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by Douglas Ayling

The LTTE have proposed to open the A9 on a 24 hour basis, in a meeting with the SLMM on Friday. Mr. Tamilselvan met with the Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Haukland to discuss the implementation of an initial phase whereby the A9 would be opened seven days a week from 6am to 6pm.

Under the terms of the MoU, there is no clear time framework for the full opening of the road. However, the Head of Mission of the SLMM - Mr Trond Furuhovde - told the 'Daily News' that "this is up to the parties to decide".

Mr. Furuhovde was asked to comment on the naval incidents off Vakarai last Wednesday. The Navy allege that 15 boxes of 120mm mortars, two boxes of 82mm mortars and six rocket-propelled grenades were recovered from the remains of the trawler "Duwa Mekala" after it was blown up by its crew.

The Navy claim that they were later fired upon and that they destroyed an LTTE craft as they pursued a second trawler which eventually eluded them among civilian vessels and in shallow waters.

The Head of the SLMM said, "We haven't given any recommendations so far about this incident, we have to clarify with the parties. The parties will certainly investigate themselves".

"We are also concerned about the boat which exploded - the first part of the incident; and the exchange of fire - the second part of the incident. Is it a fisher, or is it owned by one of the parties?"

Describing as "absolutely vital" the need to establish the identity of the exploded vessel, Mr. Furuhovde added that "for the simple reason that the ship blew up, there is very little left - so it is difficult to identify".

Regarding the likelihood of a forthcoming SLMM decision on this incident, the retired General Mr. Furuhovde said, "If over the next couple of days, we do not have any information, then we cannot establish blame. But we would certainly say that anybody bringing ammo into these waters, is a breach".

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