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Gov.-LTTE agree to resettle Muslims
LAcNet Special Correspondent in Colombo,
5:20 pm SLT, Thursday January 16,2003.
The Sri Lankan government and the LTTE today agreed in
Kilinochchi that the internally displaced Muslims from
the North and East should be resettled in a structured
basis.
The agreement came during the two-day meeting of the
sub-committee on immediate humanitarian and
rehabilitation needs in the North and East (SIHRN)
comprising the two parties.
LTTE Political Wing Chief S. Thamilselvan, who headed
Tiger delegation, reiterated their interest in and
commitment to return of Muslims to their homes in the
North.
A concept paper and proposal for resettlement for
Muslims will be prepared for decision during the next
meeting, peace secretariat in Colombo said in a
release.
The third meeting of the SIHRN took place in
Kilinochchi on January 15 and 16 at the new premises
of the SIHRN Secretariat.
The sub-committee had discussions for more than 11
hours in a constructive and pragmatic spirit, where
the urgent need for humanitarian improvement in the
North and East was stressed.
The delegates agreed to implement several projects
including reconstruction of roads, renovation of paddy
storage facility in Mannar, milk chilling and
processing facility and a center for treatment of
women with psychiatric disorders in Kilinochchi.
The projects include an intensive care unit in
Kilinochchi, improvement of Mullaitivu hospital,
rehabilitation of Pottuvil Hospital and several
irrigation projects.
In order to expedite the process, the sub-committee
agreed to the guidelines for the selection of projects
and the projects to be Funded by the North East
Rehabilitation Fund.
Bernard Goonetilleke headed the government delegation
while Norwegian Ambassador Jon Westborg facilitated
the meeting.
A luncheon meeting between the delegates and visiting
World Bank Vice President Mieko Nishimizu was held
today while the sub-committee warmly welcomed Japanese
Peace Envoy Yasushi Akashi, their principal advisor
there.
The sub-committee will meet again on February 13 and
14 followed by a meeting on March 6 and 7, the peace
secretariat said.
Published: Thu Jan 16 06:22:13 EST 2003
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