Statement issued on 18th September 2002 by Dr. Hamidreza Asefi, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the commencement of the first direct talks between the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the LTTE.

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the commencement of official and direct negotiations between the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the LTTE. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the observance of the ceasefire agreement by both parties creates a favourable platform for these negotiations and hopes that the direct negotiations between the two sides will bring about an end to the 19 year old conflict and usher in permanent and genuine [peace within the framework of the territorial integrity and a united Sri Lanka.”