Jaffna Media Research Centre opened with Danish aid

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 16 October 2002, 17:38 GMT]
The High Commissioner of Demark for India who is also accredited to Sri Lanka, Wednesday, declared open the Media Research and Training Centre in the Jaffna University. " Eleven member countries in the European Union (EU) are wholeheartedly supporting the peace process now being taken forward with the sole intention of finding a lasting political solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka," said Mr. Michael Steraberg, High Commissioner of Denmark when addressing a gathering following the opening of the centre.

The Centre is established with the financial assistance of Denmark. Denmark has allocated eighteen million rupees to this centre, which would provide diploma courses for media personnel

Mr.Steraberg further said, "the EU earnestly looking forward the success of peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE."

A delegation of the EU headed by Mr. Peter Lysholt Hansen, Under Secretary of State also participated at the event.

Later the EU delegation met the local journalists. Answering question the leader of the EU delegation Mr. Hansen said that they met the LTTE political advisor Dr.Anton Balasingham and political head Mr.S.P.Thamilselvan at Killinochchi on their way to Jaffna by A 9 highway.

Mr. Hansen further said that EU delegation discussed the question of de-mining the northeast and regarding the resettlement of internally displaced in their areas with LTTE leaders at Killinochchi. EU member countries are prepared to assist both parties concerned in this regard.

The delegation head said he noted considerable progress in the peace talks now being held. The delegation had met the President and the Prime Minister and held discussion with them regard to the peace process.

He wanted the media in the island to play a constructive role in taking forward the peace process in a constructive note.