Solheim to stand aside
[March
17, 2006 -
8.30 GMT ]
Norway's
International Development and Chief facilitator to Sri Lanka’s peace
process Minister Erik Solheim said yesterday he will stand aside as a
special peace envoy of Sri Lanka but keep overall responsibility for
Oslo's mediation effort.
The 51-year-old,
who has often visited Sri Lanka in the past six years as peace envoy,
said Oslo would soon name a successor. "It's always good to bring in
some fresh blood and it may help the cause too," he said.
"You can't do this
day and night and look after my other Government responsibilities," he
said. Officials said he would have overall responsibility for mediation
efforts and attend any peace talks.
Solheim is a
member of Norway's socialist party and became development minister in
addition to being Sri Lanka peace envoy after a centre-left coalition
won power in a parliamentary election in September.
Solheim is due to
mediate a round of peace talks between the Sri Lankan Government and the
LTTE in Geneva next month. "I will continue to be involved as it will
take sometime for the new person to know the politics and the people,"
he said.
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Last Updated
Date: March 17, 2006 -8.30 GMT |
