LTTE split dangerous but early talks possible – President
[March 19, 2004 - 8.00 GMT] 

President Chandrika Kumaratunga told the BBC and Reuters News Agency yesterday the split within the LTTE could make negotiations difficult as there now would be two factions to deal with.

“It is a very volatile situation and we will have to see how the situation develops”, said the President in her first official statement regarding the recent divide within the LTTE.

President Kumaratunga said that a division within any movement makes it weak and there was always the possibility of the two sides warring with each other, given their militant past.

However she also noted “the LTTE leadership maybe more willing to come to talks in a positive and constructive manner now that they are less monolithic than before”.

When asked which leader she would deal with, in the event of the UPFA coming into power, the President said though the LTTE was not still a legal organization, the government therefore would have to deal with its accepted leader viz Mr. Velupillai Prabhakaran. She further said the government would have to find ways and means of dealing with the breakaway faction too.

President Kumaratunga speaking on the peace process said, if her party won the elections in April they would continue negotiations, but in a more professional manner and that she wanted to resume talks quickly to end the two-decade ethnic conflict.

PRINT THIS STORY

Contact Information: Send mail to gosl@presidentsl.org with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: March 19, 2004  - 8.00 GMT.