By Zacki Jabbar

The Government and the LTTE are to sign an indefinite Cessation of Hostilities agreement in Vavuniya today as a prelude to peace talks expected to commence within the next two months.

Government sources said that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will travel to Vavuniya to sign the historic agreement while LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran is expected to attest on LTTE’s behalf.

The Cessation of Hostilities agreement, expected to be signed at a venue close to the Thandikulam check point, will formalise unilateral ceasefires declared by each side on December 25 and extended for a further one month on January 25.

Cabinet spokesman and Enterprise Development Minister G.L. Peiris, addressing yesterday’s cabinet press briefing at the Information Department auditorium, said the government was confident of a "positive outcome within the next 48 hours with regard to the signing of a cessation of hostilities agreement".

Asked if yesterday’s battle between the LTTE and Navy in the Mullaitivu sea, which resulted in three Navy personnel being killed, was an obstacle to the signing of today’s agreement he said that an incident such as this cannot put the whole peace process in peril.It should be dealt with in a manner that prevents any further violations.

"In no part of the world has there been ceasefire agreements that have not been violated.In this case too there have been a few violations but that should not detract from the commitment to forge ahead with the peace process. What is needed is a constant dialogue, which is continuing via Norwegian facilitation. As of now the talks are on track. Norway, I must say, has brought a great deal of finesse and professionalism to the discussions". Asked if President Chandrika Kumaratunga as Head of State was involved in drafting the agreement, Peiris said that she had been kept informed of every step the government has taken.

"The President’s spokesman has said that she is an integral part of the process".

When reminded that the President has expressed certain reservations about the manner in which talks are progressing, he said "I am unable to comment on that. You will have to ask the President. All I can say is that we are trying to reach a reasonable peace that incorporates everyones rights.".

Questioned about the main features of the draft agreement Peiris said it would be released after both sides have formally endorsed it.

"It is not one sided as some seem to think. The problems faced by both sides have been taken into consideration" he added.