The Japanese diplomat also discussed with Kadiragamar the formation of the alliance between the JVP and the SLFP. Kadiragamar told Akashi that JVP's involvement would only enrich and broaden the peace process, as JVP is the third political force in Sri Lanka. Akashi had agreed with the views expressed by Kadiragamar that the peace process should be inclusive and broad based in order to gain wider acceptance by the Sri Lankan people.. Akashi hoped that the political situation in Sri Lanka would be resolved early for the aid pledged at the Tokyo donor conference to flow in to the country. Published: Wed Jan 21 19:51:59 EST 2004

Iranian embassy spokesman told The Lanka Academic that the trade balance is heavily in favour of Iran with Sri Lanka importing crude oil from the country. The spokesman said that Iran hopes to import more tea from Sri Lanka and a move to import desiccated coconut and natural rubbers from the country in the near future. Published: Wed Jan 21 19:29:59 EST 2004

Speaking to a pro-LTTE website, Balasingham had also said that LTTE leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran was studying with grave concern the so-called United People’s Freedom Alliance.

Balasingham also pointed out that the alliance had failed to produce any realistic formula for a negotiated settlement of the Tamil national question. The LTTE theoretician also claimed that the alliance was opposed to peace and peaceful resolution of the ethnic conflict.

Meanwhile, political analysts pointed out to the Lanka Academic that Balasingham’s statement was an ‘obviously bad beginning’ for the alliance if it was truly interested in finding a negotiated settlement to the 20 year long ethnic conflict.

However the alliance’s MoU very clearly states: “While rejecting separatism and political violence, both parties emphasize that a negotiated settlement to the ethnic question should be found through a correct dialogue with the LTTE and other relevant groups and communities so that political solutions which will safeguard the political equality and democratic rights of the Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim and other communities will be arrived at.

Both parties agree to enter into a process of political dialogue with the LTTE and all other relevant groups and communities on the correct basis, including granting their rights and eliminating inequality and mistrust among them and consolidating democracy. Both parties further agree to go forward to a final solution and abide by the results of the negotiation process and the wish of the majority of the people.” Published: Wed Jan 21 12:09:13 EST 2004