The South African Peace Envoy and that country's Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, who was here on the much publicized visit, returned home after talks with the government authorities and the TNA leaders. According to some political observers Ramaphosa who came with full of hope over his country's peace initiative left this country disappointed and disillusioned.
During the lengthy discussion he had with President Rajapaksa, the South African Peace Envoy had urged that direct talks aimed at resolving the ethnic tangle with the TNA be resumed. However, the President had insisted that the TNA should participate in the deliberations of the PSC on the national problem headed by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. South African Deputy President Ramaphosa was reportedly wearing a somber expression as he walked out of Temple Trees following the talks.
Ramaphosa met a group of NGO representatives and a delegation from the TNA following his talks with the President.
Later The Peace Envoy proceeded to Jaffna where he held talks with EPDP leader Minister Douglas Devananda, Chief Minister C.V.Wigneswaran, Northern Governor G.A. Chandrasiri and civil society leaders.
When the Chief Minister complained that the Government was not prepared to devolve certain powers to the Provincial Council, Ramaphosa advised him to seek a legal remedy.
Ceylon Today