Colombo optimistic of LTTE participation in peace talks

[TamilNet, Thursday, 01 May 2003, 00:10 GMT]
The United National Front government of Sri Lanka Wednesday expressed optimism that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam would participate in the Aid Donors' Summit, which is scheduled to be held in the first week of June in Tokyo, Japan.

The government’s chief negotiator, Minister G.L.Peiris, in his cabinet press briefing Thursday said that differences of opinion that arose between the government and the LTTE have now been resolved, as the government has taken favorable steps regarding the suggestions made by the LTTE.

Mr. Peiris further said talks held between the Norwegian diplomats and the LTTE’s political advisor, Mr.Anton Balasingham, have helped to find practicable solutions to problems identified, and he expressed the hope that more constructive progress could be witnessed in the peace process in the future.

According to Mr. Peiris, the Japanese special peace envoy, Mr.Yasushi Akashi, and the Norwegian deputy foreign minister, Mr. Vidar Helgessen, would arrive in Colombo on Saturday. Both would hold crucial talks with the Prime Minister and members of the government peace team on Sunday. Later, both would visit Kilinochchi to hold talks with the LTTE leadership.

The seventh round of peace talks between the GOSL and the LTTE did not take place as scheduled from April 29 to May 2, as the LTTE temporarily pulled out of the peace talks, saying they could not participate until decisions arrived at in previous rounds were implemented.