Deliberate attempt by LTTE to ridicule all involved in peace process – Minister  [Friday, June 9, 2006- 7.30 GMT]

Defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the LTTE’s refusal to meet the government delegation in Oslo was a deliberate attempt to ridicule the government, the European Union and the Norwegian government.

“The composition of the government delegation was known to the LTTE and everyone else much prior to the departure of the two parties for the talks”, said the Minister.

“Basically the government delegation is packing its bags to come back”, he said.

The Norwegian government said it was profoundly concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka with the escalating violence in breach of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA).

“After having accepted the Norwegian invitation, and after having arrived in Norway, the LTTE raised objections to the previously communicated intentions and modalities for the meeting. This was the reason for the meeting not being held”, it said in a statement.

“By this a critical opportunity has been lost for the peoples of Sri Lanka who so desperately need their leaders on both sides to renew their obligation to uphold the CFA and other CFA-related commitments and to improve security” it said.

The SLMM however when contacted had no statement to make on the LTTE’s refusal. The Oslo talks were to be based on SLMM monitors’ security and safety.

Meanwhile in an unprecedented move the Norwegian government requested in writing from both the Government and the LTTE responses to the five critical questions posed by them. Both parties were given two weeks to respond.

1. Will the parties stand committed to the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) of 22 February 2002?

2. Do the parties want the continued existence and operation of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission as a mission coordinated, facilitated and led by the Royal Norwegian Government with diplomatic immunity to ensure its impartial operation?

3. Are the parties able to provide full security guarantees for all monitors, employees and physical assets of the SLMM in all situations, in accordance with CFA Article 3.9?

4. Will the parties accept amendments to CFA Article 3.5 in order to enable the continued functioning of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission at its current operational levels and with the necessary security guarantees?

5. In the event that amendments to Article 3.5 are made, will the parties provide full security guarantees for current SLMM personnel and assets during a six-month transition phase until an amended solution has been identified, decided and fully implemented?

According to the release the responses by the parties to these questions will determine which steps will next have to be taken by the Royal Norwegian Government and the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, in close partnership with other actors in the international community.

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Last Updated Date: June 9, 2006 -7.30 GMT