Oslo meeting a political conference – G L Peiris 
[November 21, 2002 - 10.45 GMT ]

The main objective of the Oslo Meeting is to send a “very powerful political message” with regard to the support of the international community for the peace process in Sri Lanka, Cabinet Spokesman G L Peiris said briefing media on the much publicised Oslo Donor's Conference.

The Conference described as a Support Meeting by the Norwegian government will take place in Oslo on November 25.

“It is basically a political conference. And the Governments that will be attending the meeting will be represented at a very high political level sending out a very strong and clear message with regard to the solidarity that the international community is demonstrating to Sri Lanka and the Peace Process,” Peiris who is also the government’s chief negotiator emphasised.

“There is of course the monetary or the economic aspect as well. But this is not a pledging conference… we are looking for ‘seed money’ here,” he said.

With regard to India’s participation in the Oslo Conference he said that the Indian Government was yet considering if Gopalakrishna Gandhi, India’s High Commissioner in Oslo, could represent India at the conference. But so far no decision had been taken to refrain from participating in it, Minister Peiris added.

Asked whether such an important political conference should not be the best time to discuss the issue of disarmament of the LTTE, Prof. Peiris said, “We expect this to be a very productive and interactive session. It is a structured process, a sequel process. So we have to make our progress towards a political resolution… what are the political arrangements that they are going to put in place and other issues will have to be taken up in conjunction with the progress towards political solution.”

When questioned if the government was helping the political consolidation of the LTTE by introducing them to the world stage he said, “It is not true. The North-East is a part of Sri Lanka and the development of the North-East is the responsibility of the Government. But the practicality of the situation is that this cannot be done in any realistic stand without the participation of the LTTE. If you are to do anything meaningful in those areas the LTTE will have to participate. That is merely facing reality and stating the obvious”.

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Last Updated Date: November 21, 2002  - 10.45 GMT.