Reforms package by Aug., Chandrika tells E.U.

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, JULY 10. The Sri Lankan President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga, told European Union ambassadors and the head of the European Commission here today that she intended tabling the constitutional reforms package in Parliament early next month.

She also said that Sri Lanka was ready to talk to the LTTE anytime. ``(She) stressed that in respect of the LTTE, the door remains open. The Government continues to be ready to offer for discussions to the LTTE the consensus that has evolved through consultations amongst all other parties,'' a statement from the Presidential Secretariat said.

Member-states of the E.U. are important to Sri Lanka as they account for a significant chunk of financial aid that it receives. In the past, some members were critical of the Government's approach to the ethnic conflict, especially its pursuit of the war against the LTTE which has had consequences for these countries.

The statement said Ms. Kumaratunga briefed the ambassadors on the security situation in the north, the Government's efforts at reaching a negotiated solution to the conflict and the economic prospects of the country.

The recent agreement between the ruling People's Alliance (PA) and the Opposition UNP formed an important part of the statement. Ms. Kumaratunga told the E.U. delegation that ``on the basis of these consultations which had been preceded by discussions within the PA and thereafter with the Tamil parties, the Government intends to present its proposals for constitutional reform to Parliament by the beginning of next month.''

Another statement from the Government said the Media Minister, Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, was in the Czech Republic on a three-day visit as Sri Lanka's special envoy. He met the President, Mr. Vaclav Havel, and thanked him ``for the understanding shown and support given by the Czech Republic in the recent past''. Sri Lanka recently bought heavy weapons from that country.

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Section  : International
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