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Meetings in Kilinochchi, London ahead of Sept 16: Peace moves gather pace

by Ranga Jayasuriya

Prime Minister's Secretary Bradman Weerakoon held talks with LTTE political wing chief S.P. Thamilchelvam yesterday as Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Minister Rauff Hakeem flew to London for talks with LTTE Chief Negotiator Anton Balasingham.

The discussions in Kilinochchi and in London precede the first round of formal peace talks between the government and the LTTE in Thailand on September 16.

Weerakoon held two hours of talks with Thamilchelvam on North East development and certain issues regarding the Ceasefire Agreement, LTTE media secretary Daya Master told the "Daily News".

"The discussions focused on immediate reconstruction and resettlement work. The reconstruction of basic infrastructure in the region was discussed," the LTTE spokesman said.

The vacation of school buildings by Security Forces in Jaffna was also discussed.

Before the talks, he visited a de-mining site run by the LTTE, the LTTE spokesman said adding that he promised assistance for the de-mining. Thamilchelvam was accompanied by area leaders Thangan and Visu.

Weerakoon was en route to Colombo from Jaffna by road. He visited the LTTE political office in Kilinochchi where the previously unannounced talks were held.

On Saturday, he attended a conference organised by education officials in Jaffna, where the vacation of school buildings and fishing restrictions were discussed.

Weerakoon has stated at the conference that the government was committed to implement projects pertaining to rehabilitation, reconstruction and relief in the North-East.

Several countries are ready to provide financial aid to rebuild the North-East once peace is achieved, he said. A team of local and foreign development bankers visited the Wanni last week to assess the region's reconstruction needs.

Minister Hakeem's talks in London with Balasingham are expected to focus on Muslim participation in the proposed North- East Interim Administration, sources close to the Minister told the Daily News.

Hakeem will also ask about the LTTE stance on the Muslim demand for a separate interim administration for the Muslim majority area in the East, sources said. He will be a member of the government delegation for the direct negotiations with the LTTE.

The SLMC Leader's unexpected visit came following an invitation from London-based Balasingham, sources said. Balasingham will lead the LTTE delegation at the Norwegian-brokered talks. His wife Adele will also be a member of the delegation.

The talks are most likely to be held in Sattahip, east of Bangkok. Sattahip is the site of the Thai First Fleet naval base and has deepwater port facilities. The small town lies about 120 kilometres (74 miles) south of Pattaya, a popular resort destination.

Meanwhile, at least 15,000 cricket fans flocked to see spinner Muttiah Muralitharan on Sunday in an exhibition match in Jaffna. This was the first major cricket match in Jaffna after nearly 20 years.

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