March 10, 2003	Monday	Muharram 6, 1424

COLOMBO, March 9: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will send an independent team of Muslim representatives to attend a forthcoming round of peace talks, set to begin in Japan on March 18.

The PM said after meeting with a parliamentarian group representing Muslims of the North East province on Friday.

The Minister for Rehabilitation of Refugees, Noordeen Mashoor, a key member of the group, said the prime minister had assured discussions begun this month to sort out key issues pertaining to the resettlement of Muslim refugees.

Mr Mashoor said the delegation stressed the need for a resettlement programme for Muslims, also urged the prime minister to take steps for the safety of Muslims intending to return to their native towns or villages.