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by Jayantha Sri Nissanka and Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

The Government is exploring the possibility of working towards a mechanism for an agreement with the LTTE on common terms and conditions acceptable to both sides for the resolution of the ongoing conflict, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy, Investment Promotion and Constitutional Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris told a Cabinet briefing yesterday.

The LTTE declared a ceasefire on December 24 for one month. The government reciprocated the LTTE's move with a Cessation of Hostilities for the same period.

" We are now working very hard to ensure the terms and conditions included in these different ceasefires are put together in a coherent and systematic framework," he added.

The Minister asserted that the Government was now focusing on building up confidence between the two parties. "Due to the inherent complexity of the issue, problems may arise from time to time. It is to be expected. What is important is to build up the goodwill and bona-fide."

The Government and the LTTE have already sought the assistance of the Norwegian Government to be the facilitator.

Responding to a question the Minister said, there is a high level of expectation among the people but we are moving in a slow and steady manner to lay a solid foundation for peace. "The first priorities of the Government is to improve the living conditions of the people in the North. The philosophy of the Government is to go step by step."

Following this, the embargo on goods to the Vanni will not be operative except for six completely banned items and four restricted items. "Sending goods to Vanni was one of the pledges in our election manifesto and these goods are based on the same list prepared by the PA."

The Minister said that in order to ease ground difficulties, the government was considering setting up an additional checkpoint to facilitate the movement of goods.

The Minister said: "It is clear that the UNF has achieved an overwhelming mandate to work towards peace. But, we will not give promises which cannot be fulfilled. A promise that is given will be fulfilled."

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