Oslo team in Colombo 
[February 07, 2002 - 8.00 GMT]

The Royal Norwegian embassy in Colombo said that a Norwegian delegation headed by Undersecretary of State Vidar Helgesen arrived in Colombo early today, Thursday for talks with Sri Lankan leaders to arrange a formal truce with the LTTE. 

“The Norwegian mission will meet with the Sri Lankan authorities, and will probably present a proposal for a formal cease-fire between the two sides”, The Norway Post reported.

When the delegation last visited Sri Lanka in January, Helgesen expressed "careful optimism" regarding the possibilities for achieving a formal agreement for a cease-fire.

A cessation of hostilities is now in place between the Government and the LTTE going on its second month and is on till the 24^th of February. 

Meanwhile the Norwegian Prime Minister, Kajell Magne Bondevik speaking to BBC Online, said he is optimistic the Sri Lankan government and the rebel Tamil Tigers can be brought to the negotiating table for peace talks by the middle of this year.

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Last Updated Date: February 07, 2002  - 8.00 GMT.