'LTTE itself suggested the inclusion of the Muslim members'

“We agreed with Norwegian proposals for the mechanism before our departure,” head of LTTE’s peace secretariat S Pulithevan speaking from Geneva told BBC Sandeshaya (BBC Sinhala).

He said 'now it was time for the governmet to respond positively'.

Norwegian special envoy Erik Solheim told BBC Sandeshaya on Sunday that an agreement on the joint mechanism between Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tigers is expected to be set in motion within weeks.

After a visit to a Muslim refugee camp in Puttalam, Solheim said that Muslims will also be included in the proposed mechanism.

Norwegian visit

Norwegian envoy on Monday met head of Sri Lanka government's secretariat for coordinating the peace process (SCOPP) Jayantha Dhanapala in Colombo.

Dhanapala raised concern on the recent murders of two government officials in the east, Sharmini Serasinghe, press secretary for SCOPP told BBC Sandeshaya.

The LTTE however, raises concerns of the difficulties that will be encountered in the implementation of the mechanism.

Proposed joint mechanism Apex body - 1Sinhala, 1Tamil, 1Muslim Regional body -5Tamil, 3Muslim, 2Sinhala District - DS, LTTE, Muslim, Civil, UN Custodian for funds- World Bank

“We have to see how the Norwegians are going to bring the parties of diverging views within the government to agree on the mechanism as the need of the hour,” Pulithevan said.

Government’s coalition partner Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has strongly opposed a joint mechanism for tsunami reconstruction saying it would lead to the separation of the country.

“There is no need for a joint mechanism. Tsunami relief work can be done through the Sri Lankan state machinery,” JVP's parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa told a rally held in Maharagama.

Structure

Speaking with BBC Sandeshaya from Geneva LTTE’s political wing leader SP Thamilselvan said the LTTE itself suggested the inclusion of the Muslim members for the joint mechanism.

The suggested Apex body would include one member from each community.

Solheim says agreement on mechanism is 'within weeks'

According to Norwegian proposals the regional bodies to have ten members; five Tamils, three Muslims and two Sinhalas.

District joint bodies will consist of District Secretary (DS), representatives from LTTE, Muslim community, Civil society and the UN organisations.

World Bank is to be the custodian of the funds allocated for joint tsunami mechanism.

The LTTE delegation, leaving for Colombo on Tuesday, is to meet Erik Solheim on Wednesday in Colombo.

This is the first time the Norwegian facilitators meeting the Wanni leaders in government-controlled area.