Japanese peace envoy praises LTTE's sincerity

[TamilNet, Sunday, 19 January 2003, 18:49 GMT]
Mr.Yasushi Akashi, Japanese special peace envoy said Saturday that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) participates in the peace talks with dedication, sincerity and with open heart.

"I have come to this conclusion after having talks with the LTTE political advisor Dr.Anton Balasingham in Thailand and Mr.S.P.Thamilselvan, Political head of the LTTE in Killinochchi," said Mr. Akashi at a press briefing before leaving the country after three-day visit, sources said.

Mr.Yasushi Akashi, Japanese special peace envoy (NATO photo)

During his visit to Sri Lanka Mr. Akashi toured Jaffna and Killinochchi and saw the prevailing situation there. He later met Mr.Thamilsevan at Killinochchi and had discussion regarding the resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced, sources said.

Mr. Akashi also toured the south of the country.

Mr. Akashi at the press briefing held Saturday night said he was thoroughly convinced that the LTTE is sincere in their attempt to find peace through talks. They even have accepted to find a political solution through federal concept, he said.

He was highly taken up when a Buddhist religious dignitary in the south said that after the ceasefire came into force no dead bodies had come to south from the war front in the north. The Buddhist religious leader wanted this peaceful situation to continue.

All should work with dedication to usher permanent peace in the country, Japanese envoy said.