Norwegian envoy leaves to meet LTTE leaders

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, APRIL 6. The Government and the LTTE seemed to be moving closer to peace talks as the Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Jon Westborg, began a visit to the northern mainland today for a meeting with rebel leaders.

Sources here said Mr. Westborg's trip was undertaken to finalise details for the peace talks from the LTTE side.

Norway is the official facilitator of the ongoing peace process in Sri Lanka at the invitation of the two warring sides.

It is not clear if the Norwegian envoy will meet the LTTE chief, Mr. V. Prabhakaran.

Mr. Westborg was present at the landmark meeting between Mr. Prabhakaran, and the Norwegian special envoy to Sri Lanka, Mr. Erik Solheim, last November.

The Foreign Minister said last week that the Government would by this month-end announce a date and venue for talks with the LTTE. Both sides have already taken steps to clear the way for the peace talks. The LTTE has maintained a unilateral ceasefire from last December and has also not carried out any terrorist attacks in southern Sri Lanka.

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Section  : International
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