President tells Norway… Prime Minister would continue with peace process

[November 13, 2003 - 4.30 GMT]

President Chandrika Kumaratunga yesterday met with Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen and special envoy Erik Solheim and a Norwegian delegation. The discussions centered on the recent political development and it’s possible impact on the peace process.

The President briefed the Norwegians of the Supreme Court’s recent determination that as per the Constitution the President is responsible for the defence of the State. She emphasized her move was not intended to sabotage the peace process. She reiterated her commitment to a negotiated peace and told the facilitators that she would want Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to continue with it.

President Kumaratunga further said Defence officials were working out the details necessary to prevent violations of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) now in place.

Earlier yesterday the President had a vital meeting with Premier Wickremesinghe regarding her recent decision to take control of three portfolios namely Defence, Interior and Media.

The President told the Norwegians that during her meeting with the PM they agreed that if the need arose they would enter into a memorandum of understanding of their own, to ensure the recent changes in the Defence portfolio would not affect the CFA and the ongoing peace initiatives.

The Norwegian delegation will today convey the President’s pledge to continue with the current CFA to the LTTE leadership.

The Norwegian facilitators are due to meet the President again this evening after they return from the rebel controlled Killinochchi in the North.

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Last Updated Date: November 13, 2003  -4.30 GMT.