LTTE under close scrutiny
[15 Jan 2001]

Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar said that the Government will first observe whether LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran is genuine about his peace proposal before committing itself to direct negotiation.

" It is not easy to study Prabhakaran in a hurry considering his past record of scuttling peace talks when it suited him. This time round we have to measure every step we take. The discussions, so far, through Norwegian peace envoy Eric Solheim has been encouraging. It could be fruitful depending on how genuine the LTTE is, " stated Minister Kadirgamar.

Meanwhile President Chandrika Kumaratunga had told Solheim that the negotiations with the LTTE could take place but there would be no cease-fire, sources revealed.

Minister further said: " Devolution within a united Sri Lanka as set out in the proposed constitution is possible, but the word self determination does not come into the equation."

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