LTTE Political Head meets South African Deputy President

[TamilNet, Monday, 11 April 2005, 19:29 GMT]
Mr Thamilchelvan, head of LTTE political wing, told South African Deputy President Mr.Jacob Zuma that LTTE is committed to the CeaseFire Agreement and has expressed its readiness to recommence negotiations on the basis of the proposals submitted for the formation of an interim administration, when they met in Durban Monday, sources close to the LTTE said.




The Deputy President expressed condolences for the tsunami victims on behalf of the People of South Africa.

Mr Thamilchelvan explained to Mr Zuma how the previous United National Front (UNF) government was dissolved by the Sri Lanka's President and how parties that hold opposing views on peace process have united to form the new United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government. He added that the political situation is not conducive for reaching consensus within the government coalition and has resulted in inaction on the part of the Sri Lanka Government.

Thamilchelvan pointed out to the Deputy Prime Minister that the Government of Sri Lanka is delaying the signing of the draft of joint mechanism that defines the administrative framework for post-tsunami reconstruction phase while the affected people are languishing in welfare camps. Increasing frustration among the affected people is likely to endanger the peace process, he added.

The LTTE delegation met with Mr.Sibusiso Ndebele, Premier, KwaZulu-Natal and Mr. Michael Mabuyakhu, MPP, Minister, Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs along with many other ANC Officials Sunday. Associated in these meetings was Mr.Ibrahim Ibrahim, Senior Advisor to the Vice President.

Later Sunday the LTTE delegation attended a cultural event of the Tamil community organzied by the Durban Tamil Federation, where Mr.Thamilchelvan was invited as a special guest.

External Links:

ANC:		Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma
GCIS:		Personal Profile: Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma