Opposition to peace gaining momentum in South, Peterson told

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 20 October 2004, 13:48 GMT]
Head of LTTE Political Wing, S.P.Thamilchelvan told Norwegian Foreign Minister, Mr. Jan Peterson, that Tamil people are losing hope in the peace process and that LTTE views with increasing concern that anti-peace elements are gaining momentum in the South, sources from Oslo said.

LTTE team headed by Thamilchelvan met with Jan Petersen at 10 a.m at the Norwegian Foreign Ministry and later had discussions with the Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Vidar Helgesen and Special Envoy Mr. Eric Solheim, sources from Oslo said.

Thamilchelvan briefed the Norwegian and International media at a press conference held at SAS Radisson Hotel in Oslo 3.00 p.m where he clarified LTTE's stand with regards to the peace process.

Mr. Thamilchelvan said that he had expressed serious concern to Jan Peterson that Tamil people are loosing hope in the peace process. Mr. Thamilchelvan also expressed serious concerns over the emergence of anti-peace elements in the South.

Thamilchelvan told the press that Mr. Jan Petersen expressed his concern that delay in restarting the peace process is having negative impact in disbursement of funds promised by the donor community.

Thamilchelvan added that the International Community should exert pressure on the Sri Lankan government to enter negotiations with the LTTE in a positive and constructive manner.

Thamilchelvan also said that Mr. Jan Petersen was appreciative of the support expressed by the opposition parties in Sri Lanka parliament to the peace process.