Foreign Minister Jan Petersen, accompanied by Deputy Minister Vidar Helgesen, ambassador Hans Brattskar and other officials met with President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on 10 May and with leader of the LTTE, Velupillai Prabakharan, on 11 May to discuss possibilities of bringing the peace process forward.

“We had constructive and positive meetings with both parties and there is a clear commitment from the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to resume direct negotiations”, said Foreign Minister Petersen.

Some issues need to be discussed further before negotiations can start. Norway will continue to consult with the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE in the coming weeks.

Both President Kumaratunga and LTTE leader Prabakharan reaffirmed their request to Norway to act as facilitator for the process.