
LTTE continues discussions in Glencree, Ireland
In-depth discussions relating to the Interim Administration for the war-torn NorthEast of Sri Lanka continued for the third day today, 8th October in the Glencree Reconciliation Centre in Ireland.
Norwegian special envoy Mr. Eric Soulheim with the LTTE delegation The special feature of today's discussions was the participation of Mr. Peter Boyle, Head of the International Working Group based in London who has, in addition to his initiatives in the preliminary arrangements, also brought in Prof. Christine Bell, Barrister, Constitutional Law specialist in the Ulster University and Prof. Anthony Reagon, Specialist in Constitutional Law and post conflict settlement process. Mr. Peter Boyle in introducing the specialists said that the International Working Group considers it a privilege to be of assistance to the formulation of modalities necessary to put in place an effective Interim Administration mechanism to address the needs of the people in the war-torn NorthEast and expressed confidence that the contribution of the specialists would be of immense value to the current exercise.
Prof. Christine Bell, as a citizen of Northern Ireland, dealt with at length, her experience in the post-conflict situation and shared her expertise in constitutional law vis-à-vis an Interim Administrative structure for the NorthEast in the Sri Lankan context. Prof. Anthony Reagon, with his background in the Bougainville peace process, participated in the discussions with enthusiasm and was very optimistic in the success of the endeavours taken by the LTTE to bring about lasting peace in the island. He reiterated the necessity of an Interim Administrative structure that will have sufficient powers to meet the special needs of the people in the war affected Tamil region. This, he said, is essential to create a conducive environment to build confidence and promotion of a return to normalcy through people-based development. Mr. Eric Soulheim, Norwegian special envoy who visited Glencree to meet with Mr. S.P. Tamilselvan and Col. Karuna also attended the specialists' briefing as an observer. Further discussions and consultations are expected to continue till Friday 10th October in Glencree.
08 October 2003
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