Geneva talks end without LTTE agreeing to fresh dates for further talks
[Monday, October 30, 2006 -9.30 GMT]

The two day talks between the Government and the LTTE held in Geneva over the weekend (October 28-29) ended yesterday without conclusion, as the LTTE had taken a hardline stance regarding the re-opening of the A9 route, despite the government having offered sea access to Jaffna.

The A9 was closed following LTTE shelling of Muhamalai and to ensure the security of the people of the area.

Government delegation Head Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the LTTE based on this issue refused to agree on a new date for talks despite the Government offering an alternative sea route for humanitarian supplies to be taken north, pointing out that a sea route was cheaper and more efficient. The Government had requested for an early date of November 16 or 27, 2006.

“The Government has not given up hope” the Minister is quoted as saying.

Norwegian Minister for International Aid Erik Solheim said both sides had told the Norwegian mediators that they would refrain from launching any offensives.

Minister de Silva disclosed that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had written to the UN for assistance for dispatching food to the peninsula. The Government was very concerned about the people in the North and was committed to address their grievances.

 

 

PRINT THIS STORY

Contact Information: Send mail to gosl@presidentsl.org with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: October 30, 2006 - 9.30 GMT