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SLMM - LTTE talks over Jaffna islands

by Ranga Jayasuriya

Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission Chief Rtd General Trond Furuhevede who met the Naval forces commanders in Jaffna to discuss the LTTE demand to enter the islands off Jaffna declared as "military zones " by the Government, will meet the LTTE hierarchy in Kilinochchi this week, SLMM Deputy Head Hagrup Haukland told the Daily News.

The SLMM Chief will inform the LTTE leadership of the outcome of his discussion with the Naval forces and discuss the issue during this week's visit.

The Security Forces have outlined certain rules and regulations over LTTE activities in the islands, but the LTTE has disagreed with them. Under the article 1.11 of the Ceasefire Agreement, both the Security Forces and the LTTE reserve the right to deny entry to specific military areas.

Haukland said according to the SLMM's perspective the "ceasefire was going very well," but added there were certain complaints from the LTTE about the Army's delay to vacate places of worship and schools. He, however, said that according to the Ceasefire Agreement the vacation of schools is required only by D+160.

The SLMM on Sunday received two more monitors from Iceland and a further eight from Denmark are expected mid June.

Meanwhile, a delegation led by Economic Reforms, Science and technology Minister Milinda Moragoda and World Bank Vice- President for the South Asian Region Mieko Nishimizu yesterday flew to Jaffna to meet Jaffna Bishop Rev. Thomas Savundaranayagam. Bishop Savundaranayam is a member of the Committee for Peace and Goodwill.

The delegation also comprised Secretary General of the Peace Secretariat Bernard Gunethilake, Army Commander Lional Balagalle and Vice- Admiral Daya Sandagiri. They were expected to visit the Jaffna National College to assess the World Bank funded Education Project.

They also met civilians in Jaffna, Chavakachcheri, Kankasanthurai and Muhamalai.

In another development, LTTE Political Wing leader S. P. Thamilchelvam has stated that he is in full agreement with the UNHCR program to resettle displaced families in the North.

Mr. Thamilchelvam has expressed his agreement with this project when a UNHCR delegation met him for discussions in Killinochchi recently. 

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