United Liberation Front of Asom, the banned rebel organistation in Assam, has indicated that the much-awaited direct talks between its leaders and Centre is almost certain to happen provided the government responded favourably to two of its key demands.

The ULFA's prime demand is the release of five jailed central executive committee leaders.

It also wants information about the whereabouts of its members who are missing since the Royal Bhutan Army took them into custody during a clean up operation in Bhutan in December 2003.

In an editorial in the latest issue of its mouthpiece Freedom that was released in the Internet on Monday, the ULFA said, 'Since the Indian government has stated that the just concluded third round of preparatory talks were the final round of negotiation, it is expected that it will facilitate direct talks with ULFA by responding positively to our two key demands.'

The ULFA struck the positive note and said, 'If there is goodwill on the part of the Indian government to find a political solution to the conflict, not only these two issues but any other complication can be overcome.'

The militant group pointed out that the prime minister had sent positive vibes when he had admitted that the demands raised by the ULFA were political in nature and could be solved politically during the first round of talks about eight months ago.

'We consider that the assurance given by the PM was directed not only at the ULFA but all the revolutionary people of Assam aspiring for independence,' the banned militant group said.

The ULFA also clearly indicated that it was still insisting on its demand for 'sovereignty'.