The Muslim factor, Provocative actions and Child recruitment were the matters discussed at a meeting on recorded complaints and violations of the Ceasefire Agreement, held between representatives of the Government of Sri Lanka, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission on the 30th of January 2003. The meeting was held at the Divisional Secretary's office in Vavunativu, Batticaloa district. The leaders of the parties' delegations were Mr. Austin Fernando, Secretary of Defence and Col. Karuna, LTTE Eastern Commander. Major General Trond Furuhovde, Head of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chaired the meeting.

Frank, open and focused discussions characterized this meeting between the parties. Among the recommendation made to the coming Peace Talks in Berlin on the 7th-8th of February, were the following: In order to find a formula how to harmonize the interests of the Tamil and Muslim communities, a separate meeting will be held between the representatives of the LTTE and the Muslim community. The meeting will be held in Batticaloa district and the date will be decided at the next session of Peace Talks in Berlin, after inputs from both delegations. In order to find swift solutions to complaints and violations of the Ceasefire Agreement, representatives of the Government and the LTTE, will meet every ten days or more often if needed, to resolve these matters, under the chairmanship of SLMM.

In order to tackle the issue of complaints about child recruitment, LTTE suggests that meetings will be held between the parents of children that have joined the LTTE, LTTE district commanders and SLMM. Whenever LTTE comes across a case of actual underage recruitment done by members of their organisation, the LTTE local leadership will work to rectify the situation.

The LTTE delegation presented its ideas on education seminars and training for LTTE political and military cadres on matters related to human rights issues, including the rights of children. LTTE will ask SLMM to arrange such training programs in cooperation with ICRC, UNHCR, UNDP, UNICEF and other relevant organisations.

The LTTE delegation agreed to quickly take up with their leadership the matter regarding the Sri Lanka Army soldier; Corporal Kumara, who was detained by LTTE in Vavuniya district on the 24th of December 2002.

This meeting was the first in a series of monthly meetings to reinforce respect for the Ceasefire Agreement, as decided upon at the fourth session of peace talks in Thailand 6th-9th January 2003. The leaders of the delegations and the Head of SLMM will report on the progress made and any outstanding problems to the next peace talks to be held in Berlin, Germany on the 7th-8th of February.