Peace body urges LTTE, Govt. to start talking

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, FEB. 21. The British Government move to delay the decision on the proscription of the LTTE has been described by peace activists here as an opportunity for reconciliation.

In a statement today, the National Peace Council (NPC) said the actions of both the Government and the rebels till now seemed to have been dictated by the possibility that the U.K. might outlaw the LTTE on February 19. ``The indefinite postponement of the decision by the British Government is an opportunity for both parties to get away from an over-emphasis on the ban and take positive steps regarding the peace process.''

Appealing to the LTTE to extend its unilateral ceasefire, which ends on Saturday, again and to the Government to reciprocate it, the NPC urged the two sides to begin talking immediately. ``We ask that (this happens) prior to, and regardless of, the British decision on whether or not to ban the LTTE under their law. The British decision to delay naming the organisations they wish to ban was taken with their own interests in mind, not ours. That decision must not lead to a break in the prospects of a permanent end to the fighting in our country.'' On Tuesday, representatives of the Inter-Religion Alliance for National Unity said, after a meeting with the LTTE in northern Sri Lanka, that the group was prepared to give up its demand for a separate state in return for a just peace.

The NPC said this should be utilised by the Government to start the negotiation process ``without finding various reasons to delay making a positive response''.

Meanwhile, a delegation from the European Parliament, comprising five members and four officials, is scheduled to visit Jaffna on Thursday.

They arrived here on Sunday for a week-long visit, and met leaders of various political parties, including the Opposition leader, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, and the leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Mr. Rauff Hakeem.

Another European Union delegation, from the organisation's joint commission with Sri Lanka, principally an aid-deciding body, is scheduled to arrive next Tuesday for consultations on political and economic developments in the country.

The visits come ahead of a visit to three European capitals by the President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga, in early March.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : International
Previous : 'Outfits cannot be stopped from raising funds for
           jehad'
Next     : Barak not to join Sharon Cabinet