Guwahati: The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Saturday expressed satisfaction over the steps initiated by the People's Consultative Group (PCG) for facilitating direct talks with the Centre.

In a statement e-mailed to newspapers, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa expressed the hope that the Centre would initiate positive steps on the issues raised by the militant outfit through the PCG.

Recently the Centre gave assurances on finding a political solution to the conflict to restore permanent peace in Assam, he said.

During the third round of discussions with the PCG on June 22, the Centre agreed to "consider favourably" the release of top ULFA leaders "in consultation with the State Government." They are vice-chairman Pradip Gogoi, cultural secretary Pranati Deka, adviser Bhimkanta Buragohain, central publicity secretary Mithinga Daimari and self-styled captain Ramu Mech.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil gave the assurance on their release to the ULFA-appointed PCG. He asked the PCG to impress upon the outfit the need to ensure a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for direct talks at the earliest.

The PCG urged the Centre to include the "sovereignty issue" raised by the outfit on the agenda for direct talks.

After the Centre-PCG talks, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi reiterated that the State Government was agreeable to releasing the ULFA leaders if the gesture facilitated direct talks.

The ULFA chairman reiterated faith in writer Indira Goswami and former football veteran Rebati Phukan, who coordinated the PCG-Centre discussions.

He, however, cautioned against attempts by "vested forces" to sabotage the peace process.

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