Archives

Government presents new proposals for Interim Administration

by Nadira Gunatilleke and Rajmi Manatunga

The Government yesterday presented its new set of proposals outlining the proposed provisional administrative structure to the LTTE. The proposals were conveyed through Norwegian special envoy and former Norwegian Ambassador Jon Westborg.

According to Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Westborg flew to Killinochchi yesterday morning with the proposals. He said it was premature for the Government to expect a response from the LTTE within a few days since it will take time for them to study the proposals, consult relevant persons and discuss the issue before responding to the Government.

"It is premature to discuss the content of the proposals before we receive the LTTE's response," Peiris told the weekly post-Cabinet briefing. "The document provides a basis for discussion and clearly reflects the parameters within which the proposed provisional administrative structure will be established. The Government believes that this set of proposals represents the 'concrete' suggestions requested by the LTTE," he said adding that presenting new proposals to the LTTE was a landmark in the peace process.

Prof Peiris also emphasised the need for the participation of a Muslim delegation at the discussions on the interim administration, saying Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe believed that the views of the Muslim community should be articulated during such discussions.

However, the Cabinet Spokesman said the Government did not expect a response from the LTTE for the proposals within a day or two. "There should not be a sense of unduly haste." The Government has also informed Westborg that they are willing to effect changes to the format of peace talks. Among the proposed alterations is the necessity to have separate discussions for specific subjects like political, legal, development and humanitarian issues at different times with the participation of members relevant to the subject.

"Final decisions can be held by the entire delegation after these initial discussions," he said.

Since Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi is very keen on Sri Lanka's peace process he has expressed his desire to meet Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and have discussions on the Sri Lankan peace process.

The Premier will meet him during his visit to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly scheduled to be held in September 2003.

www.crescat.com

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

Produced by Lake House
Copyright © 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager