Oslo talks set to begin today [Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 9.00 GMT]

Talks between the government and the LTTE are set to begin today, during which the parties will discuss the situation and role of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM). The talks are scheduled for two days, June 8-9, in Oslo.

The talks are not aimed at finding a political solution to the armed conflict and do not substitute the Geneva talks aimed at strengthening the implementation of the ceasefire agreement of 2002, says a Norwegian Embassy release.

“The situation in Sri Lanka is extremely serious. It is positive that the parties have come to Oslo to discuss the situation of the SLMM. As facilitators we will do our utmost to enable the parties to find practical solutions to ease the pressure on the SLMM,” said Minister of International Development Erik Solheim in the release.

“The agenda for the meeting is limited to the SLMM, and we haven’t got any further expectations. We will, of course, urge the parties to continue the peace process and find their way back to the platform for the talks that they agreed on in 2002-2003,” Mr Solheim added.

He praised the SLMM observers for doing an “excellent job” during difficult times and said they played an important role in preventing civilian suffering.

Special Envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer will head the Norwegian delegation together with Ambassador Hans Brattskar and Mr Vidar Helgesen. The SLMM will be represented by the Head of Mission, Ulf Henricsson.

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Last Updated Date: June 8, 2006 -9.00 GMT