Tuesday, July 4 2006 18:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Guwahati: Direct talks between the Centre and the ULFA was almost a certainty after the third round of talks with the Peoples Consultative Group held recently, the outfit has said.

"Solution to even the most intricate problem is possible provided the intentions remain pure. If everything remains all right and if there is no lack of sincerity, direct talks between ULFA and the government for the solution of the political conflict has become a certainty," ULFA said in the latest issue of its mouthpiece 'Swadhinata'.

Climbing down from its rigid stand on the issue of soverignty, the ULFA said that it was seeking talks with the Centre for a political resolution to the Assam imbroglio.

It was matter of 'good fortune' that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has termed the issues raised by it as political that needs to be resolved poltically.

The Peoples Consultative Group is a body of intellectuals constituted by ULFA to carry on talks with the Centre.

On the fears raised in a section of the media that the jailed ULFA leaders, if freed, would take up arms like in the past, it said bringing up the 'bitter experiences' would only impede the peace process.

The ULFA has demanded freedom of its five top ranking leaders lodged in various jails in the state as a precondition.