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by Jayantha Sri Nissanka

Humanitarian issues concerning the people in the North and East (N&E) will figure prominently in the agenda when the second round of talks between the government and the LTTE begin in Geneva between April 19-21, Presidential Advisor Nivard Cabraal, said.

He told the Sunday Observer that before attention is focused on issues such as power sharing, humanitarian issues would be addressed to provide relief to the people in the N&E. He said issues relating to the Ceasefire agreement too will be taken up at these Talks.

Asked what issues the Government was concerned as 'immediately humanitarian', he said that priority will be given to relocate people who were affected by the war and the tsunami. "In addition, we must ensure that economic benefits directly reach the affected people without any hindrance", he pointed out.

Livelihood development projects will be given priority along re-settlement, he noted.

"Our main intention is to restore normal life in the N&E first, before we discuss other sensitive issues. Otherwise, it will be difficult to reach a final solution", he noted. The negotiators also plan to get the consent of the LTTE to allow other parties to conduct their political activities in the N&E to ensure the democratic rights of all citizens.

However, the LTTE is expected to take up sensitive issues like relocation of people in the High Security Zone areas and to relax security checks in the N&E, LTTE sources confirmed.

The LTTE is also expected to take up the issue of territorial waters while stressing the need for fishermen to carry out their routine work.

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