Norway, Nordic countries to respond on 29 June - Brattskar in Kilinochchi
[TamilNet, Wednesday, 21 June 2006, 07:00 GMT]
The Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar, on Wednesday, discussed with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Political Head S. P. Thamilchelvan on LTTE's response to Norway's request of clarifications, issued on 08 June, from the parties to the Ceasefire Agreement. Confirming that the parties to the CFA, the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the LTTE, have submitted their responses to the five questions posed by Norway, Mr. Hans Brattskar told media that Norway, as facilitator, has to take note of LTTE's point of view, although Norway regretted the LTTE's stand to the continued engagement of EU Member States from Nordic countries in the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM).
"It is very clear that the LTTE feels that it is not able to continue the cooperation with the countries that have listed [proscribed] the LTTE," the Norwegian Ambassador told media in Kilinochchi after his meeting with Mr. Thamilchelvan.
"We needed to clarify certain issues with the LTTE," Brattskar told media about his visit to Kilinochchi.

Hans Brattskar, Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka
"We, of course regret this. We feel that the SLMM, upto now, has been carrying out its duties in a responsible manner. We are greatful to all the people who have served in the SLMM for the last four and a half years."
"All the five Nordic countries have been working very well together," in the ceasefire monitoring engagement so far, Mr. Brattskar told media.
"Although we regret the LTTE's point of view, we have to take note of it," in the continued monitoring of the CFA, the Norwegian Ambassador told media.
He will be discussing the GoSL response with Colombo later on Wedesday when he returns to Colombo.
Brattskar further said that Norway and the Nordic countries would be discussing the GoSL and the LTTE responses, and convey an official answer on 29th of June.
"There is no immediate consequences. The LTTE has assured me that they will continue to provide full security to all members of the SLMM," Brattskar said.
The Norwegian Ambassador discussed with LTTE's Political Head Wednesday from 10:15 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. at the LTTE's Peace Secretariat in Kilinochchi.
The Ambassador also expressed concern on the high level of violence, noting the escalating attacks on civilians, the attack on civilan bus at Kebitigollawe, the attack on the Church in Pesalai and the aerial bombardment by the Sri Lanka Air Force, which he said was part of the high level of violence in the island.