On their return from Kilinochchi May 8, 2003, the Norwegian Ambassador Designate, Mr. Hans Brattskar, and Special Envoy, Mr. Erik Solheim met Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Temple Trees to brief him on their meeting with the LTTE in Kilinochchi earlier that day. The meeting was also attended by Hon. Prof. G. L. Peiris, Hon. Milinda Moragoda and Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke.

The Norwegian delegation informed the Premier that they had a two hour meeting with the LTTE, which also included the Head of SLMM, Trygve Tellefssen. The LTTE was represented by Dr. Anton Balasingham, and included Political Wing Leader Mr. S.P. Tamilselvan, Sea Tiger Leader Soosai, Special Commander Bhanu, Jaffna Military Leader Theepan, Mrs. Adele Balasingam and Dr. Jay Maheshwaran.

The meeting centred on issues raised by the LTTE as reasons for the suspension of negotiations with the government. Dr. Balasingham had indicated that he was aware that the government had sought the advice of Maj.Gen (Rtd) Satish Nambiar, to review the issue of High Security Zones (HSZ). However, he pointed out that the Nambiar Report was a matter for internal discussion within the government and the LTTE would comment on the positions taken by the government pursuant to the report.

Furthermore, the LTTE indicated that the mobility of the Sea Tigers was restricted due to ambiguity concerning sea movement in the ceasefire agreement and requested that this issue be resolved at the earliest. The Sea Tiger Leader pointed out that the latest SLMM draft document relating to the “Prevention of Clashes at Sea” was being studied by the LTTE.

The LTTE reiterated their displeasure over the lack of perceived progress regarding the Sub-Committee for Immediate Humanitarian and Rehabilitation Needs of the North and East (SIHRN) and indicated the need to expedite the operation of the North East Reconstruction Fund (NERF). The Norwegian delegation briefed the LTTE on the interim measure proposed by the government to fund the projects that have been already approved by SIHRN, until the fund becomes fully operational.

Dr. Balasingham stated that decisions regarding the resumption of peace negotiations, participation at the Tokyo donor conference, and the rescheduling of Sub-Committee meetings of the SIHRN and Gender Committee would be taken up by the LTTE leadership after receiving positive indications from the government on humanitarian and security issues that have been highlighted.

The Norwegian delegation also impressed upon the LTTE, the grave concerns of the government regarding the assassination of intelligence operatives of the military and members of other political groups since the ceasefire. It was also indicated that similar sentiments were expressed by the international community on this matter. The LTTE was informed that such violations could seriously hinder the peace process.

In response, the Prime Minister noted that the defence establishment was currently engaging the services of two military experts from India, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Nambiar and Rear Vice Admiral (Rtd) Jacob, to assist develop approaches that could facilitate humanitarian and other interests without compromising security concerns. He was hopeful that suitable measures could be adopted in relation to these issues that would positively contribute towards building confidence on both sides.

Following his meeting with the Norwegian delegation, the Prime Minister also met Japanese Special Envoy Ambassador Yasushi Akashi and Japanese Ambassador H.E. Mr. Seiichiro Otsuka once again. The Premier informed them that the procedural impediments relating to NERF would be resolved in a day or two and expected the finalisation of the agreement with the World Bank within the next few days.

The Prime Minister also stated that he would submit a proposal to SIHRN recommending the restructuring of the SIHRN Secretariat, taking into account capacity concerns and functional attributes of the Sub-Committee. He expected the changes to contribute towards expediting the work of the SIHRN.

Ambassador Akashi leaves the country today.