Norwegian delegation to meet LTTE leader -paper

[TamilNet, Friday, 21 April 2000, 19:02 GMT]
Following an invitation by the leadership of the Liberation Tigers, a Norwegian diplomatic team is to visit the Vanni region of northern Sri Lanka on a fact-finding mission in the near future, reported Tamil Guardian, a London based newspaper, this week.

The Liberation Tigers' political advisor, Mr. Anton Balasingham has told the paper that the LTTE leadership has extended the invitation and the Norwegian government has agreed to send a goodwill team to Vanni.

The visiting delegates will pay a courtesy call on Mr. Vellupillai Pirapaharan, the leader of the Liberation Tigers, Mr. Balasingham has told the paper.

According to the paper, Mr. Balasingham had met Mr. Thorbjorn Jagland, the new Norwegian Foreign Minister and his deputy Minister Mr. Raymond Johansen in Oslo earlier last month.

Mr. Balasingham also had lengthy discussions with Mr. Erik Solheim, the newly appointed special envoy to Sri Lanka and Jon Westborg, the Norwegian Ambassador in Colombo, the paper said.

According to the paper, Mr. Jagland has also sent a letter to Mr. Pirapaharan through Mr. Balasingham assuring him of the new Norwegian government's readiness to continue their efforts and assistance to the parties in the conflict.(Photo:Tamil Guardian)