"LTTE's ISGA, Govt's interim proposal basis for talks" - Dhanapala

[TamilNet, Monday, 09 August 2004, 12:03 GMT]
"The Sri Lankan Government is also preparing a draft interim proposal like the Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Peace talks between the GOSL and LTTE could commence on the basis of the proposals by the parties concerned," said Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala, Chairman of the Sri Lankan Government Peace Secretariat addressing members of the Consortium of Jaffna District Non-Governmental Organizations Monday afternoon.

He further said President Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge is very keen in recommencing the stalled peace talks between the GOSL and LTTE.

Consortium Chairman Mr.S.Sakthivel presided over the discussion. Brigadier Sanath Karunaratne of the Sri Lanka Army who is designated Director, Operations, Rev.Fr.Bernard, Senior Vice President of the Ceylon Tamil Teachers Union (CTTU) Mr.T.Panchalingam and several others attended the discussion.

Dr.Jayantha Dhanapala on his arrival in Jaffna first met with the Jaffna area commander of the Sri Lanka Army Major General Susil Chandrapala in Palaly military base. Thereafter he visited the office of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) in Jaffna and held discussion with the Norwegian monitors.

Later he met with the Jaffna District Secretariat and Government Agent Mr.S.Pathmanathan and the Jaffna University Vice Chancellor Professor C.Mohanadas.

The discussion took place at the guesthouse of the Refugees Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Ministry in Jaffna. Dr.Jayantha Dhanapala later attended a discussion with the representatives of the Consortium of Jaffna District NGOs.