LTTE team leaves for Switzerland talks; Govt team to leave tomorrow

The Sri Lankan delegation for Geneva talks will leave tomorrow. The delegation will include ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Ferial Ashraff, Rohitha Bogollagama, Peace Secretariat Head Palitha Kohona, Gomin Dayasiri and former IGP Chandra Fernando.

The LTTE delegation arrived at Katunayake airport this afternoon from Kilinochchi for onwards journey to Switzerland. The delegation indluded S P Tamilselvan, P Nadesan, R Illanchelian and N Pulithevan.

Next round of peace talks will be held on October 28-29. ) A Swiss Embassy Spokesperson said that the preparations for the talks were 'well under way'. They are to take place at a Convention Centre in Geneva.

Earlier the peace facilitator Norway has intervened to settle the transport issue which ensued after the LTTE's remarks that they were uncertain over Air Force transport to Colombo. The Government has however, assured the security of the LTTE team attending the peace talks saying as a responsible Government it was bound to protect the LTTE delegation as it cannot act like a terrorist group.

LTTE political head S.P. Thamilselvam was earlier reported to have said they were unsure about getting into an Air Force helicopter to travel to Colombo, though this was how they proceeded on their previous outbound trips. Earlier they insisted on using SLAF aircraft, refusing to travel even in SriLankan airtaxis and private planes.

Peace Secretariat Chief Dr. Palitha Kohona said the Government would ensure the safety of any individual passing through Katunayake. Therefore they will do the same to LTTE members travelling to Geneva.