Norwegian Minister sees no quick solution to Sri Lankan problem
[16 May 2000]

Norway sees no quick solution to the current situation in Sri Lanka, where Oslo is trying to mediate peace, Norwegian Foreign Minister, Thorbjoern Jagland, said on Monday, sources confirm.

Norway has appointed, Erik Solheim as an envoy and has also offered to mediate between both the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government and initiate peace talks to end the on-going conflict.

However, Jagland told reporters, last Monday that it is completely clear that the six-month duration given to Solheim will not be sufficient. “ We are facing a very long term assignment, which we will, of course try to follow through”, he said.

According to Jagland they are continuously in talks with the parties, being the LTTE and the government, and having encouraged dialogue and restraint, there is only little indication that they are heading that way.

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Norway finds difficulty in initiating peace process
15/05/2000