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Govt. will not compromise vital interests

Cabinet Spokesman Prof. G. L. Peiris yesterday said that the government was not ready to compromise the vital interests of the nation over the peace negotiations. Peiris reiterated that both parties have demonstrated a depth of commitment to continue overcoming the difficult situations.

"At the last session of peace talks we demonstrated that the Government will not hesitate to assert itself and take a strong stand when required.

We had different opinions with regard to the High Security Zones but at the end of the talks both parties agreed to complete resettlement outside the HSZ in the first phase and then go into the HSZs later."

He said General Sathis Nambiar has been asked to prepare a technical report on the situation of the High security zones. The resettlement in HSZs will commence based on this report during the second phase. Prof.Peiris said that though certain factions expected the negotiations to collapse on the issue of HSZs, both parties have demonstrated that they can overcome difficult issues and ensure the continuity of the peace process.

The fifth round of peace talks will be held in Thailand from February 7 to 10. The core political, economic and humanitarian issues will be taken up at these sessions.

Former Amnesty International Head Ian Martin will be present during the four days of negotiations. He will be involved in drawing up a comprehensive program to safeguard human rights, not only for the final solution but during the negotiations as well.

MF\RM

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