UNF sets deadline for solving political crisis

[TamilNet, Monday, 26 January 2004, 15:04 GMT]
"All obstacles that lie in the path of intensifying the peace process should be removed before the February 17th Washington Donor Conference," United National Front (UNF) government media spokesman and Constitutional Affairs Minister Professor G.L.Peiris said at the weekly press briefing held Monday.

Mr.Peiris further said granting of aid by the international community depended on Sri Lanka's commitment to the peace process and that the Sri Lanka government was optimistic about the outcome of the Mano Tittawela and Malik Samarawickrema committee discussion.

"The international community will take a decision regarding the provision of further aid to Sri Lanka at Washington conference," Mr.Peiris said.

"Both sides of the current political impasse have been searching for a common ground to find a practical solution to ensure political stability. It is the government expectation that they will be able to make headway in this regard very shortly. It is too early to give details about the progress already made by Mano-Malik committee," said Mr.Peiris.

The Mano-Malik committee that has been charged with finding a settlement to the current political crisis would meet early this week, after a positive meeting on Friday last week showing optimism that a compromise could emerge shortly, said Mr.Peiris.