Norwegian Delegation Arrives in Sri Lanka to Broker Truce

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, February 08, 2002

Norwegian Delegation Arrives in Sri Lanka to Broker Truce

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A three-member Norwegian delegation arrived here on Thursday to brief Sri Lankan leaders on the latest development in its efforts to finalize a permanent ceasefire agreement with separatist Tamil Tiger rebels, officials said.

Constitutional Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris told reporters here that the Norwegian delegation has brought with them a draft agreement on the cessation of hostilities between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

He said that the two sides are expected to sign an agreement on permanent truce before the unilateral ceasefires expire on February 24.

The agreement contains provisions for monitors from Scandinavian countries as well as local observers to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire, officials said.

Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen, who held talks with chief negotiator and political advisor of LTTE Anton Balasingham in London on Tuesday, will brief President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe over the latest developments.

Both the government and LTTE rebels are observing their unilateral ceasefire which started on Christmas eve last year.

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