Parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka now showing clear willingness to build confidence
[March 1, 2002 - 11.45 GMT]

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Petersen has said that the parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka are now showing a clear willingness to build confidence. The comments were made in a statement to the Norwegian Parliament on Foreign Policy, February 26.

“Last Friday, the parties in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka concluded a formal ceasefire agreement. Norway has been a mediator in the process of reaching an agreement, and the parties asked Norway to make the agreement public. We have also been asked to lead an international monitoring mission to observe whether the parties fulfil their commitments. The ceasefire has paved the way for negotiations on a political solution to the conflict. A conflict that has lasted for 20 years and cost more than 60 000 lives. It has created deep distrust between the ethnic groups and their leaders, but both parties are now showing a clear willingness to build confidence. They know that the road to peace, reconciliation and development is a long and difficult one. But they also know that continuing the conflict will lead to even more suffering for the civilian population and even worse economic and social conditions in the country.”

“Over the years, repeated attempts have been made to hold peace talks, but without results. We have indicated our willingness to assist the parties in new attempts, since we have noted a new will to make progress. This is expressed in the agreement in three ways. Firstly, the agreement sets out a step-by-step approach that is both realistic and practicable. Secondly, both parties wish for international observers, which in itself is a commitment by the parties vis-à-vis the international community. Thirdly, the agreement puts considerable emphasis on improving living conditions for the people on the island and not only on purely technical ceasefire issues. This shows the parties’ determination to restore a normal way of life for the people of Sri Lanka.”

“However, we must expect problems and setbacks along the way. Norway has agreed to continue to assist the parties, and we have asked the international community for political and economic support in this demanding process. The need for humanitarian assistance and help with reconstruction is particularly pressing.”

“Norway has a long tradition of providing humanitarian assistance to people in distress and to the oppressed. Ever since Fridtjof Nansen, humanitarian assistance has been part of our national identity. Ever since Hambro, Norway has sought to promote binding cooperation between the nations of the world. As a small country, it is in our interests to strengthen the international legal order and international bodies, to promote democracy and human rights and to contribute to the peaceful solution of conflicts.”

Referring to international terrorism Petersen said, “We must fight to ensure that democracy and respect for human rights and human dignity apply to everyone. We must expose the injustice and hopelessness that the terrorists are exploiting so ruthlessly.”

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Last Updated Date: March 1, 2002  - 11.45 GMT.