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by Hana Ibrahim

Vidar Helgesen, State Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Norway, who is expected to be involved in finalising arrangement for Government-LTTE talks in Thailand, may also review Norway's role in the discussions and consider whether the facilitator role should be upgraded to something more substantial.

Last week he told a group of visiting journalists in Oslo that Norway has been discussing its role at the Thailand peace talks with both the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE and that nothing could be finalised without a further meeting with LTTE theoretician Anton Balasingham.

Although what specific role Norway will play at the talks is yet to be decided, Helgesen reiterated that Norway had no ambition other than being a 'facilitator.' "I don't think it will be anything different," he said, but hinted that it may consider the role of 'broker' or even 'guarantor' should either the Sri Lankan government or the LTTE request Norway to play a greater role in the peace negotiations.

The sentiment was echoed by Jan Peterson Minister of Foreign Affairs and Erik Solheim, Special Advisor for Sri Lanka, Ministry of Foreign Affairs both of who indicated that Norway may consider a more involved and greater role should it be asked to do so, though it had no intention of upgrading its role from that of facilitator on its own. Minister Peterson said it was up to the two parties to define Norway's role, but on the issue of 'brokers' said, "We'll cross that bridge when we get to that". He also said that their role as 'guarantor' at the peace table also needed to be sorted out, but stressed, "What's important now is to get the two parties and move on from there."

Helgesen described the peace process as progressing well and said that despite increased rhetoric and tension, the ceasefire agreement was in place. He also predicted that the issues that have surfaced will not undermine the process.

Solheim said it was important to focus on the achievements of the ceasefire and use it as a basis for talks, rather than focus on the problems. Pointing out that everything takes more time than expected, he said no one knows when exactly the talks will take place.

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