SLMC leader optimistic over peace prospects

[TamilNet, Saturday, 20 April 2002, 18:30 GMT]
The leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Mr.Rauff Hakeem Saturday said that his talks with the leader of the Liberation Tigers, Mr.V.Pirapaharan would certainly facilitate the peace process. "My party would commit itself to help to take the peace process forward," Mr. Hakeem said in an interview to the state run Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).

Mr. Hakeem said that he trusted Mr. Pirapaharan sincerity. "However Mr.Pirapaharan fears that certain political forces in the south of the country might sabotage the peace process," the Muslim leader said.

Mr.Hakeem said that he met Mr.Pirapaharan as the leader of the SLMC and as a representative of Muslims, but certainly not as the minister of the United National Front government.

"I went to Killinochchi to meet Mr.Pirapaharan after informing the Prime Minister and other members of the cabinet. During my discussion with the LTTE leader I have been able reach consensus with him on several issues related to Muslims' concerns," said Mr.Hakeem.

He said that the next round of talks expected to be held with Mr.Pirapaharan would centre on complex political issues.

Meanwhile SLMC sources that Mr.Rauff Hakeem is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe Sunday morning to brief him on the talks he had with the Mr. Pirapaharan on April 13 in Killinochchi.