Govt. responds positively to June Oslo talks [Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 8.15 GMT]

The Government responded positively towards a request by the Norwegian delegation that met President Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 26, that the Government and the LTTE meet with the SLMM in Oslo (June 8-9, 2006) to assess the situation and address the safety and security of SLMM members.

The lives of SLMM monitors were endangered during the recent attack by the LTTE on the troop transport vessel Pearl Cuise II, on which the monitors were on board. Since the incident the SLMM had suspended sea monitoring.

Mr. Solheim during the meeting with the President had stated that it was important to ensure the SLMM can function effectively and that matters relating to the operational modalities and functions of the SLMM should be discussed during the proposed meeting.

In a statement the Government said it appreciated the commitment and service of the SLMM and would “unreservedly provide support” towards the SLMM requests to ensure the safety of its members. It also said it “wished to encourage the LTTE to respond positively to the invitation to the second round of talks in Geneva”.

The government delegation to this meeting would be headed by Dr. Palitha Kohona, the Secretary General of the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP).

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Last Updated Date: June 1, 2006 -8.15 GMT