March 22, 2003	Saturday	Muharram 18, 1424

COLOMBO, March 21: The international donor community would not withdraw any significant assistance already pledged for Sri Lanka despite possible economic repercussions as a result of the war in Iraq, the government minister and chief negotiator G.L Peiris declared on Thursday.

The talks commenced on March 18 and were to have ended on Friday sources at the Peace Secretariat in Colombo said.

Japanese special envoy Yashushi Akashi on Thursday had assured the full quantum of aid promised to Sri Lanka despite the war in Iraq.

Akashi who had chaired the sessions of the Hakone talks in Japan had said he was impressed by the manner in which both parties were able to continue the talks despite the recent incident in Mullaithivu. He also prevailed on the parties to ensure the current ceasefire will not be hampered in any way by such incidents in the future.

TURNED DOWN: Meanwhile Minister Milinda Moragoda on Thursday turned down a request from the LTTE to reduce the strength of the military adding that they would have to wait for the Nambiar Report that would be available by the next round of talks in Bangkok.