Norway seeks renewed commitment from Lankan parties

Colombo, Feb 21 (UNI) Norway today pointed out that neither the Sri Lankan government nor the Tamil Tiger rebels have abrogated the faltering ceasefire agreement, claiming that it is prepared to continue its role as facilitator provided both the parties required its assistance.

''The Norwegian Government has made it clear that it stands ready to continue to serve as a facilitator in the peace process, provided that both the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE request its continued assistance, and it feels that it can make a constructive contribution,'' Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar said.

According to a press release by the Norwegian embassy, Mr Bratskar made these remarks at a seminar organised by a non-governmental organisation in Colombo, ahead of the fifth anniversary of the ceasefire agreement which came into operation on February 23, 2002.

''Neither party has abrogated the CFA, and it is my strong hope that they soon will see the need to secure its full implementation,'' the Norwegian Ambassador said, expressing hopes that any efforts to bring about lasting peace in Sri Lanka must be supported by all ethnic communities.

''Norway has made repeated efforts to encourage multi-ethnic support, but cannot generate it alone. It is the people of Sri Lanka and their leaders, not Norway or any other party, who are ultimately responsible for deciding the future of this country and finding a peaceful, negotiated settlement to the present conflict,'' he said.

UNI