Co-chairs welcome Geneva talks - urge flexibility

[February 21, 2006 - 14.00 GMT]

The European Union and the Governments of  Japan, Norway and the United States, the Co-Chairs in the Sri Lankan Peace Process, welcome the February 22- 23 discussions between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and urges the parties to be open and flexible in attitude.

A Press release from the Europeran Commission Delegation, Sri Lanka, (the Current Chair of the Co-Chairs)  states the Co-Chairs see the talks at Geneva as an opportunity to restore confidence in the Ceasefire Agreement and move forward towards a peaceful future.

"We urge parties to approach the opportunity with an open and flexible attitude. We also welcome the decreased violence since the January 25 announcement of the talks as a sign that the parties take seriously and fully respect their commitments under the Ceasefire Agreement."

Commending the invaluable assistance provided by the Government of Norway in its continued role as facilitator, the Co-Chairs state: "We stand ready to assist Norway in its efforts to bring about a durable peace in Sri Lanka."

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Last Updated Date: February 22, 2006 - 14.00 GMT