05-28-2004, 10:01 PM
SLMC reiterates need for separate Muslim delegation at peace talks
Alladin Hussein in Colombo, May 28, 2004, 11.55 p.m.. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) today reiterated the need for accommodating a separate Muslim delegation when peace talks resume between the United Peoples Freedom Alliance and the LTTE.
SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem told a Norwegian delegation led by Special Envoy Erik Solheim today the accommodation of a Muslim delegation was a must as they are also victims of the 20 year old ethnic conflict.
The Special Envoy however told Hakeem that he was unable to give an assurance on the matter, but promised to speak to both the Government and the LTTE about accommodating the separate Muslim delegation.
Hakeem also claimed that if the Muslims are not represented in the peace talks, no solution to the ethnic issue could be 100% acceptable. He also added that it was not necessary for the SLMC itself to lead the Muslim delegation, but as long as a Muslim delegation is allowed, thats what matters. But it should be taken to account that we received the mandate from the North East people at the recent General Election, Hakeem told Solheim.
Alladin Hussein in Colombo, May 28, 2004, 11.55 p.m.. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) today reiterated the need for accommodating a separate Muslim delegation when peace talks resume between the United Peoples Freedom Alliance and the LTTE.
SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem told a Norwegian delegation led by Special Envoy Erik Solheim today the accommodation of a Muslim delegation was a must as they are also victims of the 20 year old ethnic conflict.
The Special Envoy however told Hakeem that he was unable to give an assurance on the matter, but promised to speak to both the Government and the LTTE about accommodating the separate Muslim delegation.
Hakeem also claimed that if the Muslims are not represented in the peace talks, no solution to the ethnic issue could be 100% acceptable. He also added that it was not necessary for the SLMC itself to lead the Muslim delegation, but as long as a Muslim delegation is allowed, thats what matters. But it should be taken to account that we received the mandate from the North East people at the recent General Election, Hakeem told Solheim.
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