Norway works on permanent ceasefire draft

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 22 January 2002, 15:08 GMT]
A delegation of the Norwegian government Tuesday met the Liberation Tigersí chief negotiator and political advisor, Mr. Anton Balasingham, for another round of discussions regarding the formulation of a structured, mutually acceptable ceasefire between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan armed forces, sources close to the LTTE told TamilNet.

Erik Solheim, special advisor to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry and Kjirste Tromsdal, an official with the same Ministry, met Mr. Balasingham at his residence in London for three hours Tuesday morning, the sources said.

"Their discussions centred on issues pertaining to the formulation of a structured, mutually agreeable ceasefire between the two sides," the sources told TamilNet.

Mr. Solheim has discussed with the Sri Lankan government the proposals for a permanent ceasefire put forward by the Liberation Tigers two weeks ago and Tuesdayís discussions in London were based on the results of those meetings, the sources said.

The Norwegian government is trying to work out a mutually agreeable document detailing a ceasefire, incorporating the suggestions and concerns of both sides, the sources said. Oslo is expected to complete a draft soon.

Mr. Solheim and Ms. Tromsdal are next week expected to accompany Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen when he meets Mr. Balasingham to submit the draft for further discussion, the sources said.

Following that meeting, the Norwegian delegation is expected to travel to Colombo to meet Sri Lankan leaders, the sources further said.