Lanka-LTTE deadlock to end

The LTTE had insisted that the Army give up the private property it is currently occupying in Jaffna and allow thousands of civilians to go back to their homes. However, Fernando said there was a disparity in the numbers of homes affected as well as the number of people to be resettled.

A military estimate for the number of homes inside the ‘‘high security zone’’ of the Palaly Military Complex was 7,200 while the District Collector placed the figure at 15,000. The Tigers had said 29,000 homes were affected, he said. ‘‘What we are saying is that we should have a task force to look into the matter, do a survey and have a systematic plan to bring back the IDP’s (Internally Displaced Persons),’’ Fernando said.

The question of the military shrinking its bases has emerged as the most contentious issue since both sides entered into a Norwegian-arranged truce in February last year. Officials said the issue was expected to dominate the fourth round of peace talks to be held in Thailand from January 6 to 9.

The Scandinavian team monitoring the ceasefire had sided with government forces last week saying that any one-sided de-escalation by the military alone could affect the balance of power and undermine the entire peace process. The tigers took exception to the Scandinavian statement and slammed the truce monitors.

Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando played down fears of the peace process breaking up over the high security zone issue and said he expected the government and the Tigers to resolve differences at the peace talks.