The Japanese delegation, comprising Special Envoy Ambassador Yasushi Akashi, Japanese Ambassador H.E. Mr. Seiichiro Otsuka, Regional Director Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Takio Yamada and other members, called on the Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Temple Trees on May 7 evening. The meeting was also attended by Hon. Prof. G. L. Peiris, Hon. Milinda Moragoda and Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke.

Ambassador Akashi briefed the Prime Minister on the discussions held with the LTTE Leader Mr. V. Pirapaharan on May 7 morning. The meeting, which lasted over two hours, took place in Kilinochchi. The LTTE leader was accompanied by Dr. Anton Balasingham, Mr. S. P. Thamilselvan, Mrs. Adele Balasingham and Dr. Jay Maheswaran.

The LTTE leadership raised several issues relating to humanitarian and rehabilitation matters that required the attention of the government. However, the main focus was centered on four key issues. These included the lack of perceived progress by the Sub-Committee on Immediate Humanitarian & Rehabilitation Needs in the North and East (SIHRN), inadequacies relating to its mandate, the delay in activating the North East Reconstruction Fund (NERF) facility, and deficiencies in the overall development outlook in the North and East.

The Hon. Prime Minister explained in detail the measures taken by the Government in this regard. In relation to the first issue regarding the Sub-Committee, the Hon. Prime Minister stated the inability to access donor contributions already pledged to NERF due to procedural impediments with the World Bank. This has caused delays in the disbursement of funds. He also pointed out that systemic problems relating to the SIHRN structure needed to be reviewed. In this regard, the Secretary to the Prime Minister has been instructed to discuss these matters with representatives of the LTTE connected with the activities of SIHRN in the next few days.

Addressing the second issue relating to the mandate of SIHRN, the Hon. Prime Minister stated that the issue was taken up at the sixth session of peace talks in Hakone, Japan, and it should not be viewed as an end in itself. Rather, it must have a link to the political road-map or plan that would sequence the manner in which substantive issues are addressed. He elaborated it was a matter that would be developed at the next session of peace talks and should be dealt with at the table.

In relation to the third issue regarding the NERF, the Hon. Prime Minister pointed out that the delay in activating the NERF was a procedural impediment relating to the World Bank and the Government could not be held responsible for this delay. He took this matter up with the World Bank and also instructed the Attorney General to provide all necessary support in this regard.

On the fourth issue relating to the development outlook of the Government, the Hon. Prime Minister, as indicated in his letter to Dr. Balasingham, said that the government has no intention of excluding the LTTE in the development process for the North and East. As a first step, the LTTE was fully consulted in the formulation of the Needs Assessment for the North and East, which will be presented at the Tokyo donor conference.

Ambassador Akashi stated that he had urged the LTTE leadership of the need to resume peace negotiations, as well as take part in the Tokyo donor conference. He advised them that such disagreements and discontentment could be best addressed at the negotiating table.

Articulating his international experience, Ambassador Akashi pointed out that, after Afghanistan, international attention had been focused on Sri Lanka. However, he was of the view that such attention will not remain for long as other humanitarian situations could upstage the Sri Lankan situation. He urged the LTTE not to miss the opportunity to secure the much needed development assistance. He also went on to say that the international community would be disappointed if Sri Lanka did not make full use of the opportunity to become a success story.

Ambassador Akashi informed the LTTE that over sixty countries and international organizations were expected to participate at the Tokyo donor conference. He indicated that the scheduled dates were final and no change was possible.

Finally, Ambassador Akashi informed the Hon. Prime Minister that the LTTE leader had shown appreciation for the role played by the Government of Japan in the peace process.

Today, May 8, the Norwegian Ambassador Designate, Mr. Hans Brattskar, accompanied by Mr. Erik Solheim, visited Kilinochchi to have discussions with the LTTE on matters relating to the suspension of peace talks.