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London, UK: The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monday evening informed the press that the parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka, the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, have asked Norway to facilitate talks in Geneva from 22 to 23 February.
The
announcement comes following the meeting between the Norwegian
International Development Minister Mr. Erik Solheim and the Liberation
Tigers Chief Negotiator and Political Strategist Mr. Anton Balasingham
in London, and Mr. Solheim's consultations with the Government of Sri
Lanka following his meeting with Mr. Balasingham.
Mr.
Balasingham conveyed LTTE leadership's suggestion on the dates for the
talks on the implementation of the February 2002 Cease Fire Agreement
(CFA).
Mr.
Solheim, following his meeting with Mr. Balasingham, and consultations
with the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL), fixed the date, with the
approval of both the protagonists to the conflict. The agreed date for
commencing talks in Geneva was announced by the Norwegian MFA,
according to the agreed protocol, sources in London told TamilNet.
"The
parties will discuss how they can improve the implementation of the
ceasefire agreement that was signed on 22 February 2002," the press
release by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. This is the
first time in three years that the parties meet face-to-face at such a
high level. The parties meet on the fourth year anniversary on the
February 22 CFA agreement to improve the implementation of the CFA.
Full text of the Press Release issued by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs follows:
Norway to facilitate talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Geneva 22-23 February
The
parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka, the Government of Sri Lanka and
the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, have asked Norway to facilitate
talks in Geneva from 22 to 23 February. The parties will discuss how
they can improve the implementation of the ceasefire agreement that was
signed on 22 February 2002. This is the first time in three years that
the parties meet face-to-face at such a high level.
“It
is very positive that the parties have agreed to meet at high level to
discuss how to improve the serious security situation,� says
International Development Minister Erik Solheim. “Norway, in its role
as facilitator, will do its best to help the parties find a practical
solution to relieve the pressure the ceasefire has come under.
“The
parties are taking a small but very significant step towards putting
the peace process back on a positive track. And we expect the
negotiations to be tough,� underlined Mr Solheim.
The
International Development Minister will lead the Norwegian delegation,
which includes Ambassador Hans Brattskar and Vidar Helgesen. The head
of the civilian Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, Hagrup Haukland, will
also be present.
“The
parties have chosen Geneva for their meeting because of the very
supportive role Switzerland has always played in the peace process,�
the Minister added.
TN
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