Peace delegation Muslim representative still to be appointed

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 14 February 2006, 15:57 GMT]
Muslim parliamentarians at a meeting held Tuesday in parliamentary complex decided to submit two proposals to President Mahinda Rajapakse on the question of including a Muslim representative in the government delegation, which is to participate in the Geneva talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on February 22 and 23 on strengthening the ceasefire agreement, sources said.

Minister Mr.A.H.M.Fowzie said one proposal suggested the inclusion of Ministers Ms Ferial Ashraff, Mr.Athaullah and himself. Another proposal suggested that only Ms Ferial Ashraff be included in the government delegation, sources said.

Political sources said the proposals of Muslim parliamentarians have made it difficult for the President to find a suitable nominee from the Muslim community as his earlier nominee Mr.Faiz Mustapha, a former diplomat and leading lawyer withdrew in favor of eastern representative.