Editorial

Security

Politics

World

Letters

Sports

Obituaries

Archives

by Ranga Jayasuriya

Norwegian Labour Party Leader Jens Stoltenberg last week finalised his Cabinet, which included special peace envoy Erik Solheim who was the new International Development Minister, but diplomatic sources said Norwegian peace facilitators would have to wait till the outcome of Presidential Elections to resume peace facilitation.

Stoltenberg on Monday named the 19 member Cabinet of his Red-Green coalition which included ten Ministers from Labour, five members from Solheim's Socialist Left and Four from the Centre Party.

Earlier, Stoltenberg pledged to continue with his predecessor's facilitatory role in the Sri Lankan peace process, in response to a letter by the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge requesting the continuance of Norwegian role.

Immediately after the election win, Solheim was also quoted as saying the Norwegian role would remain unchanged.

Earlier, a Norwegian Embassy spokeswoman said Oslo would announce the peace facilitation team once the Cabinet is finalised.

Diplomatic sources however said Oslo would have to wait till the dust settle in the Presidential election to resume peace facilitation.

"Indeed, attention is on the Presidential election, not much on resuming peace talks. They will have to wait till the winner emerges from the election to see his policies," he said.

| News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security |
| Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries | Junior Observer |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager