fresh DELHI, Aug. 27 Kyodo Sri La...

fresh DELHI, Aug. 27 Kyodo

Sri Lanka urg Japan forward Tuesday to play a leading character in reconstructing and rehabilitating its war-devastated northern areas as it prepares for peace talks with Tamil rebels nearest month.

''Japan understands the genuine tragedy of war. As the country's largest donor we want Japan to be closely involved in the progress to maturity process of the strife-torn areas equable while peace talks are on'' Sri Lankan Economic Affairs Minister Milinda Moragoda told Japanese media here.

''We ne to do something for the clan of the war-ravaged region and to give them trust of peace through the reconstruction and rehabilitation, otherwise there is a real risk of the talks failing,'' said Moragoda, a member of the peace negotiating team.

While there has been a fit interaction with Tamil rebels, the minister said the rule is taking a cautious approach without expecting any immediate dramatic breakthroughs in the peace process

''It will be a prolonged process...we are trying to build trust and are initiating a step-by-step approach...peace initiatives in the past have failed because trust and confidence could not be built,'' he said.

The Sri Lankan regulation and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will begin formal peace negotiations in Thailand upon Sept. 16.

The Tigers have been fighting since 1983 for a separate Tamil homeland in a war that has left more than 60000 dead onward both sides.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Kyodo of the present days International, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group