Solheim's down-grading obstacle to talks - MP

[TamilNet, Thursday, 14 June 2001, 21:15 GMT]
The Sri Lankan government's efforts to downgrade the role of Norway's special envoy, Erik Solheim, has now become a major obstacle to current peace initative, an MP of the main opposition United National Party (UNP) said Wednesday. "This will further strain the peace process," said Alisagir Moulana, a Muslim Parliamentarian for the Batticaloa District.

The MP was addressing school prize giving event at Thamaraikerni Sahith Moulana Vidiyalayam in Eravur area, Batticaloa.

"The (ruling People's Alliance government is not showing genuine interest in solving the ethnic conflict. The UNP is very much interested in bringing peace to the country," Mr. Moulana said.

"The government's attempt to sideline Mr.Erik Solehim from his role would have serious impact on the peace moves already initiated by Norway," he added.

"The proposed peace talks between the PA government and the Liberation Tigers are getting delayed due to the ban imposed by the government on the LTTE" Mr. Moulana said.

"The Government could have taken a positive step in this regard if it is really interested in finding a political solution through talks with the LTTE," he added.