Talks encouraging, says Colombo

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, JAN. 12. Sri Lanka today said talks with the Norwegian special envoy, Mr. Erik Solheim, on ways to take the peace process forward were ``encouraging'', but once again made clear that a cease-fire with the LTTE was ruled out.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Mr. Solheim would now discuss matters ``further'' with the LTTE, and thereafter, again with the Sri Lankan Government.

Official sources said the statement was an indication that there had been some progress in the peace process, and that the Government was now awaiting the LTTE's response.

It is believed that Mr. Solheim's shuttle diplomacy between the parties to the conflict may now take him to London where the LTTE's pointman for this peace process, Mr. Anton Balasingham, is based.

An anticipated visit to the LTTE-controlled Vanni mainland by Mr. Solheim to meet its leader, Mr. V. Prabhakaran, did not take place.

Mr. Solheim, who left Sri Lanka early this morning, met the President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga, the Prime Minister, Mr. Ratnasiri Wickramanyake and the Constitutional Affairs Minister, Mr. G.L. Peiris.

He also held meetings with the Speaker, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar, the leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Mr. Rauff Hakeem and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe.

``They had an encouraging discussion on the ongoing process of negotiation with the LTTE with a view to taking the process forward. In the meantime, there will be no cease-fire,'' the Foreign Ministry communique said.

The LTTE is currently observing a unilateral cease- fire for a month ending January 24. The Government rejected the cease-fire on the ground that it was a ploy by the separatist group to buy time when it was militarily weak.

Representatives of 11 Tamil parties, including the TULF, TELO, EPRLF, ACTC and a host of parties representing the Indian Tamils met the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Mr. Gopal Gandhi.

They gave him a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, urging him to persuade the Sri Lankan Government to respond positively to the LTTE cease- fire. They have also sought a meeting with Mr. Vajpayee.

Mr. Gandhi told The Hindu he had assured them that he would forward the letter, and also reiterated New Delhi's commitment to a political solution to Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict, as well as its support to the Norwegian initiative to facilitate peace talks.

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Section  : International
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