The Third
Session of the Sri Lanka Peace Talks commenced at
Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel in Oslo on Monday 2nd December
2002.
The first meeting of the Third Session took stock
of developments on the ground following the establishment
of the Sub-committee on De-escalation and Normalization,
as well as addressed other related matters, including
law and order situation. The participants noted the
progress achieved thus far in resolving mutual security
concerns, and discussed ways and means of furthering
their cooperation, particularly in the Jaffna peninsular.
It was noted that in the Eastern Province, many positive
developments are taking place following the meetings
of the district committees of the Sub-committee.
The second meeting held on Tuesday 3rd December was
preceded by a discussion involving the two delegations
and the representatives of the Forum of Federations
based in Canada. Hon. Bob Rae, Chairman of the Board
of Directors presented to the two parties an overview
of the functioning of the organization and offered
to provide technical assistance to the parties in
their search for a suitable model.
The report of the Sub-committee on Immediate Humanitarian
and Rehabilitation Needs in the North and East was
taken up for consideration. Matters relating to the
establishment of the Secretariat, North-East Reconstruction
Fund and related issues received attention.
At the third meeting, the two parties discussed political
matters. The principles and operational modalities
of the Sub-committee on Political Matters were also
considered. Further, it was agreed to set up a Sub-committee
on Gender Issues, in order to address issues relating
to women in the context of the peace process.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vidar Helgessen
chaired the meeting, assisted by Ambassador Jon Westborg
and Erik Solheim.
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