The Hindu : National : Ready to resume talks with LTTE: Chandrika

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 05, 2004

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National

Ready to resume talks with LTTE: Chandrika

By Amit Baruah

NEW DELHI, NOV. 4. The Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, today discussed the state of the peace process in her country with the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, in the capital.

Officials privy to the discussions said that Ms. Kumaratunga told Dr. Singh that her Government was ready to resume the dialogue with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Resistance from the Tigers, however, had held up the resumption of the talks, Ms. Kumaratunga said.

The officials said that Ms. Kumaratunga stressed that Sri Lanka was ready to discuss the Interim Self-Governing Authority (ISGA) proposal with the LTTE within a federal framework. She reportedly pointed out that while there had been political killings by the LTTE, the ceasefire in the island nation continued to hold.

Defence cooperation

The officials also revealed that India and Sri Lanka had completed substantive discussions on their proposed defence cooperation agreement and that it was nearly ready to be concluded. The issue of defence cooperation also figured in today's discussions.

The External Affairs Ministry spokesman said this evening that Ms. Kumaratunga and Dr. Singh reviewed the current state of bilateral relations.

They expressed satisfaction with the current levels of "excellent cooperation" between the two countries and resolved to expand it through various development projects.

On his part, Dr. Singh conveyed his Government's appreciation for Sri Lanka's support for India to enter an enlarged United Nations' Security Council as a permanent member.

According to officials, Dr. hosted a lunch in honour of the Sri Lankan President and their discussions continued over lunch. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, is accompanying Ms. Kumaratunga during her visit.

The External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh, also met Ms. Kumaratunga. According to the spokesman, the two leaders discussed a range of issues, including cooperation in the field of fisheries, defence and the utilisation of the lines of credit extended by India to Sri Lanka.

Economic partnership

He said that Ms. Kumaratunga and Mr. Natwar Singh discussed the feasibility of a ferry service between the two countries. They also talked about the comprehensive economic partnership agreement currently under discussion. The issue of Indian fishermen straying into Sri Lankan waters is also said to have figured in the discussions Ms. Kumaratunga had today. Officials described the relations between India and Sri Lanka as "excellent."

On account of the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's visit to the United Arab Emirates, his proposed meeting with Ms. Kumaratunga could not take place today.

The meeting will now take place on November 6.

The Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance, Sonia Gandhi, called on Ms. Kumaratunga this evening.

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