The President thanked Ms. Ferrero-Waldner for her concern and said the EU was one of the first international bodies to come forward to assist Sri Lanka in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. She also mentioned India, Japan and China as the three nations whose effective assistance came almost immediately after the catastrophe.

Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner, a former Austrian Foreign Minister said, she hopes humanitarian assistance flowing into Sri Lanka would reach the needy and that the Government would soon evolve a joint mechanism to ensure the equitable distribution of aid to all affected areas. She was optimistic that the planned joint mechanism with the LTTE to rebuild the lives of the victims in the North and East would enhance the prospects of recommencing direct negotiations and building confidence among the people concerned. President Kumaratunga said the LTTE has been co-operative in several ways in addressing the needs of the tsunami affected in that part of the country.

The President briefed her on the current moves to establish a negotiated and lasting settlement to the conflict within the framework of Oslo Declaration. The President said she was confident such negotiations could commence sooner rather than later. However she said certain contentious issues needed to be ironed out.

President Kumaratunga urged European Union to impress upon the LTTE the importance of returning to the table for direct talks without procrastination.

Associated with the President were W. J. S. Karunaratne, Secretary to the President, Foreign Secretary H. M. G. S. Palihakkara and the SG of the Peace Secretariat Jayantha Dhanapala.



http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca200503/20050307persuade
_ltte_to_return_for_talks.htm