'Will reconsider meetings if civilians are harassed' - Kausalyan

[TamilNet, Saturday, 30 October 2004, 08:18 GMT]
''We explained to the Sri Lankan armed forces about the fear among civilians caused by the drastic increase in searching and checkpoints. We are very carefully considering the progress of these meetings in relation to these developments. If the harassment of civilians continue thus we would be compelled to reconsider our participation in these meetings'', said Mr. E. Kousalyan, head, political division of the Liberation Tigers for Batticaloa-Amparai, speaking to the press at the conclusion of a meeting in Batticaloa between LTTE and Sri Lankan armed forces Saturday.

The Sri Lankan military delegation was led by the commander of Sri Lanka army's 23 Division, Brigadier Vajira Wijegoonewardena.

''All the incidents of violence in the Batticaloa-Ampara region are taking place in areas controlled by the Sri Lankan armed forces. Therefore they should take steps to maintain law and order.

"We are prepared to extend our assistance in this regard. No untoward incidents have taken place in areas under our control. If anything were to happen in our areas, we will take full responsibility and take necessary law and order action'', Mr. Kousalyan said. However, both sides agreed to meet again on 20 November.

Brig. Goonewardena declined to speak to the press.

The meeting took place at the Vavunathivu Divisional Secretary's office Saturday morning.

Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission presided.



Mr. E. Kousalyan, head, political division of the Liberation Tigers for Batticaloa-Amparai, speaking to the press at the conclusion of a meeting in Batticaloa between LTTE and Sri Lankan armed forces Saturday.