President to meet Pope Benedict on 20 April

Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopullai, who is to accompany the President, told BBC Sandeshaya that President is to inform the proposals by Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on resolving the problem.

The two leaders are expected to discuss the current status of Sri Lanka's peace process next week.

Tamil Tigers will respect a message by the Pope as many LTTE members and supporters abroad respect him as their religious leader, the minister added.

	Government to seek Pope's help to bring LTTE back to negotiations table

In his traditional Easter message, Pope Benedict called on the waring parties to find a negotiated solution to end the suffering of the civilians.

"In Sri Lanka, only a negotiated solution can put an end to the conflict that causes so much bloodshed," Pope Benedict said.

Asked whether the President's visit was arranged after the Pontiff's call, Minister Fernandopullai said it was arranged long ago.

The government is to seek Pope Benedict's help to bring the Tamil Tigers back into negotiations table, he added.