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Deproscription of LTTE under consideration

From Rodney Martinesz in Bentota

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the government was giving serious consideration to the LTTE demand that the ban against it be lifted.

He said they would have to consider what to do with the ban also taking into account the international implications. "But we are certain we can find a way to do that," Prime Minister Wickremesinghe told journalists after meeting with Norway's Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen and his delegation on the lawn of the Bentota Beach Hotel yesterday.

Further to questions put to him by journalists the Premier said that he was happy with the progress made so far in the peace process. While he would not go so far as to say that peace was close at hand, the Premier nevertheless stated that they were on the road to peace.

The Deputy Norwegian Foreign Minister who is here to discuss the framework on "talks about talks" noted the peace process had moved forward at a healthy pace over the last two months and in the right direction too.

To a question posed by a reporter on his response to Prabhakaran's interview, Helgesen said it was a good event. "There were no big surprises."

He was accompanied by Special Envoy Erik Solheim and Norwegian Ambassador Jon Westborg. Head of the Peace Secretariat, Bernard Gunatilake was also present.

Helgesen and his delegation will meet LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and Chief Negotiator Anton Balasingham in the Vanni on April 17 for extensive discussions on the ongoing peace process.

Prabhakaran, at his first press conference in 12 years last Wednesday, said his organisation should be deproscribed in Sri Lanka before the talks in Thailand are held.

"We want to come to the talks as equal partners and a legal entity," Prabhakaran told the media.

He said the LTTE was prepared to seriously consider renouncing the armed struggle for Eelam if a solution acceptable to the Tamil people is put forward.

The LTTE leader said he was pleased with the developments in the peace process and complimented Prime Minister Wickremesinghe for taking bold steps to initiate the peace process and create goodwill.

The government and the LTTE entered into a formal ceasefire on February 23 to clear the way for face-to-face talks, expected to be held in June. 

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