Norwegian delegation meets government officials [27 Jan 2000]

The Norwegian peace delegation led by State Secretary Leiv Lunde yesterday met Minister G.L. Peiris and Acting Foreign Minister Lakshman Kiriella, to discuss possible solutions to the ethnic problem in the country, political sources said.
     In his inauguration address Professor Peiris had briefed the Norwegian delegate on the four stages proposed in the government's agenda towards a peaceful solution. He also explained that finding the central theme of the recent presidential election campaign. President Kumaratunga had put this issue before the people, and asked for a fresh mandate to resolve the crisis. In return the people gave her a 51.1% majority. The President has therefore seized this opportunity and has decided to move forward rapidly in the process of constitutional reform, he said.
     Tracing the history of Sri Lanka, the minister also explained the government's determination to use compromise, discussion and a dialogue as the means of settling the ethnic dispute stressing that military means had been used only as a final resort.
     The minister also said that already intensive consultations within the People's Alliance were already in progress, as part of the first step of the government's agenda. The next move would be to invite the parties representing the Tamil ethnic group to forge a consensus on the solution to be adopted. Thirdly, the United National Party led by Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe would be consulted regarding the implementation of the political proposals. Finally, negotiations would commence with the LTTE, with the assistance of facilitator. The role of facilitator would be taken by the government of Norway, he revealed.
     Professor Peiris during the course of his address also referred to the sound economic performance and advances in human rights under the People's Alliance government. He also focused on bilateral cooperation, especially the several development projects under the Norwegian government.
     Mr. Lunde had stressed the importance of a 'Southern consensus' in finding a solution to the ethnic problem. Mr. Lunde expressed confidence in a political advancement from of the present dialogue between the two main political parties.
     "Next steps will follow after reaching the Southern consensus", said the State Secretary.
     Mr. Lunde also stated his government's satisfaction with the human rights record in Sri Lanka.
     Meanwhile, the State Secretary has called on Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe to discuss potential development assistance to Sri Lanka. The Norwegian delegation left Sri Lanka yesterday afternoon.

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