The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has sought an international observer’s presence at talks with the Sri Lankan government.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in an interview to The Hindu published on Thursday said his government was open for talks with the TNA. In response, TNA leader R. Sampanthan has told the same newspaper that “We are prepared to talk to him anytime, but in the past this has been without a time frame. As a result we would very much like an international observer’s presence at talks to ensure that the commitments he gives are known to everyone.”

Sampanthan has said that the TNA welcomes Rajapaksa’s comment that he was committed to working with them to implement the 13th amendment. Nevertheless, Sampanthan has stressed his opposition on the Sri Lankan government’s reluctance to share police powers as envisaged in the 13th Amendment, stressing that the TNA does not seek defense powers but ‘merely’ police powers which are vital for law and order.

TNA leader has told The Hindu: “We do not agree that police powers should be excluded because one of the root causes of the conflict has been insecurity of the Tamil people over the collapse of law enforcement machinery when there has been violence in the past.”

Democratic People’s Front Leader Mano Ganesan has also voiced his opinion, saying that Sampanthan’s request for an international observer was justified.

Meanwhile, Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) member Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam also concurred with the TNA’s request for an international observer. However, he has reiterated his party’s position that negotiations should be on the basis of recognition that the Tamils have the right to self determination.

The talks on a political solution were stalled after TNA opted to stay away from the Parliamentary Select Committee formed for the purpose. The main opposition UNP and the JVP have also stayed away.