“We will wait” – Norway

[November 14, 2003 - 10.15 GMT]

“At this stage there is only one single impediment for the resumption of talks and Norway can do nothing about it. So, we will go home and wait,” Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen said today when asked if Norway is suspending it’s role as the facilitator in the Sri Lankan peace process.

He told media that even though Sri Lankan political leaders have pledged their commitment to upholding the ceasefire, the ceasefire will be much more difficult to sustain in a “political vacuum”.

The reshuffling of three Cabinet portfolios, namely, Defence, Interior and Media by President Chandrika Kumaratunga last week gave rise to the current political situation.

"Peace talks could have started tomorrow, provided there was clarity about who is holding political authority and responsibility on behalf of the government to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire agreement and the resumption of peace negotiations," Helgessen said.

Vidar Helgessen and Norwegian special envoy Erik Solheim who arrived in Colombo on Monday had meetings with President Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Wickremasinghe and LTTE leader Prabhakaran during their four-day stay.

Meanwhile in a statement today President Kumaratunga assured that the freedom of movement for LTTE political cadres would be respected in areas held by the Government.

The President has also instructed the Armed Forces to extend their fullest co-operation to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) and further assures freedom of operation and security of SLMM personnel.

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Last Updated Date: November 14, 2003  -10.15 GMT.