Thailand promises demining assistance to northeast

[TamilNet, Sunday, 17 August 2003, 18:41 GMT]
The Thailand ambassador in Sri Lanka, Mr.Jerm Tivyanond, Saturday told the officials of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) that his country is willing to assist in the de-mining programme in the northeast province, sources said.

Mr. Tivyanond arrived in Palaly military air base in Jaffna district by a special Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) helicopter Saturday and then proceeded to Killinochchi by road. He was received at the Muhamalai checkpoint by the LTTE deputy political head Mr.Thangan. Later the Thamileelam Police escorted him to Killinochchi where he held discussion with the LTTE political head Mr.S.P.Thamilchelvan at the LTTE peace secretariat, sources said.

The discussion held for about two hours centered on launching several rehabilitation works in Vanni region. Health matters related to shortage drugs and medical facilities in hospitals in the region were also discussed, sources said.

Mr. Tivyanond promised that his country is prepared to contribute more to the de-mining of the northeast province.

Mr. Tivyanond before leaving Killinochchi said that discussion with the LTTE political head was constructive.

This was the first time Thailand ambassador in Colombo paid a visit to Vanni and met LTTE leaders. This visit came a day after the Thailand Prime Minister concluded his Sri Lanka's visit, sources said.