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MEP holding up PA's stand on peace process
By Shelani Perera
The People's Alliance's common statement on its stand relating to the peace process has been delayed due to disagreement with one of its constituent parties, The Sunday Times learns.

The PA was scheduled to release its statement a few weeks ago, after presenting it to President Chandrika Kumaratunga. However the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) had requested more time to study the draft before endorsing it.

The Sunday Times learns that President Kumaratunga had made certain changes to the draft when it was presented to her.

One of the key points made in the draft was that the PA should refrain from getting involved in any protest campaigns against the peace process.

Among the key points of agreement in the draft are support for the peace process, that the ban on the LTTE may be lifted at the commencement of talks and the need to discuss core issues at talks.

The decision to formulate a common stand came after members agreed the PA needed to adopt a positive approach to the peace process. In order to achieve this a committee headed by Messrs. Lakshman Kadirgamar, Dinesh Gunewardena, Raja Collure and Dr. Tissa Vitharana was appointed to formulate the common statement.

Although a deadline was not given to MEP Leader Dinesh Gunewardena to make his suggestions and approve the draft, the common statement is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

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