The U.S. has carefully reviewed the press statement issued by the Norwegian government reporting the results of the negotiations held between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Thailand, September 16-18. We praise the commitment of both sides to sustain the ceasefire, move forward with the peace process, and work toward a final settlement of the conflict. In moving forward, it is positive that the two sides have agreed to a schedule of meetings in the coming months.

The U.S. also welcomes the decision of both sides to form joint bodies focused on the return of displaced persons to their homes, and improving the humanitarian situation in the North and East. The U.S. is committed to
supporting these vital objectives. We note, for example, that the Quick Reaction Demining Force (QRDF) has been in place in Jaffna since April and is scheduled to continue its work until late October. The U.S. is also
working with the Sri Lankan military on a military-to-military humanitarian demining program that would begin shortly after the QRDF's departure.

To conclude, we are hopeful that the negotiating process inaugurated by the two sides will lead to a permanent end to the conflict based on the principles of democracy and respect for human rights, while maintaining
Sri Lanka's territorial integrity. As we have noted before, we sense that the conditions are favorable for a desirable outcome. We again salute the Norwegian government's able facilitation of the talks and the Thai
government for hosting them.