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| Tuesday, 29 July 2003 |
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LTTE to resume peace talks if govt accepts counter-proposals by Ranga Jayasuriya The LTTE said yesterday that it would come out with amendments to the Government's Interim Administrative proposals adding that it would resume peace talks if the Government accepts them. LTTE political chief Thamilselvam was quoted as saying the LTTE leadership was now studying the Government's proposals and consulting constitutional and legal experts. "The IA proposal sent by Colombo to the LTTE has several shortcomings," Thamilselvam was quoted in the pro-LTTE website, TamilNet adding that: "We will submit our counter proposals to the UNF government which could satisfy the expectations and reflect the interests of our people." "We are prepared to recommence peace talks if the government accepts our counter proposals," he said. "We are keeping the doors to peace wide open," he said addressing a meeting at the Meenaham grounds in the LTTE held area of North West Batticaloa. "We would be glad if the government comes forward to solve the Tamil people's problems through peaceful means, understanding our stand," he said. The LTTE political chief is now on a week-long visit to the East where he is expected to meet and consult local commanders on the Government's proposals. Thamilselvam's remarks are the latest response of the Tigers who have been tight-lipped since the former Norwegian Ambassador In Colombo Jon Westborg submitted the Government's proposals to the Tigers on July 17. The LTTE earlier set up a consultative committee comprising legal and constitutional experts in Sri Lanka and abroad to study the Government's proposals for a Provisional Administrative Council for the North-East. The Council as proposed in the Discussion Document will comprise the members nominated by the Government including the nominees of the People's Alliance, members nominated by the LTTE and the SLMC. The LTTE will have a majority in the Council and the Muslim and Sinhala communities will have "weighted representation". The powers and functions of the Council will extend to enable the Council to participate effectively in the exercise and performance of such powers and functions as are at present being exercised and performed by the Government in respect of regional administration - except the area of police and security; land; and revenue - but including rehabilitation, reconstruction, and resettlement. |
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