The Norwegian
Embassy released a press release on 29 October 2003,
in regard to a reply made by Mr. Jan Petersen, Minister
of Foreign Affairs, to a letter of 23 October from
the President of Sri Lanka, concerning a reported
incident on 16 October involving the Norwegian-led
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission. This press release
provides an account of how the Norwegian Government
will now proceed.
Reports in media
indicate that the Norwegian authorities have made
further public comments on the substance of this
issue. However, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign
Affairs will not make further statements until it
has concluded its own examination as explained in
the press release of 29 October.