Archives

Govt-LTTE talks likely to be in town east of Bangkok: official

BANGKOK, Wednsday (AFP) Historic talks between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tiger rebels next month are likely to take place in Sattahip, a town east of the capital, an official said Wednesday.

"The place and date cannot be confirmed at the moment because Sri Lanka does not want Thailand to reveal much due to security concerns, but it is likely to be held in Sattahip," the foreign ministry official said.

Sattahip is the site of the Thai First Fleet naval base, and has deepwater port facilities -- useful if Tiger delegates arrive by sea.

The small town lies about 120 kilometres (74 miles) south of Pattaya, a popular resort destination.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not say which venue at Sattahip would be used for the talks.

However, the meetings are likely to be held at the spacious naval compound, which has also been used for opening ceremonies for the annual joint US-Thai Cobra Gold military exercises.

Thailand proposed various venues across the country for the first formal face-to-face meetings between the two sides, which are scheduled to held on September 16.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager