Solheim
briefs President on Kilinochchi visit
[July
1, 2004
- 9.30
GMT]
President Chandrika
Kumaratunga received Mr. Erik Solheim, Special Advisor, at the President’s
House this morning in pursuance of Norway’s facilitation of the Sri Lankan
peace process. Mr. Solheim briefed the President on his visit to Kilinochchi
and his conversations with Head of the LTTE’s Political Wing S.P.
Thamilselvan.
The President rejected
the publicly aired allegations by the LTTE that the Government had
authorized the Sri Lankan military activities in the Eastern Province in
support of the Karuna faction. She expressed confidence that under the
command of Lt. Gen. Shantha Kottegoda, the Sri Lanka Army will continue to
abide by the Ceasefire Agreement. She reiterated the Government’s
commitment to achieving a lasting peace and maintaining the Ceasefire
Agreement.
The President also
explained that steps were being taken to establish the peace structure she
announced on June 12, so that a more inclusive and transparent peace process
would be conducted in the future. She stressed that the peace negotiations
should commence without delay in the mutual interest of the two parties.
The Norwegian delegation
undertook to continue the process of consultations on outstanding issues
with a view to bringing both parties into direct negotiations.
The President stated that
the Government was anxious to continue existing development projects and
start new projects to satisfy the humanitarian and development needs of the
North and East.
Mr. Solheim was
accompanied by Norway’s Ambassador Hans Brattskar, and Ms. Solfried Lien,
Assistant to the delegation.
Associated at the
discussion with the President were Lakshman Kadirgamar, Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Jayantha Dhanapala, Secretary General of the Peace Secretariat and
H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Last Updated
Date: July 1, 2004 -
9.30
GMT. |
