Delegations leave for Oslo

by Thava Sajitharan

Government Peace Secretariat chief Dr. Palitha Kohana will leave for Oslo today to participate in the talks to be held on June 8 and 9 to discuss the role of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Dr. Kohana who is leading the Government delegation told the Sunday Observer yesterday that other members of the delegation include Gomin Dayasiri, Vass Gunawardane and Chanaka Jayasekara will leave the country tomorrow.

The LTTE delegation led by S. P. Thamilchelvan, leader of the political wing comprises Pulidevan, Nadesan and interpreter George. They are expected to head for Oslo today. Dr.Kohana yesterday said that it was a positive sign that the LTTE agreed to participate in the talks. Meanwhile, the Tamil daily 'Sudar Oli' yesterday reported that the legal expert of the LTTE Viswanathan Rudhrakumaran would fly from USA to join the LTTE delegation.

It is learnt that SLMM members will accompany the LTTE participants on the journey.

Official sources said that talks would centre on the modalities regarding monitoring activities in the North and East based on the ceasefire agreement. SLMM Monitors expressed concern about their security following the LTTE attack on a Dvora in the Northern seas that killed 17 security personnel.

Meanwhile, Defence Spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the Oslo talks would be a positive sign to continue the peace process.