Nakhon Pathom (Thailand): Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan government on November 2 began the third day of talks to finalise details of the agreements reached between the two sides to give boost to their peace bid.

The government delegation is headed by Sri Lankan Constitutional Affairs Minister G L Pieris while the rebel side is led by London-based chief LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) negotiator Anton Balasingham.

On November 2, the two sides witnessed quick progress with reaching an agreement to set up structures of key peace committees in the violence-hit North and East provinces to improve security.

They evaluated the Ceasefire Agreement, in place for the last eight months, and decided on measures to improve the security situation, inter-ethnic co-operation and respect for Human Rights in the North and Eastern province, a statement issued by talks facilitator, Norway, said.

The two sides agreed on a framework to seek millions of Dollars in foreign aid for rebuilding the country.

However, Balasingham lodged a strong protest on the 200-years jail sentence to the rebel supremo V Prabhakaran with the Sri Lankan side but made it clear that the Colombo High Court verdict will not affect peace talks but the spirit behind it.

"It will not affect the peace talks, but will affect the peace process," he said.

PTI