Hakeem - Bala meeting constructive and cordial - Norwegian Embassy
[September 4, 2002  - 11.40 GMT]  

The meeting between the chief negotiator for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Anton Balasingham, and leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Minister Rauff Hakeem was held in a constructive and cordial atmosphere, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Colombo said today. 

SLMC leader Hakeem flew to London over the weekend to hold discussions with the LTTE’s Anton Balasingham before the proposed peace talks in Thailand. 

“It was agreed that Mr. Hakeem will take part in the first round of talks as a member of the government delegation, in his capacity as being the leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress,” a Norwegian Embassy statement said. 

It added that the SLMC leader and the LTTE chief negotiator also touched upon matters related to the present situation in the north and east and to the status of the ceasefire agreement. 

“They agreed that a new broader meeting between the LTTE-leadership and the SLMC will be held in the Vanni after the first round of talks in Thailand,” the statement added.

Full Text of Release

On September 3^rd 2002, a meeting was held between the chief negotiator for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Anton Balasingham, and leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Minister Rauff Hakeem. Balasingham was accompanied by his wife Adele. 

Mr. Hakeem and Mr. Balasingham discussed matters related to the upcoming talks in Thailand between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE. It was agreed that Mr. Hakeem will take part in the first round of talks as a member of the government delegation, in his capacity as being the leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress. It was further agreed that Mr. Hakeem will participate in future rounds of talks as the leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress as well as the head of a Muslim delegation representing the Muslim community. This is in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding the LTTE and the SLMC signed April 13^th.

The SLMC leader and the LTTE chief negotiator also touched upon matters related to the present situation in the north and east and to the status of the ceasefire agreement. They agreed that a new broader meeting between the LTTE-leadership and the SLMC will be held in the Vanni after the first round of talks in Thailand. 

The meeting was held in a constructive and cordial atmosphere. The session lasted for two hours. 

The meeting took place at the Norwegian ambassadorial residence in London. 

Special Advisor Erik Solheim, one of the Norwegian facilitators was present as observer.  

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Last Updated Date: September 4, 2002  - 11.40 GMT.