2nd Lead (Adds audio)

Helgesen meets Thamilchelvan

[TamilNet, Monday, 26 July 2004, 09:47 GMT]
Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgesen, met with LTTE Head of Political Wing, S.P.Thamilchelvan, at the LTTE Political Head Quarters in Kilinochchi Monday morning, for discussions on the stand of the LTTE regarding the recommencement of peace negotiations with the Government of Sri Lanka, LTTE's peace secretariat website said.

Direct Link:

Interview with Vidar Helgesen

Norwegian ambassador for Sri Lanka, Hans Brattskar and other officials from the Norwegian Embassy, participated in the meeting.

Mr. P. Nadesan, Head of the Tamil Eelam Police, Mr. S. Puleedevan, Secretary General of the Peace Secretariat, George and woman official of the LTTE political wing, accompanied Mr.Thamilchelvan for the discussions.

Mr. Thamilchelvan told the Norwegian delegation that there was no change to the position of the LTTE from that conveyed by Mr.V.Pirapaharan to the Norwegian Foreign Minister Mr. Jan Petersen in their meeting in May. Mr Thamilchelvan added that, "ISGA proposals should form the basis of the recommencement of negotiations," and pointed out that "serious lapses are taking place in Batticaloa, Amparai in the context of the CFA violation relating to the activities of armed groups," the website said.

Mr.Helgesen met with Secretary General of GoSL Peace Secretariat, Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala, Sunday before coming to Kilinochchi. He is expected to meet with Sri Lanka's President Ms.Kumaratunge on his return to Colombo.