Both parties attending face to face talks in Geneva for the second day told the BBC on Sunday that they are yet to decide on a supply route to th eJaffna peninsular.

Government delegation in Geneva

“Government raised the issue of supplying Jaffna peninsula by ship and the LTTE did not adequately respond to it,” said Head of the Government Peace Secretariat, Dr Palitha Kohona.

LTTE delegates were smiling and laughing this morning, so they could not be that unhappy Dr Palitha Kohona

Speaking to BBC Suppiah Tamilselvan, Head of the LTTE delegation said that they were persistent with their request to reopen the A9 route in view of the civilian misery caused by the closure.

However, Dr Palitha Kohona said “talks have progressed satisfactorily and interchange was very productive and business like”.

Debate over agreeing for a supply route has been a key issue in the Geneva talks. Whilst the LTTE is persistent on opening the A9 highway, the Sri Lankan Government insists that the sea is the suitable supply route to Jaffna.

LTTE delegation in Geneva

When questioned whether government will consider opening the A9 highway, Dr Kohona's response was, "ship is quicker, cheaper and more efficient".

He said, “government is willing to supply the requirements of the Jaffna peninsula immediately by ship and waiting for LTTE’s guarantee that it will not use suicide bombers to attack the ships".

“The International Committee of Red Cross and the United Nations are willing to escort the ships but they are waiting for LTTE’s personal security guarantee” added Dr Kohona.

According to the Head of Peace secretariat political plurality, tolerance of dissent and SLMM were among the issues raised with the LTTE.

At the end of the first day of talks Tamil Tiger representatives said no progress had been made.

Nonetheless, Head of the Peace Secretariat disagreed and said “LTTE delegates were smiling and laughing this morning, so they could not be that unhappy”.