Solheim extols Balasingham's integrity

[TamilNet, Thursday, 21 December 2006, 02:07 GMT]
"I met so many other people in the Peace Process in Sri Lanka, of all communities. But I have to say that Bala is one of the very very few people who never lied to me in this peace process," said Erik Solheim, the Norwegian International Development Minister, addressing the large crowd assembled in Alexandra Palace UK to pay respect to late Anton Balasingham, advisor and theoretician for the Liberation Tigers, Wednesday.

The Solheim "snub" to Colombo is likely to antagonize hard-line Sinhala politicians who advocate an all-out intensified war on Tamil dominated NorthEast.

[Courtesy TTN] Excerpts from Norwegian Development Minister Mr. Erik Solheim's address

"He is one of the very very few people with such an understanding of the world, knowing a lot about Sri Lanka and the Tamils struggle there, but also with a profound understanding of how the rest of the world is working, which is of great importance," Mr. Erik Solheim further said.

"For a long period of time, I came to London every week, speaking with Bala, having his point of view about how the peace process could be moved forward; having his analysis of the situation in Sri Lanka; also exchanging my view and also what we have heard from the Government of Sri Lanka about their positions."

Solheim further said that Balasingham had a humorous side to his personality. Whenever difficulties are discussed, Balasinghm has an uncanny jovial side to his personality when he would inject humor to diffuse the tension.

Erik Solheim also said, that the two parties, LTTE snd GoSL, should follow where they left in Oslo, agreeing to explore a Federal solution.