Archives

by Manjula Fernando and Rashomi Silva 

The LTTE has now resumed direct contacts with the Norwegian facilitators signalling an early revival of the peace talks, Cabinet Spokesman and Chief Government Negotiator Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday.

At the weekly Media briefing, the Minister said: "Direct communications between the representatives of the Norwegian Government and Anton Balasingham in London has once more been restarted. This is a major positive development towards the revival of the peace talks earlier than expected."

He said: "The Government of Sri Lanka expects very speedy and fruitful results from the talks between LTTE Chief Negotiator and the Norwegian team in London."

The Norwegian delegation comprising Ambassador Hans Brandsker and special envoy Jon Westborg handed over the Prime Minister's comprehensive response to LTTE Chief Negotiator's letter to Thamilselvan in Kilinochchi yesterday. "A copy of the letter was also faxed to Balasingham in London," Prof. Peiris said.

They also delivered two letters from Defence Secretary Austin Fernando and Peace Secretariat Chief Bernard Gunatilake on matters pertaining to security in Jaffna and strengthening the functions of Subcommittee on Immediate Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Normalisation. The letters were sent in response to the concerns expressed by Thamilselvan.

The two parties were expected to discuss on steps to be taken to move the peace process forward with minimal disputes in future.

Japanese Special envoy Yasushi Akashi and Norwegian Deputy foreign Minister Vidar Helgesan will arrive here on Saturday to discuss measures to be taken to strengthen peace talks. They will meet the Premier and the government peace delegation on Sunday afternoon. The two envoys are also expected to visit Kilinochchi to meet LTTE representatives.

Expressing strong hopes on the early revival of the peace process the Cabinet spokesman said: "These positive developments are expected to put the peace talks back on track."

Responding to a question Prof. Peiris said that the Government very much wished to see the participation of the LTTE at the upcoming Tokyo Donor conference scheduled on June 9 and 10. "This was planned in the context of the peace process. The assumption was that there would be bilateral participation."

"Following the recent positive developments the Government is hopeful that there will not be any change on the fixed schedule of the conference."

However, the LTTE has not yet clearly expressed their stand on participation, the Minister said.

www.crescat.com

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