Colombo: President Chandrika Kumaratunga said today (Nov 15) she is willing to share control of the Defence Ministry with the Prime Minister, softening her stance in a power struggle between the two leaders that has threatened to derail efforts to end Sri Lanka's 20-year civil war.

"The President is willing to involve the Prime Minister in all such Defence matters that can have a direct impact on the ceasefire and the peace process," said ManoTittawella, the President's top adviser.

"The President is keen that the peace process should go on," said Tittawella, adding that the two leaders were scheduled to meet early next week and would discuss power-sharing.

There was no immediate comment from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on the offer.

Earlier this month, Kumaratunga seized control of the key Defence, Interior and Media Ministries, which had been spearheading efforts to resolve the island's 20-year civil war. The President also suspended Parliament and briefly declared a state of Emergency, saying Wickremesinghe had offered the rebels too many concessions.

The Prime Minister, who was in the United States when the President made her Nov 4 power grab, wants Kumaratunga to either hand back the ministries she took over or handle the peace process herself.

Agencies