Akashi to meet JVP leaders

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 27 October 2004, 10:37 GMT]
Mr.Yasushi Akashi, Japanese special peace envoy who is scheduled to arrive in Colombo evening has agreed to meet the political leadership of the Sinhala nationalist-Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), major constituent of the United Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government, during his seven day stay in Sri Lanka, State run Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) reported in its news bulletin Wednesday.

The Japanese embassy sources said the request made by Mr. Somawanse Amerasinghe, JVP national leader to arrange a meeting with Mr.Akashi has been accepted. The discussion is expected to take place Thursday or Friday in Colombo, political sources said

This is the first time JVP leadership has sought a meeting with the Japanese special peace envoy, sources said.

Meanwhile, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentary group is also scheduled to meet Mr.Akashi in Colombo.

Mr.Akashi is also scheduled to meet Sri Lanka's President Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge, Prime Minister Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse, Opposition Leader Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe and leaders of other political parties.

He is scheduled to meet LTTE leadership in Killinochchi, sources said.