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More disputes arise in SLFP-JVP alliance talks
By Harinda Vidanage
The proposed coalition between the SLFP and JVP has run into a series of problems between the two sides mainly over differences of positions in the new coalition and the JVP openly declaring that there were more issues to be resolved.

One of the key disagreements has been that the JVP is not willing to accept a post of 'National Organiser' as the SLFP maintains that they want to retain both key positions in the coalition - the posts of General Secretary and the President's position.

A crucial round of talks between the two sides scheduled for yesterday was put off for next Thursday due to contradictions regarding the proposed structure of the alliance.
JVP propaganda secretary Wimal Weerawansa has gone public saying that his party cannot be blamed for any delays in finalising the proposed coalition.

"We believe that there should be an understanding on all issues. You cannot avoid such delays because these are two parties, but within our party it is not difficult to reach such an agreement," Mr. Weerawansa told our sister paper Sunday Lankadeepa in an interview.

He also accused one of the participants in the negotiations of leaking out information to the media, adding that his party members were disciplined enough not to leak information. His comments came as another JVP MP Lal Kantha told a public meeting this week that they were not able to finalise the memorandum of understanding due to some 'crooks' in the SLFP.

He was speaking at the All Ceylon Local Government Workers Union's annual general meeting at the public library. One of the other areas of dispute is on the tackling of the ethnic problem where both parties first agreed to keep silent until the alliance was forged.
A fresh issue, which has been emerging, is the JVP's decision to call the SLFP to agree to abrogate the existing ceasefire agreement and to call for the withdrawal of the Scandinavian monitors.

However, the SLFP has not been agreeable on these issues and is looking to restructuring or reforming both, the ceasefire agreement and the SLMM. A JVP spokesman told the Sunday times that the crucial talks would not go ahead as planned today and would be delayed by a few days.

Meanwhile, the left parties in the PA have refused to join in an alliance where the JVP would hold the position of general secretary or presidency. LSSP leader Batty Weerakoon told the Sunday Times his party was concerned not with leadership disputes but with issues relating to the national conflict. He said that unless a clear agreement was reached on policy regarding the national question, the LSSP would not join the alliance.

SLFP sources told the Sunday Times that internal discussions were being held to break the deadlock that has emerged with the JVP refusing to accept the position of deputy president of the alliance.

The JVP is sticking to its demand for either of the two positions of general secretary or president of the alliance, claiming if Chandrika Kumaratunga is the leader of the alliance it should get the next most powerful position in the alliance. Meanwhile President Kumaratunga is planning to discuss the proposed alliance with the constituent parties.

Support the peace process, Prime Minister appeals to the public
By Nalaka Nonis in Embilipitiya
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday called on the public to support the peace process as it was the only way to resolve the ethnic problem besetting the country. He also said he intends submitting details of the proposed interim administration to the LTTE in an effort to revive the peace process.

Mr. Wickremesinghe addressing the UNP's National Executive Committee meeting in Embilipitiya said that although the LTTE has suspended peace talks they had not altogether abandoned the peace process.

The Prime minister urged all political parties to submit their proposals in this regard without exerting pressure on the government to abandon their quest for peace. "The people gave us a mandate to find a solution to the ethnic crisis so it is the responsibility of the government to create a peaceful environment in the country," he said.

The Prime Minister added that the economy has improved after the UNF assumed power and the inflation rate had come down. The Prime Minister said in an effort to maintain discipline in the party he has appointed a sub-committee headed by Minister Karu Jayasuriya to investigate charges of corruption levelled against UNP members.

'The people have given gave us a mandate to rule the country in a proper manner hence we must maintain discipline at all costs," he said. He said that discipline in the party had deteriorated to some extent and noted that some provincial council and pradeshiya sabha members had even avoided attending party meetings.

Deputy Leader of the UNP, Karu Jayasooriya, agreed that the behaviour of some UNP members left much to be desired and steps should be taken to rectify this situation.
He urged the Prime Minister to take stern action against members who violate the laws of the country.

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