Sri Lankan Leftist Party Agrees to Start Peace Talks With Tamil RebelsSri Lankan government has informed the main opposition United National Party (UNP) that its recent agreement reach with leftist JVP or People's Liberation Front does not preclude it from proceeding towards a negotiated settlement with separatist Tamil Tiger rebels, the Sunday Times said.The five-member delegation of the ruling People's Alliance which last month held talks with the UNP delivered a letter to the UNP on Friday night and said that they had discussion with JVP on Wednesday. The JVP cleared the government proceeding with talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) but emphasized that a broad consensus must be reached before arriving at any agreement with the LTTE, especially on devolution of power for minorities in the war-torn country, the letter said. The letter added that the only condition the JVP has placed is that the process must not be rushed or done in haste. Previously, the government also discussed with UNP on a draft joint statement on bringing the LTTE to negotiating table but failed to signed it. The government lost its majority in the 225-member Parliament following the withdrawal of main Muslim Congress party in June. The JVP with 10 seats in Parliament signed an agreement with the government early last month, enabling it to survive the political crisis. Under the agreement the JVP opposed the devolution of power to minorities in the country within one year period during which they support the government. |
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