Erik Solheim briefs President 

[December 16, 2004 - 11.45 GMT]

President Chandrika Kumaratunga received the Special Envoy of the Royal Norwegian Government Erik Solheim at President’s House today.

During the course of the meeting, the President was informed of the closure of the Embassy of Norway because of an anthrax scare. She gave immediate orders for the Police to investigate the incident and provide the Embassy personnel the fullest protection.

Erik Solheim briefed the President on his discussions with Anton Balasingham in London earlier this month and on his meeting with LTTE political wing leader S.P. Thamilselvan in Kilinochchi on Wednesday. He assured the President that the LTTE remained committed to maintaining the Ceasefire Agreement. However, he urged that both parties should exercise the maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could be interpreted as provocations, especially at a time when peace negotiations were not taking place.

The President reviewed developments since the visit of the Norwegian Foreign Minister in November and regretted that certain statements and actions had not helped to create a climate of mutual confidence. Nevertheless, she emphasized her readiness to explore all avenues to resume direct negotiations while abiding by the Ceasefire Agreement. The President also reiterated the commitment of the Government to negotiate a final settlement along the lines of the Oslo decision of 5th December 2002 and the establishment of an interim authority in that context.

It was agreed that Norway will remain in close contact with the GOSL on how negotiations could resume. Mr. Solheim was accompanied by Charge d’Affaires of the Norwegian Embassy Oddvar Laegreid, Director-General of Global Affairs Svein Saether and other Norwegian officials.

Associated with the President were, Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, SG of the Peace Secretariat Jayantha Dhanapala, and Foreign Secretary H.M.G.S. Palihakkara.

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Last Updated Date: December 16, 2004 - 11:45 GMT