Norwegian envoy in Jaffna to discuss SLMM issue [Saturday, August 05, 2006-7.30 GMT]

Norwegian Special Envoy Jon Hassen-Bauer is in the island to try and resolve the SLMM crises. The LTTE have set a deadline of September 1, for the EU nationals of the SLMM to leave. Finland, Denmark and Sweden have decided to leave by the date, due to a lack of security guarantee by the LTTE.

Hanssen Bauer is currently in Jaffna to meet with the LTTE leadership.

Earlier this week Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said the Government believed that the SLMM had established an institutional structure on which the ceasefire was dependent and that it was vital that the institutional structure of the SLMM as the most critical component of the peace process remains unaffected.

“The Government has communicated this position to the Nordic countries, and urged the three countries, even if their nationals have to withdraw from uncleared areas due to LTTE threat, not to withdraw from the SLMM as an institution in Colombo thus further giving currency to LTTE blackmail,” he said.

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Last Updated Date: August 5, 2006 -7.30 GMT