The two leaders who set out the agenda and dates for further meetings this month on the proposed constitutional reforms agreed that the basis for the talks should be the government's 1997 draft constitution and also agreed on the need to build a consensus.

President Kumaratunga who led the People's Alliance delegation warmly welcomed the UNP's participation, a response to her invitation extended towards the opposition. She stated that it was the first time since independence that the government and the major opposition party had decided to secure national unity and discuss electoral issues with the concurrence of several parties in Parliament, and probably the major parties in Parliament.

"I believe we have the collective ability and I am sure the commitment to shoulder that responsibility seriously by removing the rancours that have existed between our sides for many years, which have existed long before we came into politics and the only way for the nation and our people to march forward securely and constructively. We for our part will have to attempt to reach a consensus" she stated.

A copy of the government's 1997 draft constitution was also formally handed over to the opposition leader by President Kumaratunga during the two hour meeting. "Especially the Tamil parties have been raising many issues because the draft proposals were not totally agreed to by all parties. But today we are presenting to you the 1997 document with a few more provisions we have sent to you which have been agreed to by all parties of the PA and the Tamil parties" she said.

"We discussed with the Tamil parties and we have now a document of a few pages, which have some additions to the draft proposals. We have not in any way amended the draft proposals of October 1997 is serious way" the President stressed.

The 1997 draft constitution had proposed to grant autonomy to minority Tamils in exchange for ethnic peace. Mr. Wickremasinghe had earlier opposed Kumaratunga's political package which seeks to turn the country into a de facto federal state, but in January the opposition did a U-turn and announced to join the government in it's effort for constitutional reforms.

Speaking at the meeting UNP leader said he felt that the most important issue, the first issue, was to look at the process of the structures, time frames and agenda for these talks.

"If you can get that resolved and the talks begin and whatever difficulties that arise we can always come back to that process, use that structure and start resolving those other questions that have arisen along the way" Mr. Wickremasinghe said.

Yesterday's talks were not directly linked to a plan to bring the LTTE to the negotiating table, but the UNP leader asked for a briefing on the latest developments regarding the peace effort with the assistance by Norway before the talks begin between the two main parties.

The parties agreed upon the Agenda and the dates for subsequent meetings for further discussions in the month of March.

Discussions commenced on several chapters of the draft constitution.

Both parties expressed satisfaction at the progress of this meeting.

Political observers commenting regarding the meeting said that it was indeed a historical event. "For the first time the UNP has shown a positive sign towards the peace effort. We certainly hope that their motives are genuine and that the UNP would cooperate with the government to reach a much needed Southern consensus to resolve the ethnic conflict".

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