|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 2 November 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Politics |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Talks to discuss both sets of proposals - Govt. by Ananth Palakidnar Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen is due in Colombo next week as the Government moves quickly to exploit the opportunity opened up to revive the peace talks following the LTTE's presentation of its proposals for an interim administration. In presenting the Government's first response to the LTTE proposals yesterday, Constitutional Affairs Minister and Chief Government Negotiator Professor G. L. Peiris disclosed that Norway, in its role as facilitator, was being requested to arrange an "initial meeting" between the two side either later this month or in early December. This meeting will address "a range of preliminary matters in order to pave the way for the resumption of substantive talks very early in the new year", Minister Peiris said in his statement released on behalf of the Government. "The Government's approach to these talks is one of principled negotiations directed towards the establishment of common grounds in respect of significantly divergent positions," the statement also said. "This document outlines the LTTE's vision regarding the framework for a political solution to the conflict. It differs in fundamental respects from the proposals submitted by the Government of Sri Lanka. Both documents contain proposals in respect of which no agreement has been reached so far. While the disparities between the positions of the parties are evident, the Government is convinced that the way forward lies through direct discussion of the issues arising from both sets of proposals." Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattsar told the Sunday Observer that a copy of the LTTE proposals has already been sent to Oslo to be studied by the Norwegian government. He disclosed that Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen would be visiting Colombo next week in a bid to quickly set in motion moves toward the resumption of peace talks. Mr. Helgessen, in his role as facilitator, is expected to meet with the Government and also travel to Kilinochchi to meet LTTE representatives to discuss arrangements for a preliminary meeting between the two sides shortly. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
