Untitled Document

Front Page

LTTE demands EPDP withdrawal
The LTTE yesterday demanded the withdrawal of the EPDP from Jaffna, saying the civil unrest in the area might affect the ongoing peace process. The demand was made when Government and LTTE representatives on the sub committee on de-escalation and normalisation held a seven-hour meeting at Muhamalai yesterday.

Defence Secretary Austin Fernando and LTTE Batticaloa Commander Karuna led the two delegations. The meeting took place as the unrest in Jaffna continued, with the EPDP office in Atchuweli being attacked around 9 p.m. on Friday.

Reports said there was no serious damage to the office, but Police and Army had rushed to the scene. The Sunday Times learns that yesterday's Muhamalai meeting focused on resettlement in High Security Zones, lifting the fishing restrictions and harassment.

The LTTE reportedly said it was essential to sort out these issues before the next round of peace talks. Meanwhile Jaffna Commander Sarath Fonseka is to work out a plan for resettlement on a limited scale in high security zones in Jaffna. This is to be discussed in detail next Saturday with the LTTE's Theepan and the SLMM Trond Furuhovde.

The Norwegian Embassy in a statement on yesterday's talks in Muhamalai said that both parties had a non-confrontational approach and demonstrated a mutual understanding and will to find solutions acceptable to both.

"The matter of high security zones, specially in Jaffna peninsula, was discussed at length. The parties agreed that a solution to the resettlement of internally displaced people in present high security zones and other areas presently perceived as inaccessible to the public could only be solved through integrated plans of action agreed upon by the two parties. These plans will include both security issues as well as humanitarian needs.

"Such plans should be developed in consultation between the relevant Brigade field headquarters. To work out appropriate plans and procedures and to build gradual trust between the parties in the process, it was agreed that such plans should start on limited areas and be developed continuously while already agreed plans are being implemented," the embassy said.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met EPDP and TNA members to resolve the unrest in the North. The EPDP agreed to withdraw part of its staff from the Delft island if the LTTE stopped agitation against the EPDP.

EPDP Leader Douglas Devananda told The Sunday Times they decided to leave the island not as a retreat but only as a goodwill gesture towards the Prime Minister. "We are awaiting a reply from the LTTE. Until they agree to stop agitation, we will not withdraw," Mr. Devananda said.

Back to Front Page