the Maoists.
esident of Nepal is from an oppressed This was possible because of Maoist policies an interesting point that the CPN(UML) and d leftist parties, lined-up with the Congress. political degeneration of these parties to the

Page 50
level of parliamentary cretinism. Neverthe example of how class polarisation is mani juncture of history. Although they are differ UML, Masal and MJF are feudal and bureau stand against the Maoists because it has been to write one constitution that is suitable for tw
The people will understand that it is not cor join a government if nothing can be done to Maoists should form a united front with rev and patriotic forces against the reactionaries, forces of the status quo that want to drag Nepa
Israel: Time for Truce
The Israeli cabinet approved a German-medi Hezbollah to hand over two captured Israeli sold on Ron Arad, an Israeli airman missing for two five Lebanese prisoners, including Samir Qantar Israeli prison since 1979.
Israel also agreed to an Egyptian-negotiated six June with Hamas, whose immense popularity am made not only the Hamas but also Gaza targets o and economic blockade. The truce by and larg serious incidents of violence.
Hot on the heels of the ceasefire came a prop Minister Salam Fayyad for national reconciliatio Hamas whereby there will be an effective truc both sides; a transitional government compris Fatah and Hamas for Gaza as well as the West B date for presidential and parliamentary electio political deadlock.
All of this was in the wake of the drubbing that Lebanese government had at the hands of the H Doha agreement of 21
st
May, put an end to th brought in Michel Suleiman, the Lebanese Army Hizbollah acting as President, and enhanc representation in the cabinet, with constitutiona by the government. Yet, interested parties tried Sunni Muslims and the Hezbollah in mid-June, firm stand taken by the Hezbollah.

cretinism. Nevertheless, this is a potent polarisation is manifested at this critical hough they are different by name, the NC, re feudal and bureaucratic capitalists. They ts because it has been historically impossible
that is suitable for two classes.
and that it is not correct for the Maoists to thing can be done to serve the people. The united front with revolutionary, progressive inst the reactionaries, opportunists, and the hat want to drag Nepal backwards.
for Truce
ved a German-mediated agreement with the o captured Israeli soldiers and give information rman missing for two decades, in exchange for cluding Samir Qantar who was locked up in an
yptian-negotiated six-month truce starting 19th mmense popularity among Palestinians in Gaza ut also Gaza targets of Israeli bombing, shelling he truce by and large has held, despite a few e.
easefire came a proposal by Palestinian Prime national reconciliation between the Fatah and l be an effective truce between combatants on government comprising officials acceptable to as well as the West Bank; and agreement on a parliamentary elections to resolve the current
of the drubbing that the US- and Saudi-backed at the hands of the Hezbollah in early May. The ay, put an end to the 18-month conflict, and n, the Lebanese Army Commander acceptable to sident, and enhanced Lebanese opposition et, with constitutional power to block decisions terested parties tried to stir trouble between the zbollah in mid-June, but failed because of the bollah.

Page 51
Hezbollah proved its deterrence capacity when I its Washington-approved attack on 11th May i government in Lebanon. Israel can no more atta neighbour Lebanon. Also, the Shiite sectarian la by the West is peeling off in the course of imperialist struggle where it showed accommod and drew in members of other communities. restored the self-respect of the Arabs after 60 ye years of expansionist occupation and aggression. for the anti-imperialist forces in Iraq, Saudi Ara emulate, making it more dangerous to imperial most lethal Islamic fundamentalist organisation i
Hizbollah and Hamas need to be more on the during conflict, since the enemies of social just they cannot win the war and use periods of peace a more intense war. The left and all progressive fo Hezbollah and Hamas to emphasise anti-imperia cause with all forces resisting imperialism nationa
Iraq: Muffling the US Media
New York Times reported on 26th July that Zoria who took images of marines killed in a suicide posted them on his Web site, was subsequently fo Marine Corps-controlled areas of Iraq. Miller has General John Kelly, the US Marine Commander have him barred from all US military facilities acr
The newspaper observed that in contrast to the was notable for its open access to journalists opposite extreme. After five years and more tha deaths, searches and interviews turned up fewer photographs of dead American soldiers.
The Philippines: Fighting Tyra
Initiative is shifting towards the New People’s Ar Armed Forces of the Philippines. Gregorio “Ka R for the Communist Party of the Philippines, said string of NPA victories in the Ilocos-Cordiller

rence capacity when Israel was forced to cancel attack on 11th May in support of the Siniora rael can no more attack with impunity its Arab the Shiite sectarian label attached to Hezbollah ff in the course of its anti-Zionist and anti- it showed accommodation towards other faiths other communities. In short, Hezbollah has the Arabs after 60 years of humiliation and 41 ation and aggression. It could become the model ces in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt to angerous to imperialism and Zionism than the entalist organisation imaginable.
d to be more on the alert during peace than nemies of social justice seek peace only when d use periods of peace to prepare themselves for t and all progressive forces should encourage the mphasise anti-imperialism and to find common
g imperialism nationally and internationally.
ng the US Media
n 26th July that Zoriah Miller, the photographer es killed in a suicide attack on 26th June and e, was subsequently forbidden to work in the US eas of Iraq. Miller has since left Iraq, and Major Marine Commander in Iraq, is now seeking to S military facilities across the world.
at in contrast to the conflict in Vietnam which access to journalists, the Iraq war marks an e years and more than 4,000 American combat iews turned up fewer than half a dozen graphic can soldiers.
ines: Fighting Tyranny
s the New People’s Army in its fight against the pines. Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal, spokesperson the Philippines, said on 8th June that the recent the Ilocos-Cordillera and Bicol regions, the

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Visayas and Mindanao against the demoralized A by President Gloria Arroyo and the new AFP revolutionary movement will be decimated by 2 delusive.
The vicious widespread military offensives launch wipe out the revolutionary forces in the north Samar by 2009 have come a cropper. As the CPP it was the AFP rather than the NPA that took a be the AFP suffered the more it pursued its offens their ‘counter-insurgency’ operations it will b revolutionary forces who will be weakened.
The AFP has out of desperation has made basel NPA about attacks on civilian targets, often government. This time it has accused the NPA Nabunturan, Compostela Valley that killed thr several others. The revolutionary forces conde against civilians and added that they were ve intelligence operatives were behind the atta suffered by the newly deployed 3rd Special Force partisans in the same town days earlier.
Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, Chief Political Consultant N of the Philippines on 5th June 2008 denounced news report on 5th June stating that "A Dutch c The Hague) gave prosecutors the go-ahead Th charges against Philippine communist leader, des the case”. This was despite the District Court o position that since the examining judge decided investigation on November 2007 and the pros evidence to overturn the decision of the Court declaring that there is no prima facie evidence out that the Court of Appeal in The Hague al political context for the unfounded charge agains the absence of prima facie evidence against Sis office and Dutch police have turned up wit evidence to prove that two assassination teams Philippines to the Netherlands to kill Sison betwe Dutch authorities had failed to investigate seriou Dutch sovereignty and territory.

inst the demoralized AFP showed that the claim o and the new AFP chief of staff’s that the ill be decimated by 2010 was baseless and self-
itary offensives launched by the AFP in March to y forces in the northern, eastern and western a cropper. As the CPP spokesperson pointed out, the NPA that took a beating. But the more losses it pursued its offensives so that at the end of operations it will be the AFP and not the ill be weakened.
ation has made baseless allegations against the ivilian targets, often by forces loyal to the has accused the NPA of grenade throwing in alley that killed three civilians and wounded tionary forces condemned the criminal attack ed that they were verifying reports that AFP re behind the attack, following devastation yed 3rd Special Forces Battalion at the hands of days earlier.
Political Consultant National Democratic Front une 2008 denounced the Agence France Presse ating that "A Dutch court (i.e. District Court of tors the go-ahead Thursday to pursue murder communist leader, despite an earlier dismissal of the District Court of The Hague affirming the mining judge decided to close the preliminary r 2007 and the prosecution has not provided ecision of the Court of Appeal on 3rd October prima facie evidence against me. Sison pointed eal in The Hague also ruled that there was a ounded charge against him. In sharp contrast to evidence against Sison, the Dutch prosecution have turned up witnesses and documentary assassination teams were dispatched from the nds to kill Sison between 1999 and 2001. But the d to investigate seriously these infringements of tory.

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Meantime, violations of human rights of Filipino exposed by the International Association of D intervention delivered to the United Nations Hum its 8th Session in Geneva on June 11, 2008 dur Review of the human rights record of the Nether arbitrary arrest and detention of Prof. Jose Maria raids by the Dutch police on the office of the Nat the Philippines and the homes of NDFP pe Persecution continued despite the dismissal of tr Sison, based false information provided by the A Philippine Supreme Court on June 1, 2007, and negotiations facilitated by the Norwegian Govern
South Korea: Defiant Masses
An estimated 50,000 people gathered in Seoul on the reversal of a government decision to resume resignation of the increasingly unpopular Preside Korea, once a big market for US beef, suspended the outbreak of "mad cow disease" in the US. clashed with police, forcing riot troops to fire wa people. Around 100 protesters and 40 security clashes, with a male citizen reportedly suffering Unable to control a series of protests with numb government renegotiated the agreement in June to export beef from cattle older than 30 months, higher risk of mad cow disease, or BSE.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is fro called for a resolution of the political turmoil. mass opposition to the half a century long US do until US bullying ends and the south is reunited anger in South Korea is high against what man willingness to cave into Washington and ignore h
Mongolia: Shift to the Left
The Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MP party, and Mongolia's oldest political party, w claimed victory in the recent elections to the Gra The party, which ruled Mongolia from 1921 until

man rights of Filipinos in the Netherlands were nal Association of Democratic Lawyers in its e United Nations Human Rights Council, during n June 11, 2008 during the Universal Periodic s record of the Netherlands. The IADL cited the on of Prof. Jose Maria Sison and indiscriminate n the office of the National Democratic Front of homes of NDFP personnel in August 2007. ite the dismissal of trumped up charges against ion provided by the Arroyo government, by the on June 1, 2007, and seriously prejudiced peace he Norwegian Government.
a: Defiant Masses
e gathered in Seoul on 5th July 2008 to demand nt decision to resume US beef imports and the gly unpopular President Lee Myung-Bak. South r US beef, suspended imports in 2003 following disease" in the US. Protesters had previously riot troops to fire water cannon and arrest 228 ters and 40 security officers were wounded in n reportedly suffering a cerebral haemorrhage. of protests with numbers reaching 100,000 the e agreement in June, with the US agreeing not lder than 30 months, which is thought to carry a ase, or BSE.
Ki-moon, who is from South Korea, has since the political turmoil. But nothing can appease f a century long US domination of South Korea, the south is reunited with the north; and public gh against what many see as the government's shington and ignore health concerns.
hift to the Left
volutionary Party (MPRP), a former communist est political party, which ruled Mongolia has nt elections to the Grand Khural, or parliament. golia from 1921 until 1996, when it was defeated

Page 54
by the Democratic Party in the wake of events th the Soviet Union, claimed the majority of seats parliament) leaving them poised to end four yea with their political rivals.
The results indicate a desire of the people to see that can deal with the economy left in a mess coalition, with inflation running at 15%, ram corruption, although the national economy grew thanks to the vast deposits of copper and gold. T government will take on state control over its na of social welfare is yet to be seen.
Venezuela: the Struggle Ahead
The Venezuelan Bolivarian project now faces nu opposition capable of a coup plot or the assassin November 23, the Bolivarian project will face its for governors and mayors. The United Socialist P in the process of construction needs to demons force of the country. While Chavez himself has m cannot be said for the PSUV with more than 5.5 of petty leadership rivalries. But the heart of t struggle that is beginning to be waged around a continues to lack many definitions. Points m Minister of Energy and Petroleum in an interview are particularly relevant.
(T)here are no workers, there is no nationa nothing. What exists is a group of people who This has its response in millions of men and w sectors marginalised not only from econom marginalised in the cultural sphere and fro country we have a serious problem of excl what? Well, excluded from the petroleum re seriously about socialism, this has to necess strengthening of the state. The state is the guaranteeing that the control of the immen have a useful social destiny.
In Venezuela we are in a basic and cruc sovereignty and return to the nation the use battle passes through the defence of the rig

the wake of events that followed the collapse of the majority of seats in the Grand Khural (the oised to end four years of coalition government
e of the people to see a more stable government nomy left in a mess by the earlier right-wing unning at 15%, rampant unemployment and ational economy grew by 9.9 percent in 2007, of copper and gold. The direction that the new ate control over its natural resources and issues
seen.
the Struggle Ahead
project now faces numerous difficulties and an p plot or the assassination of the President. On n project will face its next test, at the elections The United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) ion needs to demonstrate that it is the leading Chavez himself has majority support, the same V with more than 5.5 million members, because s. But the heart of the issue is the ideological o be waged around a socialist project which still definitions. Points made by Rafael Ramirez, roleum in an interview published in Punto Final
, there is no national bourgeoisie, there is group of people who live off petroleum rent. millions of men and women who make up the ot only from economic activity, but also ltural sphere and from everything. In this ious problem of exclusion. Excluded from rom the petroleum rent! Therefore, to talk m, this has to necessarily pass through the ate. The state is the only entity capable of ontrol of the immense petroleum rent can ny.
in a basic and crucial battle: rescue our to the nation the use of its resources. This he defence of the right of the Venezuelan

Page 55
people to decide their destiny with the aim socialism. Of course, it is not about waitin resolved in order to begin to construct sociali potentially lead us in any direction. We are forward in the economic sphere. It is fundame economic bases to sustain the support that th President Chavez's socialist proposals. If we ar end up trying to construct a socialism immer structures that existed when Chavismo came t many of them intact. Our principal problem h on these structures, reform them, and in some creating new structures.
To struggle for socialism, in capitalism, is capitalist values and relations are still prese pressure us. If we make a mistake, they repro is why the discussion over socialism in Ven that this is a process that is just beginning, accompanied by an intense practice.
We have had important achievements, we hav than a few errors. Our revolution has to be v discuss with a lot of loyalty the question of uni analyse how to better and more rapidly ad President Chavez, who is the leader of this pro
Paraguay: Change with the Tim
The election victory of former Catholic bishop Fe will on 15th August end 61 years of rule by the when Lugo takes office. Lugo, known as the associated with the social democratic Sociali Revolutionary Febrerista Party and has vowed t be “characterized by honesty and not by corrupti the rampant criminality of the Colorado rule. He Paraguay’s indigenous peasant population and Church in 2004 to pursue a political career. Wh will pursue an anti-imperialist line like those o election to office is symbolic of mass sentiment in
*****

destiny with the aim of moving towards t is not about waiting until everything is in to construct socialism, because this could ny direction. We are already taking steps sphere. It is fundamental that we create the in the support that the people are giving to list proposals. If we are not careful, we could ct a socialism immersed in capitalism. The hen Chavismo came to power are still there, r principal problem has been how to impact rm them, and in some cases, get rid off them,
m, in capitalism, is very difficult, because lations are still present, they influence and a mistake, they reproduce themselves. That ver socialism in Venezuela has to consider hat is just beginning, and which has to be
se practice.
achievements, we have also committed more evolution has to be very critical with itself, lty the question of unity in action, to see and and more rapidly advance, accompanying
the leader of this process.
hange with the Times
er Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo on 20th April years of rule by the right-wing Colorado Party Lugo, known as the “bishop of the poor” is l democratic Socialist International through arty and has vowed that his government would ty and not by corruption” in a clear reference to the Colorado rule. He championed the cause of sant population and then resigned from the a political career. While it is unlikely that Lugo alist line like those of Chavez and Morales, his c of mass sentiment in Latin America.
*****

Page 56
Chauvinism of the JVP bared
ja.vi.pe.: upata pavata vipata (Birth, life JVP), Sucharitha Gamlath, Sahasra Publi 2008, pp. 120, Rs 200.00. The book on the JVP, a collection of essays in fifteen years ago by Professor Sucharitha Ga May 14th in Colombo. Significantly, its lau inauguration of the National Freedom Fron faction of the JVP, led by Nandana G Weerawansa. The author writes from a Trotsky interpretations are subjective in places, the correct and make the book a valuable document has not been a Marxist organization. The JVP was founded on chauvinism, following Wijeweera from the Ceylon Communist Party l When the SLFP, LSSP, the revisionist CP, an demonstrated on 8th January 1966 against the leaders of the UNP and the Federal Party to Tamils, Wijeweera supported the protest, aga Party; and took advantage of the absence of the a conference in Albania, to abuse party reso supporting the chauvinist protest, which were p destroyed. He also opposed making Ta administration in the North and East. It was f building secretly an organization of Southern S expelled. Of the five theoretical lectures for JVP cadres the failed 1971insurrection, the one on Indian the plantation workers and Indian small trade expansionist enemy. The next insurrection (1 Provincial Council proposal in the Indo-Sri Lan in 2002, the JVP, to strengthen its vote bank am the ceasefire agreement and the MoU between the leader of the LTTE. Besides opposing a n national question, the JVP advocates a military the war reactivated by the Rajapaksha governm The JVP denounced the old left for being subm politics and claimed that it was the genuine lef

Book Reviews
the JVP bared
a vipata (Birth, life and death of the
lath, Sahasra Publications, Colombo 10, 00. collection of essays in Sinhala written around fessor Sucharitha Gamlath, was launched on Significantly, its launch coincided with the ional Freedom Front (JNP), the breakaway ed by Nandana Gunathilaka and Wimal writes from a Trotskyite perspective. Although ective in places, the factual information is k a valuable document illustrating that the JVP ganization. chauvinism, following the expulsion of Rohana n Communist Party led by N Sanmugathasan. he revisionist CP, and affiliated trade unions uary 1966 against the agreement between the the Federal Party to devolve powers to the rted the protest, against the decision of the of the absence of the Sanmugathasan, away at , to abuse party resources and print leaflets protest, which were promptly confiscated and pposed making Tamil the language of rth and East. It was for such offences and for ization of Southern Sinhala youth that he was
tures for JVP cadres that formed the basis of n, the one on Indian Expansionism portrayed d Indian small traders as arms of the Indian next insurrection (1987-89) was against the al in the Indo-Sri Lanka accord of 1987. Again, gthen its vote bank among Sinhalese, opposed nd the MoU between the Prime Minister and Besides opposing a negotiated solution to the P advocates a military solution, and promotes
Rajapaksha government. old left for being submerged in parliamentary it was the genuine left, only to get sucked into

Page 57
parliamentary politics even faster. But, while th service to a political solution and devolution o opposes these from a chauvinistic point of capitalist parties repeatedly refer to the JVP as cannot make the JVP left or Marxist. The claim in the book that the JVP went wro Trotskyite party is unsubstantiated. The JVP ha Stalin or Mao to justify its policies. It wa organization of a Fourth International from 19 this millennium. It merely used the space creat a Marxist movement in the country, which app lessons to the problems of the petit bourgeois well as the national question. Thus it is not possible to endorse all the view However, there is much to agree with an courageous exposure of the chauvinism of the national question.
An important historical documen
caathiyamum athaRkku ethiraana poora (Castism and the struggles against it), Ve South Vision, Chennai, 2008 pp. 242, Rs at Puthiya Poomi Publications, 47 CCSM C 11, Sri Lanka. The second edition of this book in Tamil by S and N Raveendran (Ravana) is a slightly enlar published in 1986. It deals briefly with the ori caste in South Asia, and distinguishes the cas parts of Sri Lanka from each other and from tho It deals with the nature and development of ca in Sri Lanka; the interaction of the caste system colonial rule; struggles against caste oppressio Jaffna peninsula, where caste oppression, ‘ struggle against them were most acute; and ex castism. The thrust of the work is to show how justice for those oppressed by caste in the Jaff in a mass movement against castism and untou Communist Party (the Marxist Leninist section

n faster. But, while the old left at least pays lip tion and devolution of power, the JVP bitterly hauvinistic point of view. The media and ly refer to the JVP as left and Marxist, but that or Marxist.
at the JVP went wrong because it was not a stantiated. The JVP has at no stage referred to y its policies. It was, however, a member International from 1978 until a few years into y used the space created by the failure to build e country, which applied the Marxist Leninist of the petit bourgeoisie and the peasantry as ion.
endorse all the views expressed in the book. h to agree with and commend about the the chauvinism of the JVP in relation to the
-ET-
historical document
ku ethiraana pooraattankaLum
gles against it), Vehujanan & Ravana, , 2008 pp. 242, Rs 300.00 in Sri Lanka ications, 47 CCSM Complex, Colombo
s book in Tamil by SK Senthivel (Vehujanan) na) is a slightly enlarged version of the first, ls briefly with the origins and development of distinguishes the caste structure in different ch other and from those existing in India. nd development of caste and caste oppression on of the caste system with the state, including gainst caste oppression, with emphasis on the caste oppression, ‘untouchability’ and the re most acute; and explores ways to eradicate e work is to show how efforts to secure social d by caste in the Jaffna Peninsula culminated nst castism and untouchability, led by the Left rxist Leninist section of the Communist Party

Page 58
(also known as Peking Wing Communist Pa revisionists in 1964). Reformist attempts to address grievances of t are discussed and their achievements and shor the context of the resilience of deep seated pre The need for a militant struggle and the ne explained and, very importantly, the possibili sections of the ‘higher castes’ in the struggle fo oppressed by caste is demonstrated, contrary Dalitists of Tamilnadu which only led to cast offering no prospect of an end to caste discrimin The leading role of the Marxist Leninists in the caste oppression was exemplary in many respe struggle as well as armed struggle to successfu it set for itself; and it restricted the use of arm arms and to the period for which the use of demonstrated that, under a correct political le can override caste loyalties in the struggles for s The book clearly states that caste and castis overnight or by decree, while emphasizing the for political and social democracy and socia problem of oppression by caste. It also recor castism in the context of the liberation struggle and effectively puts to rest the bogus claim o caste contradictions do not exist any more and talked about amid a struggle for liberatio bankruptcy of making caste the central contra struggles against other forms of oppression, an struggle. The value of the book lies not only in its being document on the struggle against caste oppress in its demonstration that genuine Marxist Le struggle as a pretext to shirk responsibility t other forms of social oppression but rather inte class struggle. It makes essential reading for t with the question of caste and caste oppression left who are interested in knowing how caste op without compromising on issues of class strugg of oppression.

Wing Communist Party) that split from the
dress grievances of those oppressed by caste chievements and shortcomings pointed out in ce of deep seated prejudices of the oppressor. struggle and the need to take up arms are ortantly, the possibility of uniting significant stes’ in the struggle for social justice for those onstrated, contrary to the narrow outlook of hich only led to caste politics of a new kind
end to caste discrimination and oppression. arxist Leninists in the mass struggle to combat mplary in many respects. It was the only mass struggle to successfully achieve the goals that stricted the use of arms to the enemy bearing for which the use of arms was necessary. It a correct political leadership, class solidarity s in the struggles for social justice. that caste and castism cannot be eradicated hile emphasizing the need for any movement democracy and social justice to resolve the y caste. It also records the current status of the liberation struggle of the Tamil nationality, st the bogus claim of Tamil nationalists that ot exist any more and that they should not be truggle for liberation. It also exposes the ste the central contradiction at the expense of rms of oppression, and most importantly class
s not only in its being the only comprehensive against caste oppression in Sri Lanka, but also t genuine Marxist Leninists do not use class shirk responsibility towards struggle against ession but rather integrate such struggles with ssential reading for those who are concerned and caste oppression as well as to those on the knowing how caste oppression could be fought issues of class struggle as well as other forms
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Page 59
The Deluge and the Tr
Fadwa Tuqan
When the hurricane swirled and
spread its del onto the good green land 'they' gloated. The western skies reverberated with joyous account "The Tree has fallen! The great trunk is smashed! The hurricane leaves no life in the Had the Tree really fallen? Never! Not with our red streams f not while the wine of our thorn lim fed the thirsty roots, Arab roots alive tunnelling deep, deep, into the lan When the Tree rises up, the branc shall flourish green and fresh in t the laughter of the Tree shall leaf beneath the sun and birds shall return Undoubtedly, the birds shall retur The birds shall return
Translated

e Deluge and the Tree
Fadwa Tuqan
icane swirled and
spread its deluge of dark evil reen land The western skies
ith joyous accounts: allen! k is smashed! leaves no life in the Tree!" eally fallen? h our red streams flowing forever,
ine of our thorn limbs roots, e p, deep, into the land!
rises up, the branches reen and fresh in the sun the Tree shall leaf n
return he birds shall return.
return
Translated by Nathalie Handal

Page 60
BETHLEHEM
Nathalie Handal
Secrets live in the space between our
The words of my grandfather echoed as the years kept his beads and town.
I saw Bethlehem, all in dust, an empt with a torn piece of newspaper lost in streets.
Where could everyone be? Graffiti an answered.
And where was the real Bethlehem--t grandfather came from?
Handkerchiefs dried the pain from m
Live trees and tears continued to rem
I walked the town until I reached an o dressed in a white robe.
I stopped him and asked, "Aren't you in my grandfather's stories?"
He looked at me and left. I followed h why he left? He continued walking.
I stopped, turned around and realize the secrets in the space between his footsteps.

Page 61
________
Published by E Thambiah of 47, 3rd Floor, CCSM Phone: 011 2435117; Fax: 011 2473757; E-mail: newde
Website: www.ndpsl.org Printed at the Gowri Printers, Colom

BETHLEHEM
Nathalie Handal
space between our footsteps.
grandfather echoed in my dreams, his beads and town.
all in dust, an empty town of newspaper lost in its narrow
yone be? Graffiti and stones
e real Bethlehem--the one my
from?
ied the pain from my hands.
rs continued to remember.
until I reached an old Arab man robe.
asked, "Aren't you the man I saw r's stories?"
nd left. I followed him--asked him ntinued walking.
around and realized he had left me
een his footsteps.

Page 62
_______
iah of 47, 3rd Floor, CCSM Complex, Colombo 11 11 2473757; E-mail: newdemocraticparty@hotmail.com
Website: www.ndpsl.org at the Gowri Printers, Colombo 13