"We urge parties to approach the opportunity with an open and flexible attitude," said a statement issued from Washington.

The statement was issued on behalf of the EU, USA, Japan and Norway. The group is known as "Co-Chairs" who led efforts in June 2003 to help raise 4.5 billion dollars in foreign aid.

This aid pledge is directly attached to the success of the peace process.

The analysts and diplomats in Geneva say the talks are having slow progress. But the journalists covering the talks were unable to confirm any of the speculations as they will only be briefed at the end of the second day.

Meanwhile in Colombo, government spokesman Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said the government is “satisfied” about the way the talks had started. He also said that he did not see any “contradiction” in the opening statements by both parties.