Thailand to host peace talks
[March 30, 2002 - 7.30 GMT]

Thailand has agreed to host the first face-to-face peace talks in seven years between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE, A Thai-Norway statement on Friday said.

Text of the joint Thai-Norway statement:

By The Associated Press

The Government of Thailand has on the request of the Government of Norway, accepted to provide the venue for negotiations between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The negotiations will aim at reaching a political settlement to the conflict in Sri Lanka.

Both parties to the conflict have agreed to hold the talks in Thailand. The place and date for the commencement of the talks are yet to be decided by the parties and the Government of Norway, in consultation with the Government of Thailand.

On 22 February 2002 the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE signed an agreement to halt military hostilities and improve the living conditions for all inhabitants affected by the ongoing conflict. The agreement also provides for international observers to monitor the cease-fire. Both parties have shown determination in respecting the agreement and expressed their willingness to commence direct negotiations within the coming months. The Government of Norway will continue to assist the parties in their endeavours in finding a lasting solution to the ethnic conflict.

Norway highly appreciates Thailand's positive response and willingness to accommodate the negotiations.

Meanwhile the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando thanks the Thai Government for helping Sri Lanka to hold peace talks on their soil.

The last face-to face talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE  were held in Jaffna in 1994 when Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga became the President.

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Last Updated Date: March 30, 2002  - 7.30 GMT.