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Moragoda, Balasingham discuss key issues in London
Issues regarding the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, preparations for direct talks in Thailand, including the agenda, and the question of an interim administration were discussed for the first time by a UNF government minister, Milinda Moragoda, with LTTE's chief negotiator Anton Balasingham, it was announced last night.

A statement issued by the Norwegian Embassy in London said the meeting marked "a new phase in the ongoing peace process in Sri Lanka" and added that "this was the first direct meeting between a central government minister supervising the peace process and the chief negotiator of the LTTE". The statement was distributed by the new media unit of the Prime Minister's office.

Highly placed government sources said last night though no specific dates had been fixed for direct talks, a date in September was most likely. It is to be decided upon during further consultations, these sources said. Here is the full text of last night's statement;

"Today, a meeting was held between LTTE Chief negotiator Anton Balasingham, and Minister Milinda Moragoda. Mr. Balasingham was accompanied by his wife Adele.

"The meeting marked a new phase in the ongoing peace process in Sri Lanka. The discussion covered a variety of issues regarding the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and preparations for direct negotiations in Thailand, including the agenda, and the question of an interim administration.

"The meeting was held in a good atmosphere. The session lasted for two hours, followed by lunch. "This was the first direct meeting between a central government minister supervising the peace process and the chief negotiator of the LTTE.

"The meeting took place at the Norwegian ambassador's residence in London. Norwegian facilitators were present as observers. State Secretary of Norway, Vidar Helgesen said after the meeting that it demonstrated the firm commitment of the parties to the peace process and constituted a major step forward towards peace."

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