Norwegian FM to visit Sri Lanka next week

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 05 May 2004, 09:02 GMT]
Norway’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Jan Petersen, will visit Sri Lanka on 10 and 11 May 2004 to explore ways of bringing the peace process forward, said the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press statement issued on Tuesday. Mr. Petersen will be accompanied by Deputy Minister Vidar Helgesen. The Norwegian Foreign Minister will have meetings with President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Mr. Velupillai Pirapaharan, leader of the LTTE, according to the press release.

Mr. Jan Petersen, Norwegian Foreign Minister. (Library photo)

"The Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE have in meetings with representatives of Norway expressed their desire to resume the peace talks. The parties have reiterated their commitment to the cease-fire agreement and their wish for Norway to continue with its role as the facilitator of the peace process", said the press release.