PA-UNP talks conclude Tuesday

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 28 August 2001, 00:27 GMT]
The final round of talks between the ruling People's Alliance and the Main opposition United National Party would take place Tuesday, said a joint communiqué released after the second round of talks lasting four hours that ended Monday. Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar of the PA and Parliamentarian Mr.K.N.Choksy of UNP signed the joint communiqué.

In Monday's talks, the delegation of the UNP insisted on the formation of a caretaker government of all parties for a short period instead of a national reconciliation government by two major political parties joining, party sources said.

"The UNP delegation reiterated its position that five independent commissions for elections, media, police, judiciary and public services should be established during the period of caretaker government in power," sources added.

Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe Monday met the Speaker and discussed the present political crisis. Talks between them lasted more than an hour at Speaker Mr.Anura Bandaranaike's private residence at Rosemead’s Place, UNP sources said. Political observers described this meeting as "a crucial one in the evolving political scenario."

Talks centred on several aspects including the possibility of taking up the no-confidence motion against the Government when parliament meets on September 07, sources added.

In the event the PA government disagreed to the taking up of the no-confidence motion on September 07, the UNP is of the opinion that opposition parties should move to suspend the Standing Orders, set their own agenda and continue the sittings of Parliament. This plan of action would be followed even if the parliament were prorogued for the second time. "This question also came up for discussion between the Opposition Leader and the Speaker Monday," the UNP sources said.

Mr.Anura Bandaranaike returned Sunday after a private visit to California in USA.