Norwegian Special Envoy Hansson Bauer called on Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, the leader of Sri Lankan delegation for peace talks this morning in Colombo. Minister De Silva told the Government Official Website that he has conveyed the government's position to the facilitator.
Mr Bauer is scheduled to go to Kilinochchi tomorrow to discuss the issues pertaining to resumption of peace negotiations with the LTTE leaders. Mr De Silva expressed hope that the Norwegian facilitator would be able to convince the LTTE the need for early resumption of talks.
The minister said that Bauer told him that he would discuss with the LTTE on government's view on re-entering the negotiations and the results of that discussion would be briefed to the government side immediately.
Earlier, Defence Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said that the Government was very much aware of the LTTE's insincerity and therefore needed to be sure of their commitment before the next round of talks began.
The Government has pointed out that it needed a clear assurance from the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran that the LTTE will not use the period of the talks as a cover to strengthen itself.
Among the specific issues they have raised are, a time frame from the LTTE to resume and conclude peace talks and a concrete assurance to the international community and Donor Co-chairs that it will not use sea routes to smuggle in any military hardware.
Mr Rambukwella added that the LTTE must assure that it will not resort to any violence, re-target military heads, etc during the time of peace talks compelling the government to retaliate.
The Norwegian envoy who arrived in the country yesterday for a week-long visit met Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva at 8.30 am today and the talks lasted more than half an hour.
In this latest bid of his shuttle service, aimed at kick starting the direct negotiations stalled since last February's Geneva talks, he is scheduled to meet several Government representatives and the LTTE leaders.