The Muslim leaders are not against the Joint mechanism says the leader of the Muslim Congress, Rauf Hakeem, MP.

They have some concerns but, they do not oppose the mechanism like the JVP or the JHU says the Muslim Leader.

"As Muslim leaders, Mrs Ashroff and I met the president to discuss the issues and concerns about the Joint Mechanism. The president had not responded yet to our requests. The president promised to send a reply in writing, but we are still waiting." Says Rauf Hakeem.

In interview with the BBC Sandeshaya, he said, "We have a concern about the suggested amount of power to be exercised by the Tamil Tigers."

He said that the Muslims had certain specific problems with the suggested mechanism.

"Within the suggested mechanism, some parties will even have veto power over any projects suggested by another. It would be difficult for us to agree to it as it is now."

The Muslim leaders are not opposed to the mechanism like the others says Rauf Hakeem. "We do not oppose it like the JVP or the JHU. We agree to the mechanism on principle. What we have are some concerns because of the mechanism was put together without any consultation with the Muslims."

A highly placed Norwegian foreign ministry spokesperson told the BBC that the consensus among the political parties looks optimistic. It was confirmed that the President, the LTTE, the opposition (UNP) and the Muslim parties had endorsed the joint mechanism.