North-East Bishops urge LTTE to honour truce

by Ananth Palakidnar

Catholic Bishops of the North-East have appealed to the LTTE to abide by the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) and preserve the peace process irrespective of the current stalemate in the talks.

Bishop of Jaffna Rt. Rev Thomas Savundaranayagam, Bishop of Mannar Rt. Rev. Rayappu Joseph and Bishop of Trincomalee and Batticaloa Rt. Rev. Kingsley Swampillai have pointed out to LTTE political wing leader S.P. Thamilselvan that safeguarding the CFA was the need of the hour.

During a special meeting with Thamilselvan in Killinochchi on Friday, the Bishops have also stressed the importance of adhering to the peace process despite the stalled peace talks, sources close to the Church leaders said.

The Catholic Bishops also discussed the current political trends in the North and East and the country at large. During the discussion Thamilselvan elaborated on the LTTE's current stance on the political developments, sources said.

Meanwhile, LTTE media spokesperson Daya Master told the Daily News that the LTTE has conveyed its response to the latest set of proposals sent by the Government on the security of the LTTE cadres who travel in military controlled areas in the North-East.

Daya Master did not reveal the contents of the LTTE's response but said it would help in settling the issue.

SLMM Chief Hagrup Haukland who was on holiday in Norway was expected to return Colombo yesterday.

Haukland is expected to discuss with Government officials the LTTE's response today to reach a settlement as early as possible.

Norwegian facilitator Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen will arrive in Colombo on Thursday and will meet Government officials and the LTTE.

The P-TOMS and the CFA are on the top of the agenda of the Norwegian facilitator, diplomatic sources said.