|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 20 June 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Security |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Positive signs on peace front by S. Selvakumar With many an activity in London in the past week hopes about the resumption of peace talks were rekindled. Reports from London said Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen met with President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. The President is currently on an unofficial visit to London. While this meeting took place in London, Norwegian special envoy Erik Solheim simultaneously had a two-hour discussion with LTTE theoretician Anton Balasingham at the latter's London residence. Despite LTTE political wing leader S. P. Thamilselvan's claim in Kilinochchi after a meeting with Norwegian Ambassador Hans Bratskaar that the talks are crippled, the Ambassador after talking to Thamilselvan met Peace Secretariat head Jayantha Dhanapala in Colombo, all indicative of an early resumption of talks. Meanwhile, LTTE spokesman Daya Master told the Sunday Observer the LTTE hierarchy is privy to the London activities and expect Anton Balasingham to report back to Wanni on the discussions. "Other than these activities the LTTE feels that the process is at a stalemate", Daya Master further said. Meanwhile, Vidar Helgessen flew to New Delhi from London after the meeting with the President while Norwegian Ambassador Bratskaar, too, joined him in New Delhi. Speculation was rife in political circles that India would be briefed on the next move and Balasingham will convey Norway's and the President's thinking of the present developments and soon, a date would be fixed for talks. In Jaffna on Thursday over 50,000 people participated in a massive rally urging the government to establish the interim self governing authority in the North and East. Cabinet spokesman and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera on Thursday at the cabinet press briefing reiterated government's commitment to peace. According to knowledgeable sources the Norwegian facilitators are expected in Colombo after the President returns to the country and would engage in further talks with the LTTE before fixing a date for talks. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
