Japan's Peace Envoy Yasushi Akashi said yesterday the government and the LTTE were keen on restarting talks but neither side was willing to take the first step.
Ending a week-long official visit, Mr. Akashi said the government was flexible and President Chandrika Kumaratunga was committed to the strong pursuit of peace, and she wanted him to communicate this message to the LTTE.
"The LTTE's position on its proposals on the ISGA to be the basis of the peace talks remains unaltered but there are signs of willingness to listen to ideas and proposals," Mr Akashi said though he refused to divulge details of the discussion with the LTTE political wing leader S.P. Thamilselvan. He was however visibly upset that his discussions with Mr. Thamilselvan were distorted in some sections of the Tamil media.
"Neither side wants to make the first move towards the resumption of peace talks," Mr. Akashi told a news conference before he flew to New Delhi where he is expected to brief the new Indian government.
The Peace Envoy said the JVP, a key ally of the government, continued to mistrust the LTTE and had reservations on federalism as a solution, but he had noted the JVPs willingness, to continue with the peace process.
Answering a question on the LTTE's concerns with regard to the proposed Defence Cooperation Agreement between India and Sri Lanka, he said the pact was between two sovereign nations and therefore he believed the LTTE could not object to it.
Mr. Akashi who met top government leaders including the President, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and Peace Secretariat Chief Jayantha Dhanapala said he believed there was nothing to be alarmed about, as the proposed defence pact did not have a bearing on the North and East.
He said Sri Lanka was in pursuit of a defence cooperation with India even during the last UNF administration and this was not something new.
He said his trip to New Delhi this time would take added significance as a new government was in place and India had to be kept informed of what Sri Lanka was trying to achieve as New Delhi was one of the key players in Sri Lankan affairs.
Commenting on the political killings in the North and East and child abductions in the region-issues that were raised by him with the LTTE- Mr. Akashi said, "I got the usual answers from the LTTE."
