President Chandrika Kumaratunga in her keynote address at the inaugural meeting of the National Advisory Council on peace had said she was in favour of basing the peace talks on the framework of the Oslo declaration, Professor G. L. Peiris told a media briefing at Parliament on Thursday.This is also the official position of the UNP and as promised the UNP will vigorously assist in the peace process when substantive matters come up for discussion. "Since both the President and the UNP agree on the basis of talks and there is no difference of opinion, we wish to ask the President, what really are the reasons that prevent the talks from being initiated. It is not the UNP but an internal matter within the UPFA government," Peiris said.Certain Ministers have announced that suppliers of oil have agreed to defer payments for six months after shipment. If this position is true why does the government have to increase the price immediately if payment is not due for a period of six months. There is no reason to burden the people further unless the monies received are used for purposes other than payment of the country's fuel bills, Professor Peiris said."This government has indicated that it has no policy or strategy. Where in the world do you have two prices for a single product within the capital city and outside it. As regards the proposal to levy a toll on all vehicles entering the city of Colombo, how will lorries, vans and buses be charged. Will commuters be further burdened with one more increase on account of the road toll?", he asked.In addition the government was unable to bring any legislation from April 2 till the end of August exposing its lack of a programme of governance, he said.It is expected that the promised 70 percent wage increase for the public sector will be given in its first budget; however the number of salaried employees is a minority and the larger number of people must also be cushioned against the spiralling cost of living.The Bill for making National Identity Cards compulsory is expected to be passed in Parliament without division provided an amendment is also included.The amendment requires the Elections Commission to certify that all those who are eligible to vote are not disenfranchised due to not obtaining an NIC. However the Elections Commission itself has not yet been established, due to a delay on the part of the President. It is therefore essential that immediate action be taken to establish the Elections Commission in accordance with the 17th Amendment to the Constitution. This has been long overdue, Peiris concluded.