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Govt expects more foreign funds to rebuild N-E - Tyronne

Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando told BBC Asia on Saturday that the deproscription of the LTTE is not a big issue but only a matter of time.

"Our main aim is to bring them into the mainstream politics. If that intention is fulfilled, deproscription is not an issue," the Minister told Keshini Navaratnam of BBC Asia in an interview. The people have exhibited their commitment for peace again at the recent local polls, the Minister said.

"They have taught a good lesson to those extreme elements, including the JVP and some elements of the PA, who are trying their best to sabotage this process. The people have taken this entire process into their hands. I am sure that they will not let it go because there is a thirst for peace," he stressed. When asked about the government's priorities in the North and the East, he said that reconstruction of the area tops the agenda.

"I took all Colombo-based diplomats to Jaffna recently and they witnessed the devastation that has been caused by the war, especially in places like Chavakachcheri. We expect more foreign assistance to build this damaged area," he said.

Commenting about his talks with Thai Prime Minister Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra and Foreign Minister Dr. Surakirath Sathirathai, Fernando said that he took the opportunity to thank the Thai government for hosting the talks between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government.

"The role of the Thai government will be very marginal, but very important. It will neither be a facilitator nor a mediator.

But we are thankful to them for hosting the talks which will be held next month or the month after," he added.

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