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| Sunday, 3 October 2004 |
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Hakeem wants to meet President Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem has written to President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga reiterating the need of a separate Muslim delegation for the peace talks and requesting an appointment to discuss the role of the proposed National Advisory Council for Peace and Reconciliation. Hakeem reiterated the SLMC's commitment to a negotiated settlement to the ethnic conflict, adding that the SLMC would support 'any constructive exercise' for a meaningful and transparent process. "However, The SLMC as the political party which has received the predominant mandate of the Muslims is steadfast in achieving the status of a separate and distinct party for the Muslim community in the peace talks," he said. He reminded that the SLMC demand had been endorsed by both the then Government and the LTTE and that several political parties including the People's Alliance had clarified this position. While appreciating the President's peace initiatives, Hakeem said some of the issues regarding the composition, functions and role of the proposed advisory council lacked clarity. "In the circumstances we kindly seek an appointment to meet with your Excellency to discuss this matter in order to arrive at a decision as regards our participation in the proposed initiative," he said. |
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