Norway Expresses concern on situation in Sri Lanka

Jaipur, Nov 3 (UNI) Norway today said it was 'very concerned' about the prevailing 'difficult situation' in Sri Lanka and continued to search for a peaceful stttlement to the ethnic conflict.

The concern was expressed by Torbjorn Urfjell, political advisor to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry who is accompanying the Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon.

Norway is mediating between srilankan Government and LTTE to find a permanent solution to the decades old ethnic strife in the island country.

Talking to UNI, Mr Urfjell said peace talks could be possible only if both the parties stuck to the ceasefire agreement, adding that today there were reports of an attack in Killinochi, the headquarters of the LETTE today.

''Norway continues to be patient in its role as a mediator for its search for an amicable solution to the ethnic conflict,'' he said, noting that some talks were held in Geneva last week but talks could progress only if both the parties remained firm to their cease- fire decisions. The escalation of violence will delay the peace initiative, he added.

UNI PJJ VD KP1938