The first meeting of the SIHRN took place in Kilinochchi on November 18 at the Government Agent’s Office. The meeting started at 10 00 a.m and lasted for almost seven hours including lunch. Mr. Bernard Goonatillake headed the Government’s delegation while Mr. Tamilselvan lead the LTTE delegation. Mr. Westborg facilitated the meeting on behalf of the Norwegian Government. On behalf of Mr. Yasushi Akashi, Mr. Motohide Yoshikawa participated as principal advisor.
The meeting was held in an encouraging atmosphere and the parties had a constructive approach to the challenges they were facing during the meeting. The parties agreed on a set of procedural guidelines to be applied in the meetings of the SIHRN and the financial structure of the Secretariat to the SIHRN. Further the parties discussed the organisation of the Secretariat and also the appointment of a Director and Deputy Directors. The parties agreed that the Secretariat will start functioning on December 15. An agreement on the procedure for selection of international firms for monitoring of activities and auditing was also reached.
The parties further discussed an “Appeal for Support” to be presented from the Sub Committee to the Oslo Conference on November 25.
The parties agreed to have the next meetings of the SIHRN on the 15 and 16 of December and subsequent meeting on the 15 and 16 of January in 2003. |
Violations Committed
by the GOSL - 351
