Government-LTTE agree on top priority for ‘Humanitarian Challenges’ 
[September 18, 2002  - 10.00 GMT]

The Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE have identified ‘stepping up humanitarian mine action, and accelerating resettlement and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons’ as their ‘immediate’ priorities, the Norwegian Government press announced at the end of the first round of talks between the two sides in the Thai town of Sattahip Wednesday.

“The parties discussed in-depth the urgent need to address the difficult humanitarian situation in the north and east of Sri Lanka. To this effect, the parties agreed to establish a Joint Task Force for Humanitarian and Reconstruction Activities,” the release said.

“The Joint Task Force is a sign of the increasing level of trust between the parties, and of their willingness to work together,” the Norwegian Government who have been acting as facilitators since 1999, said.

The Government and the LTTE have also agreed to establish a Joint Committee to deal with the issues relating to High Security Zones. The Committee will consist of senior representatives of both sides, including military personnel. 

The next three rounds of negotiations will take place on the following dates:

31 October – 3 November 2002
2 – 5 December 2002
6 – 9 January 2003.

The talks held from September 16 – 18 in Sattahip, Thailand were described as “frank and constructive” by the Government of Norway.
 

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Last Updated Date: September 18, 2002  - 10.00 GMT.