Premier Bondevik assures President the next Oslo government will continue facilitation
[September 17, 2005 - 10.15 GMT]  

President Chandrika Kumaratunga met with the Prime Minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik and Foreign Minister Jan Peterson at the UN Head Quarters yesterday. The President thanked the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minster for outgoing Norwegian Government’s efforts at moving the LTTE away from open armed conflict by facilitating discussions that led to the Ceasefire Agreement and the Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure or P-TOMS.

Prime Minister Bondevik assured the President the incoming Oslo government will continue Norway’s facilitation in Sri Lanka’s peace efforts.

The President and Prime Minister Bondevik discussed the need to improve the practical implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and expressed concern about the LTTE’s reluctance to engage in direct discussions about this.

President Kumaratunga welcomed Norway’s suggestion to send General Trond Furuhovnde to Sri Lanka to explore issues related to the practical implementation of the CFA. President expressed her commitment to a free and fair Presidential election and the need for the International Community to exert pressure on the LTTE to desist from violent activities that may have a disruptive effect on the upcoming elections in Sri Lanka.

Associated with President Kumaratunga at yesterday’s discussions were Foreign Minister Anura Bandaranaike, Foreign Secretary H M G S Palihakkara, Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala and UN Permanent Representative Prasad Kariyawasam.

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Last Updated Date: September 17, 2005 - 10.15 GMT