|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 7 September 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Politics |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
President undecided on de-merger by S. Selvakumar President Chandrika Bandaranaike is yet to arrive at a decision with regard to the status of North and East authoritative sources told the Sunday Observer dismissing speculations, that she had taken a firm stand on the de-merger issue. Speculation was rife in political circles yesterday that President Chandrika Kumaratunga had dropped the idea of de-merging the North-East provinces as demanded by some of the East based Muslim political parties. "This is not so. She is yet to decide on this. There are requests from various organisations. While some want it to remain as it is others want it to be de-merged" Presidential Director General of Media, Janadasa Peiris told the Sunday Observer. Political observers said that the President may have thought of not de-merging following a request from the pre-PA, EPDP, PLOTE, EPRLF (Perumal Wing) and the breakdown of talks on a PA-JVP alliance. The LTTE earlier accused the President of attempting to sabotage the peace process with the government by threatening to de-merge the North-East. The government's proposal on an Interim Administration was a concept in a joint North-East while the LTTE counter proposals, too are based on a merged North-East. Meanwhile, Tiger political wing leader S. P. Thamilchelvan commenting on the counter proposals in an interview with a Swiss based private Radio on September 2 hinted that the intended provisional administration should be a whole one and should include every aspect of the administration. Meanwhile, LTTE top hierarchy including S. P. Thamilchelvan, Pulithevan and LTTE Legal unit head S. Pararajasingham are having close door meetings with their leader Prabhakaran from September 4 evening. Nothing has leaked out about the closed doors meeting. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
