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Big gap, but Govt. calls for talks
The Government reacting to the LTTE proposals stated last morning that the proposals outline the LTTE's vision regarding the framework for a political solution to the conflict but it differs in fundamental respects from the proposals submitted by the Government of Sri Lanka. It stated that both documents contained proposals in respect of which no agreement had been reached so far.

"While the disparities between the positions of the parties are evident, the Government is convinced that the way forward lies through direct discussion of the issues arising from both sets of proposals.

Drawing reference to the Prime Minister's visit to India it stated that the joint communiqué issued in New Delhi at the end of the official visit by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to India in October 2003, made a definitive statement about the parameters within which a negotiated political solution should be arrived at.

"It is the conviction of the Government of Sri Lanka that the challenge at present is to consolidate and build upon the gains accruing to the country from the process so far and to direct its future course to reach a sustainable settlement."

The government said human rights, democracy, pluralism and genuine power sharing constituted the basic values underpinning a negotiated settlement. "We regard these values as essential and indispensable in the context of an interim structure and indeed with regard to the peace process culminating in a final accord. The Government is committed to pursuing negotiations in keeping with the principles reflected in the documents referred to above."

The Government is to request the Royal Norwegian Government, in its capacity as facilitator, to arrange an initial meeting in late November or early December to address a range of preliminary matters in order to pave the way for the resumption of substantive talks very early in the New Year.

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