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SLMM optimistic of settling HSZ issue

by Ranil Wijayapala

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) is optimistic that a solution can be found for the resettlement of displaced civilians in the High Security Zones (HSZ) though the LTTE has rejected the conditions forwarded by the Army, SLMM spokesman Teitur Torkelsson said.

"We are still planning to set up a meeting between the two parties in this regard. The LTTE and Army will be informed about this within the next few days," he added.

"The SLMM hopes the meeting can be arranged within the first week of January," Torkelsson said.

The LTTE in a statement issued from its headquarters in Kilinochchi on Thursday accused the military of imposing unacceptable and unrealistic conditions for the resettlement of the internally displaced Tamils in their own homes and villages in Jaffna.

They rejected the conditions of disarming and the de-commissioning of their weapons for the sake of relaxation of HSZs in Jaffna. "These conditions are unacceptable and unrealistic", the LTTE stated.

Torkelsson said the LTTE had not conveyed any official statement to the SLMM regarding this.

"They may be contacting the media directly since Jaffna Army Commander Major General Sarath Fonseka's report also leaked to the media before it was handed over to the LTTE".

However, Torkeslsson said the report by Major General Fonseka was the first step towards settling the issue of resettling people in HSZs and more issues should also be discussed before reaching a consensus.

The LTTE has also rejected conditions of disarming and de-commissioning of their weapons which is the only thing included in the report.

"Therefore, the two parties can discuss this further. The SLMM stand is that the two parties should maintain the balance of power to continue with the ceasefire agreement," he added.

The SLMM is not recommending the dismantling of all HSZs held by Security Forces nor the disarmament of the LTTE cadres at this stage, Torkelsson added.

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