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by Bernard Perera

The Asian German Sports Exchange Programme which helps local sports in many ways has visited the uncleared areas of North recently. The representatives Dictmar Doering, Dr. Uwe Ludt and Ronald Gegunfurtoor had the opportunity of meeting the LTTE leadership A. Balasingham and Suddar Master to discuss matters relating sports activities that are to take place in these areas. This meeting was arranged by the chief of ICRC based in Vavuniya Mr. Kishore.

The AGSEP has arranged to bring to the Island a female soccer team SV Hermannstein, from Frankfurt. They will be here for two weeks.

According to head of the delegation Doering LTTE leadership has no hesitation for this programme, but they too were more concerned about the ground facilities available at present, he said. Adding further Doering told that the LTTE is ready to develop these ground to playable condition before the arrival of the German team. This, Doering said is a good sign towards peace. He also said sports has lot of potential in bringing in peace when a war is raging. He cited World War II which separated Germany as East and West, but sports specially soccer changed this concept and now it is one country Germany.

Doering said with Government and LTTE engaged in a peace process this sports activities too could be vital instrument. Within mind these tours are named as AGSEP Football Tour - 2002 Impulse to Peace, he said.

Doering also add that the LTTE has given an assurance to players and official regarding their security during their stay in the uncleared areas.

The AGSEP also held discussions in conducting training programmes in schools in these areas. For this purpose he said international coaches could be used with their organisations help. Lions Chairman of the Region Terence Wijesuriya who was associated in these talks has promised the fullest co-operation by way of providing accommodation and other necessary facilities.

The AGSEP intends bringing to the Island schools teams from Germany to play with rural schools in these areas. In return the local teams will be given the opportunity to visit Germany. On their visits they will be completely looked after by the schoolchildren of Germany said the chief of AGSEP Doering.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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