28 November 2006
Bandula Jayesekara
Editor
Daily News
OPEN LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Reference is made to the article in the 27 November edition of the Sri Lanka Daily News entitled "Norway gave money to the LTTE: Karuna". The article reproduces an alleged interview with Karuna conducted by the editor of the Daily News. The information on which the questions and answers in the interview are based unfortunately contains many incorrect and false claims about Norway and International Development Minister Erik Solheim. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to take this opportunity to dispel some of these misconceptions and lies.
First of all it is claimed that "LTTE helped Mr Solheim to buy his house in Oslo". This is a very serious allegation and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is surprised to see that a respected and responsible newspaper like the Daily News is spreading obvious lies about Mr Solheim.
It is also claimed in the article that Mr Solheim gave 16 million Norwegian kroner to Mr Balasingham. This has no basis in reality and is false information.
Further it is stated that "Erik Solheim gifted a 6 ft TV screen to Prabhakaran to watch films". The Ministry would again like underline that it is surprised to see that such blatant lies are being printed by the Daily News. Mr Solheim has certainly not bought a television for Mr Prabhakaran.
More false claims are put forward by the Daily News when it states that "Solheim advised Prabhakaran on how to govern in the future". This is an absurd allegation and has no basis in reality.
It is unfortunate that the Daily News is printing obvious lies and illfounded allegations about Norway and Mr Solheim.
Other errors and misconceptions reproduced in the interview have been commented on previously. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will refrain from further comments on these now.
Norway remains committed to assisting the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as an impartial facilitator of the peace process for as long as the parties request our support.
Yours sincerely,
Odd Naustdal
Acting Head of Information
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Washington, 21 November 2006
Joint Statement by Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donors Conference Regarding Violence in Sri Lanka
The Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donors Conference - Norway, the United States, the European Union, and Japan - met in Washington, D.C. on November 21.
The Co-Chairs view with alarm the rising level of violence in Sri Lanka that has led to significant loss of life and widespread human rights violations. The Co-Chairs condemn the continued and systematic ceasefire violations by Government of Sri Lanka and LTTE. We call on both sides to seize the historic opportunity created by the 2002 Cease-Fire Agreement to resolve the country's conflict peacefully. Only by committing to sustained and substantive negotiations can the downward spiral of hostilities and human rights violations be reversed.
The Co-Chairs particularly condemn the LTTE for initiating hostilities from heavily populated areas and the Government of Sri Lanka for firing into such vulnerable areas and killing and wounding innocent civilians. The Co-Chairs call on both sides to respect international humanitarian law and set aside demilitarized zones to protect internally displaced persons.
The Co-Chairs recall the responsibility of both parties to guarantee the security of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission to fully exercise its mandate. The Co-Chairs were disturbed by the incident on November 8 when the Head of Mission of the SLMM came under fire. The Co-Chairs remind the parties of their responsibility to respect all rulings by the SLMM and to implement the Cease-fire Agreement fully, including re-opening the A-9 highway.
The Co-Chairs recognize that talks took place on October 28-29 in Geneva. However, we urge the Parties to the conflict to commit to a structured and sustained process of further negotiations without preconditions once a proposal is available, as indicated by the Government and welcomed by the LTTE delegation in Geneva.
The agreement between the Sri Lankan Freedom Party and the opposition United National Party should lead to a credible power-sharing proposal that can help form the basis for a viable negotiated settlement between the Parties. At the same time, the specific arrangements for the north and east should not be disturbed as they are fundamental to continuing the dialogue to achieve an agreement. The legitimate interests and aspirations of all communities, including the Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala communities must be accommodated as part of a political settlement.
The Co-Chairs welcome the Government of Sri Lanka's progress in establishing a Commission of Inquiry for Human Rights with international observers. They condemn the growing violations of human rights by all sides and the fear that pervades civil society, politics and the media. The Commission of Inquiry and the Government should work promptly to bring the perpetrators to justice and to address the climate of impunity.
Citizens are caught in this conflict and agencies are unable to reach them. We recognize the efforts by government to provide essential supplies themselves and welcome the establishment of the consultative committee on humanitarian assistance that is addressing several humanitarian access issues for international agencies.
The Co-Chairs urge both parties to depoliticize the issue of humanitarian access and for the immediate, permanent and unconditional opening of the sea and road routes for humanitarian convoys of essential supplies. As a first step towards this, the Co-Chairs welcome the readiness of the Government to send one convoy via the A-9 highway to Jaffna and to allow International Non-Governmental Organizations with a proven track record immediate access to uncleared areas to restart their relief work. The Co-Chairs call on the LTTE to cooperate with such initiatives.
The Co-Chairs, together with other members of the international community, express their strong support for Norway's ongoing efforts to facilitate the peace process and the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission's role in monitoring the Cease-Fire Agreement.
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Oslo, 8 November 2006
Norway very troubled by the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka
Minister of International Development Erik Solheim is very troubled by the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka. In recent days there have been intensive military operations, some involving repeated aerial bombardment, which have particularly affected innocent civilians.
“I am very troubled by the Government’s onslaught today in Vakarai, in the eastern part of Sri Lanka. Yet again it is civilians who are being killed and made to suffer due to military operations. I am extremely disappointed that the parties are not honouring the promises they made in Geneva a week and a half ago to refrain from launching any military offensives and to abide by the Ceasefire Agreement,” said Minister of International Development Erik Solheim.
“It is very worrying that the civilian Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, headed by Lars Sølvberg, came close to being hit by grenades fired by the Sri Lankan army near Pooneryn, in northern Sri Lanka. We have asked the Sri Lankan Government for an immediate explanation,” said Mr Solheim.
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Colombo, 3 November 2006
Co-Chairs express deep regret over Kilinochchi bombing
The Tokyo Co-Chair (EU, Japan, Norway and the US) ambassadors in Sri Lanka express their deep regret over the bombing of a house in Kilinochchi on 2 November 2006 that resulted in the death of five civilians. The explosion also damaged the Kilinochchi District Hospital and caused patients to flee.
The Co-Chairs expect both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to refrain from military action.
This latest attack comes at a delicate time when both sides should seek to build confidence and compromise to ensure further rounds of talks can soon be agreed, and an escalation of the conflict can be avoided.
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10 October 2006
Norway to facilitate talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE in Switzerland from 28 to 29 October 2006
The Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), have agreed to meet in Switzerland from 28 to 29 October, and have asked Norway to make the necessary arrangements.
“I am very grateful for the Swiss Government’s strong support for the peace process in Sri Lanka and its willingness once again to arrange a meeting between the parties,” says Minister of International Development Erik Solheim.
“The expressed willingness of the parties to meet for direct talks is most welcome. They are taking a small but important step towards continuing the peace process although the situation on the ground remains difficult. It is crucial that the Government and the LTTE now use this opportunity to cease hostilities as called for by the Tokyo Co-Chairs (EU, Japan, USA and Norway) to ensure that a meeting actually takes place,” adds Minister Solheim.
Press contact: Head of Information Roy Freddy Andersen, mobile: +47 90610530.
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Colombo, 21 September 2006
Norway supports the Peace Secretariat for Muslims
The Norwegian Government has granted approximately 27 million rupees to fund the Peace Secretariat for Muslims in Sri Lanka for the next year.
The Norwegian Government appreciates the Peace Secretariat’s committment to facilitate dialogue and build consensus among Muslim political parties and interest groups, in order to develop a co-ordinated positition for Muslims as input to the peace efforts in Sri Lanka.
- We consider the Peace Secretariat for Muslims a positive and constructive initiative for creating a common Muslim platform for promoting Muslim interest in the peace process in Sri Lanka, and we are happy to support their important work, Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Hans Brattskar, said.
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Colombo, 20 September 2006
Handing over of St. Mary College – Hambantota
“Under the programme 30 schools will be rehabilitated, which will benefit approximately 13,500 students” says Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mr. Hans Brattskar.
Mr. Brattskar is referring to a tsunami damaged school rehabilitation program that the Norwegian Refugee Council currently is implementing in six districts; Matara, Hambantota, Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Mullaitivu. The programme is implemented with financial assistance from the Norwegian Government.
The programme includes immediate repairs to damaged buildings and other school infrastructure, reconstruction of damaged and new buildings, and various assistance to students and teachers to overcome psychological trauma caused by the tsunami. The entire programme is implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Education in collaboration with school development societies.
The total estimated cost of the programme amounts to approx. Rs. 480 million.
St. Mary College will be the second school rehabilitated in Hambantota district, and will be handed over to the government on 21 September 2006. Under the rehabilitation of the St. Mary College all infrastructure damaged by the tsunami has been rehabilitated. Moreover, a new single story building of 230 square metres has been constructed, new water supply provided, and the repair of class rooms and provision of furniture is completed.
The handing over ceremony will be attended by District Secretary, Matara, and officials from the Ministry of Education.
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Brussels, 12 September 2006
Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference on Sri Lanka
1. The Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference, Norway, the European Union, the USA and Japan met in Brussels on September 12.
2. The Co-Chairs welcome the expression of willingness of the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to come to talks unconditionally as conveyed to the Facilitator. The Parties should cease all violence immediately. The Parties should use this opportunity to show maximum flexibility regarding the arrangements to be proposed by the Facilitator. The meeting should take place urgently in Oslo at the beginning of October, to be agreed to by the Parties. The Co-Chairs will meet at the end of October to review progress of the talks.
3. Until now, the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE have engaged in military ground operations and neither has responded adequately to our call in Tokyo and taken the necessary steps to reverse the deteriorating situation as we recommended.
4. The Co-Chairs are deeply alarmed by the recent deliberate violations of the Ceasefire Agreement by the Parties. These have escalated violence and resulted in massive and widespread human suffering, including the abuse of human rights, the displacement of innocent citizens, a humanitarian crisis and an exodus of refugees to India.
5. The political challenges of the north and east cannot be resolved through war. The Co-Chairs urge the Parties to resume negotiation and show real political commitment to achieve a political solution based on the previous six rounds of negotiation. There should be no change to the specific arrangements for the north and east which could endanger the achievement of peace. The legitimate interests and aspirations of all communities, including the Tamil, Muslims and Sinhala communities must be accommodated as part of a political settlement.
6. The LTTE must abide by all agreements and renounce terrorism and violence. The LTTE must show that it is willing to make the compromises needed for a political solution within a united Sri Lanka. The Government must ensure its military abides by the Ceasefire Agreement and implements the pledges from the Geneva meeting in February 2006.
7. Both parties must stop further violations of fundamental principles of Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. The Co-Chairs condemn the numerous violations, such as the disappearance and feared killings of large number of Muslims in Mutur, the murder of 17 aid workers from the French NGO Action Contre la Faim, the claymore attack on a civilian bus in June and the bombing of the school in Mullaitivu in August. The Co-Chairs are particularly concerned that even major cases of human rights’ abuses are not successfully investigated or prosecuted. As in any modern state, the culture of impunity must stop. The Co-Chairs welcome the call of the President for international assistance on the human rights issue, and offer to send a mission of high-level experts to review the current situation and suggest further actions before the end of October.
8. The Co-Chairs expect guarantees for the safety of NGO workers and for ensuring access for NGOs and international organizations to help citizens and communities in need of essential humanitarian assistance and valuable reconstruction and development work. Failure to ensure safe working conditions of NGOs could result in the withdrawal of some international NGOs and their funding from Sri Lanka, which would be extremely detrimental to the situation of all Sri Lankan citizens in the concerned areas.
9. The Parties must guarantee safety of media representatives, civil society activists and religious leaders and ensure true freedom of speech and expression can be exercised without fear. Intimidation, attacks and killings of such persons from any quarter are reprehensible.
10. Co-chairs encourage moderate forces on all sides to engage constructively in the peace process. In this regard, the Co-Chairs welcome the President’s offer to other political parties to work together with a view to move towards a common national agenda and a lasting peaceful constitutional settlement of the conflict. Co-Chairs further encourage the civil society to continue to play a major role in promoting and supporting a peaceful solution to the conflict.
11. Failure to cease hostilities, pursue a political solution, respect Human Rights and protect Humanitarian Space could lead the international community to diminish its support.
12. Co-Chairs and other members of the international community continue their support for the tireless efforts of Norway to facilitate the peace process and the SLMM to monitor the Ceasefire Agreement.
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Colombo, 12 September 2006
Ibsen’s A Doll’s House in Anuradhapura
Famous Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s most acclaimed play A Doll’s House will be staged at Swarnapali Balika M.V. in Anuradhapura on 14 September.
The year 2006 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Henrik Ibsen. The Norwegian Government has decided that this will be commemorated all over the world. The A Doll’s House production in Anuradhapura is funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Colombo.
The performance is directed by Prabhath Warusamanna and Damayanthi Fonseka and presented by Foundation for Theatre at Roots. Damayanthi Fonseka and Kamal Addharachchi will play the main characters of Nora and Helmer. The translation is made by Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardhana.
A Doll’s House is probably Ibsen’s greatest international success. The play has always been met with controversy and has led to much public and private debate. It was first staged in Copenhagen in Denmark in 1879, and remains very relevant to the modern world.
After the staging in Anuradhapura, the A Doll’s House production will go on tour to Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Puttalam, Matara and Hambantota.
Recently another of Ibsen’s plays, Hedda Gabler, was presented by Platform for Alternate Culture and staged in Colombo. This production too was funded by the Norwegian Embassy. It drew a full house at Elphinstone Theatre.
- It has given me great pleasure to see how much interest Ibsen evokes in Sri Lanka, and I am very pleased that the people of Sri Lanka now is given an opportunity to get to know Ibsen and his works better and thereby to enhance their understanding of Norwegian culture, said Norway’s ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Hans Brattskar.
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Colombo, 11 September 2006
Open (identical) letters to the Chief Editors of Sunday Island and The Island dated 11 September 2006
Dear Sir,
The attention of the Embassy has been drawn to the articles in Sunday Island 3 September with the heading “Lanka sees Oslo hand in critical EU resolution”, and in The Island Friday 8 September headed “Oslo-backed LTTE move flops in EU parliament”.
The articles claim that Norway was behind, initiated or supported an effort to pass a resolution in the EU parliament on Thursday 7 September critical of Sri Lanka. Allegedly, the planned resolution criticised the recent court decision to freeze accounts of the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO) and the European Union’s (EU) decision to proscribe the LTTE.
The above mentioned allegations are in their entirety false and as such grossly misleading. Unfortunately, the only source quoted as basis for the articles in question, is “a senior official/an authoritative official”. This lack of an identified source prevents us from assessing the motives behind the allegations, or comment on their genesis.
We would nevertheless like to highlight the following:
- Norway is not an EU-member and is therefore not represented in the EU Parliament. Thus, Norway has not proposed, nor in any other way had a hand in preparing, a resolution critical of Sri Lanka in the EU Parliament.
One might have hoped that your newspaper would at least have had the decency to contact our embassy and gotten a comment from us. Hopefully, this would have clarified any misunderstanding. Sadly this did not happen.
I hope that your anonymous “senior official/authoritative official”, now will come forward and explain his “facts”. I would be happy to receive him in my office for a discussion. If this does not occur, it would be obvious for all your readers that your article was baseless.
As others, we stand ready to face criticism where it is trustworthy and based on facts. I regret to say that the above mentioned articles in the Sunday Island and The Island respectively, can not be categorized as such. On this basis, I respectfully ask you to print this letter in your paper as a correction.
Yours sincerely,
Hans Brattskar
Ambassador
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Colombo, 6 September 2006
Norway provides financial support to produce fish silage in the Beruwala harbour
The Government of Norway has financed a pilot project to produce fish silage from fish waste in the Beruwala Harbour. The facility will be officially opened on September 8th by the Hon. Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Mr. Felix Perera.
In a response to a request made by the Industrial Technology Institute in Sri Lanka, the Norwegian Government granted Rs. 50 million to conduct research and develop products from fish waste. From this grant, technical assistance was provided by the Norwegian Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture Research.
A production facility for fish silage has been established at the Beruwala Fisheries Harbour under this project, and approximately 500-700 Kg of fish waste will be processed each day. The silage can be utilised as the major ingredient in poultry feed, providing a nutritious and hormone-free alternative to costly imported feeds.
The Ceylon Fisheries Harbour Corporation is expected to distribute the product among the private sector feed manufacturers. The production of silage will also provide a solution for waste disposal, which is a severe environmental problem.
The Norwegian development co-operation with Sri Lanka has been linked to a broad spectrum of economic development and income generating activities for over 20 years.
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Oslo, 21 August 2006
Acting Head of Mission for SLMM appointed
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to inform that Major General Lars Johan Sølvberg has been appointed as Acting Head of Mission for Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM).
Following consultations with the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Norway has decided to appoint Major General Lars Johan Sølvberg as Acting Head of the Nordic monitoring mission SLMM.
“Major General Sølvberg’s wide experience and impressive military background will be important assets in his new position as Acting Head of Mission. In spite of the reduction in the number of SLMM personnel, both parties to the conflict have expressed their strong wish for continued SLMM presence. The appointment of Major General Sølvberg is of great importance in the difficult situation we are currently facing,” said Minister of International Development Erik Solheim.
Major General Sølvberg will take up his position as Acting Head of Mission on 1 September 2006.
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21 August 2006
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission to regroup in Colombo temporarily
The Swedish, Finnish and Danish members of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) are due to leave by the end of August, as the LTTE will not accept EU nationals as monitors after 1 September. The gradual withdrawal of these 39 monitors (out of a total contingent of 57) has begun. Norwegian and Icelandic monitors will remain in Sri Lanka, and their number will gradually be increased to 30 when the ground situation permits and demands such an increase. It is envisaged that additional monitors from other countries will be invited later.
At the moment, intensive military operations and fighting are taking place in several locations in the North and East. The parties are restricting the SLMM’s access to combat areas.
As a result, the Head of Mission, Major General Ulf Henricsson, has decided to regroup the international monitors in Colombo temporarily. This will allow the SLMM to focus its full attention on ensuring that the scaled-down mission is safely and securely re-organised under new Norwegian and Icelandic leadership. Norwegian and Icelandic monitors will be redeployed to the district offices as soon as the personnel is ready and the situation in each district permits the resumption of secure field monitoring.
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15 August 2006
Norway provides relief to IDPs in the East
The Norwegian Government has provided 150 million Rupees to the immediate humanitarian relief operations for the people affected by the recent violence in Trincomalee District. The funds will be used to provide food, water and other essential items for IDPs in welfare centres and camps. Special attention will be given to the needs of women and children.
Parts of the allocated funds will go through three local NGOs working in the Trincomalee District. The local organisations that have been granted funds are the Rural Development Foundation (19.5 million Rupees), Community Trust Fund (27.3 million Rupees) and Sinhala Tamil Rural Women’s Network (17.6 million Rupees).
- I would like to express my sympathy for the innocent civilians who are victims of the violence. I hope these funds can help ease the most immediate suffering, Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr Hans Brattskar, said.
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12 August 2006
Sri Lanka Co-Chairs Call For Immediate Cessation of Hostilities
The Co-Chairs -- the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Norway -- are deeply concerned by the continued violence which is seriously unraveling the ceasefire agreement and peace process in Sri Lanka.
The Co-Chairs call on the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to cease hostilities immediately and return to the negotiation table. Both parties should make the utmost effort to prevent a further escalation of violence and loss of life. Violence is not the way to resolve the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. The suffering inflicted on innocent civilians is intolerable. The Co-Chairs remain fully committed to supporting the peace process and the valuable work of the Norwegian facilitator. The personnel of the Sri Lankan Monitoring Mission in particular must be supported and their security guaranteed.
The Co-Chairs are seriously concerned about the growing humanitarian crisis. Several tens of thousands of people have already been forced to leave their homes in the Trincomalee district, adding to the already high number of internally displaced people in Sri Lanka. Both parties should take immediate action to allow relief agencies to assist victims from all three ethnic groups and to grant access to disputed areas. This is a matter of priority to avoid a humanitarian disaster.
We call for independent, international investigations of allegations of serious human rights abuses, including the murder of 17 Sri Lankans working for a French NGO and the alleged killing of 100 Muslims.
The Co-Chairs plan to meet soon to fully assess the situation and discuss appropriate actions.
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9 August 2006
Norwegian support to Southern Sri Lanka
Norwegian Special Envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer and H.E. Ambassador Hans Brattskar participated today in the opening ceremonies of Buddhist Temples and in the establishment of a Credit Guarantee Fund for the southern region in Galle.
Special Envoy Hanssen-Bauer and Ambassador Brattskar attended the opening ceremony of two Buddhist Temples damaged by the tsunami in Galle on 9 August. On the same day they attended the signing ceremony to establish a Credit Guarantee Fund for the southern region and also visited new roads constructed with funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The tsunami took a terrible toll on Sri Lanka and the lives of its people. Religious institutions in Sri Lanka played an important role in providing shelter and support from the very first moments after the tsunami. They have served as pillars in the reconstruction of the country, and they have offered solace and comfort to those in grief. As part of Norway’s continued support to the people who suffered grave losses during the tsunami, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided approximately Rs 200 million in support for the reconstruction of 32 Buddhist Temples in southern Sri Lanka and 35 religious buildings in the east, including Buddhist Temples, Hindu Kovils, Mosques and Churches.
Two Temples were officially reopened on 9 August. The first ceremony took place at 9 am at Padumagabharamaya, Paraliya, Hikkaduwa, Galle. The second ceremony was scheduled for 11 am at Rathanodaramaya, Rathgama, Hikkaduwa, Galle.
The Norwegian Government has furthermore agreed to provide Rs. 250 million to establish a credit guarantee fund for the southern region. The members of the five Chambers of Commerce in the southern region (Matara, Galle, Hambantota, Moneragala and Rathnapura) will benefit from the fund, which will provide credit guarantee from commercial banks without heavy collateral to start new businesses and to expand existing SMEs. The signing of the agreement with the five Chambers took place at Chamber of Commerce in Galle at 2:30 pm on 9 August.
During the period 2003 to 2006 the Government of Norway provided Rs. 100 million for the development of road networks in the Southern Region. The funds have been used for the improvement of selected ‘E’ grade road networks in Galle, Matara, Hambantota and Rathnapura. The main components of the project were the upgrade and improvement of rural roads, the construction of small bridges and the establishment of maintenance funds. Special Envoy Hanssen-Bauer and Ambassador Brattskar visited the newly constructed roads near Galle after the abovementioned signing ceremony at the Chamber of Commerce.
Norway has committed over Rs. 6 billion to the post-tsunami relief and rehabilitation efforts in Sri Lanka. These funds come in addition to substantial funds collected privately by Norwegian humanitarian organisations working in Sri Lanka.
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3 August 2006
Norway provides humanitarian relief to Sri Lanka
Norway is providing humanitarian relief worth Sri Lankan Rupees 150 million (USD 1.5 million) to Sri Lanka.
During the past few days, there has been intense ground fighting in eastern Sri Lanka. The hostilities follow a year in which the country has suffered severely from political violence. The fighting affects a large number of innocent civilians belonging to different ethnic groups, and there is great need for emergency relief. Particularly the Muslims have been severely affected.
“I would like to express my deep sorrow for the innocent victims of this crisis and my sympathy for their families. We hope these funds will help to relieve the most immediate suffering,” said Minster of International Development Erik Solheim.
The emergency relief will be channelled through the Red Cross and NGOs.
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2 August 2006
Norway urges immediate cessation of hostilities in Sri Lanka
During the past few days, the parties to the Sri Lanka Ceasefire Agreement, the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), have engaged in intensive military operations following the LTTE’s closure of the water supply from the LTTE-controlled area to the government-controlled area. The situation is deadlocked and could easily lead to an escalation of the armed conflict. The hostilities violate the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement.
“Norway urges the immediate cessation of hostilities on both sides in order to pave the way for negotiations aimed at resolving the water dispute. The LTTE must reopen the water supply to prevent further civilian suffering and damage to crops, and both parties’ military forces must withdraw to the positions they held when they entered into the Ceasefire Agreement in 2002,” said Minister of International Development Erik Solheim.
The escalation of the conflict coincides with the deterioration of the situation of the civilian Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM). The LTTE has refused to cooperate with Danish, Finish and Swedish monitors since the EU included the LTTE in its list of terror groups earlier this year. On 3 August Special Envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer will make a long-planned visit to Sri Lanka for talks with the parties.
“I am sending Hanssen-Bauer to Sri Lanka to discuss the future of the SLMM with both parties. The SLMM monitors from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway have done and are doing a great job in these difficult times. Their efforts have undoubtedly been decisive in getting the parties to respect the Ceasefire Agreement,” said Mr Solheim.
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Oslo 22 June 2006
Replacement of SLMM monitors from EU countries
Due to grave concern about the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka, on 8 June the Norwegian Government deemed it necessary to take the unprecedented step of requesting the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to respond to the following five questions:
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Will the parties stand committed to the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) of 22 February 2002?
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Do the parties want the continued existence and operation of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission as a mission coordinated, facilitated and led by the Royal Norwegian Government with diplomatic immunity to ensure its impartial operation?
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Are the parties able to provide full security guarantees for all monitors, employees and physical assets of the SLMM in all situations, in accordance with CFA Article 3.9?
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Will the parties accept amendments to CFA Article 3.5 in order to enable the continued functioning of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission at its current operational levels and with the necessary security guarantees?
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In the event that amendments to Article 3.5 are made, will the parties provide full security guarantees for current SLMM personnel and assets during a six-month transition phase until an amended solution has been identified, decided and fully implemented?
The Norwegian Government has received answers to the questions from the two parties. The Government of Sri Lanka has responded affirmatively to all five questions.
The LTTE has responded positively to questions 1, 3 and 4. As regards question 2 and 5, the LTTE has repeated its demand that SLMM monitors from EU countries (Denmark, Finland, and Sweden) be replaced. According to the LTTE, the “European Union ban on the LTTE has seriously disturbed” the neutrality of these countries, and they will therefore have to be replaced.
In the letter to the parties, Norway asked for a six-month transition phase until an amended solution has been implemented. The LTTE has stated that it wants a shorter transition phase.
- The LTTE’s demand that SLMM monitors from EU countries be replaced is deeply regrettable and will weaken the SLMM in a critical period, says Norwegian Minister of International Development Erik Solheim.
The Norwegian Government has invited the other Nordic countries to a meeting in Oslo on 29 June to discuss the safety and future role and function of the SLMM.
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15 June 2006 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oslo.
Norway condemns the gruesome attack on civilians in Sri Lanka today
Norway condemns in the strongest terms the most recent incidents of violence in Sri Lanka. Altogether 519 people have been killed since December 2005. These include Muslims, Singhalese and Tamils. The continual attacks on civilians are exacerbating the already critical situation in Sri Lanka.
Today’s attack brings the violence in Sri Lanka to a new level. A busload of civilians was the target of a mine attack that was ruthlessly planned and carried out. So far, 63 people are reported to have been killed and 45 injured. This is the bloodiest attack on civilians since the parties to the peace process in Sri Lanka signed the ceasefire agreement in 2002.
“This is a gruesome attack on innocent civilians, including children. We send our deepest condolences to their families and to the wounded,” says Minister for International Development Mr Erik Solheim.
“We are witnessing a spiral of worsening violence, which is bringing Sri Lanka towards full civil war. Norway requests an immediate halt of all violence in Sri Lanka,” says Minister Solheim.
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8 June 2006 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oslo
Norway profoundly concerned with grave situation in Sri Lanka
The grave situation in Sri Lanka, with escalating violence in breach of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA), is intolerable for the civilian population and a cause of great concern to the international community. As expressed in no uncertain terms by the Tokyo Co-Chairs in their statement of 30 May, the full responsibility for halting violence and giving the peace process a new start, rests with the parties.
The Royal Norwegian Government regrets that it was not possible to hold the foreseen and much needed meeting between the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to assess the difficult situation in Sri Lanka and to address the safety and security of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM).
After having accepted the Norwegian invitation, and after having arrived in Norway, the LTTE raised objections to the previously communicated intentions and modalities for the meeting. This was the reason for the meeting not being held.
By this a critical opportunity has been lost for the peoples of Sri Lanka who so desperately need their leaders on both sides to renew their obligation to uphold the CFA and other CFA-related commitments and to improve security.
The Royal Norwegian Government has been informed that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam is not ready to accept SLMM monitors originating from states which separately or by membership in international organisations have included the LTTE on lists for the application of specific measures to combat terrorism. At present, 37 out of 57 monitors originate from these countries.
By not being able to address this urgent issue in the presence of both parties, the Royal Norwegian Government and the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission have been seriously hampered in their efforts to find a future solution for the SLMM and thereby encourage respect for the CFA and its effective monitoring.
The Royal Norwegian Government is profoundly concerned with the gravity of the situation on the ground, the objection by the LTTE to collaborate with the SLMM with its present composition, the lack of dialogue between the parties, and the doubts voiced by many about the continued full commitment of the parties to the Ceasefire Agreement.
On this background the Royal Norwegian Government have deemed it necessary to take the unprecedented step of requesting both parties, through letters to President Mahinda Rajapakse and the LTTE leader Mr Vellupilai Prabhakaran, to provide responses in writing to five critical questions.
1. Will the parties stand committed to the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) of 22 February 2002?
2. Do the parties want the continued existence and operation of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission as a mission coordinated, facilitated and led by the Royal Norwegian Government with diplomatic immunity to ensure its impartial operation?
3. Are the parties able to provide full security guarantees for all monitors, employees and physical assets of the SLMM in all situations, in accordance with CFA Article 3.9?
4. Will the parties accept amendments to CFA Article 3.5 in order to enable the continued functioning of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission at its current operational levels and with the necessary security guarantees?
5. In the event that amendments to Article 3.5 are made, will the parties provide full security guarantees for current SLMM personnel and assets during a six-month transition phase until an amended solution has been identified, decided and fully implemented?
The responses by the parties to these questions will determine which steps will next have to be taken by the Royal Norwegian Government and the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, in close partnership with other actors in the international community.
The Ceasefire Agreement is available at the following site: http://www.slmm.lk
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6 June 2006
Sri Lanka talks on the SLMM in Oslo on 8–9 June
The parties to the peace process in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan authorities and the Tamil Tigers, have come to Norway for talks in Oslo on 8–9 June 2006. The parties will discuss the security situation and role of the Nordic Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM). These talks are not aimed at finding a political solution to the armed conflict and do not substitute the Geneva talks aimed at strengthening the implementation of the ceasefire agreement of 2002.
“The situation in Sri Lanka is extremely serious. It is positive that the parties have come to Oslo to discuss the situation of the SLMM. As facilitators we will do our utmost to enable the parties to find practical solutions to ease the pressure on the SLMM,” said Minister of International Development Erik Solheim.
“The agenda for the meeting is limited to the SLMM, and we haven’t got any further expectations. We will, of course, urge the parties to continue the peace process and find their way back to the platform for the talks that they agreed on in 2002-2003,” Mr Solheim added.
“I am very impressed by and grateful for the excellent job the SLMM observers are doing in these difficult times. They play an important role in preventing civilian suffering,” said Mr Solheim.
Special Envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer will head the Norwegian delegation together with Ambassador Hans Brattskar and Mr Vidar Helgesen. The SLMM will be represented by the Head of Mission, Ulf Henricsson.
There will be a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday 9 June at 18.00.
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24 May 2006 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oslo
Minister of International Development visits Sri Lanka and Japan
Minister of International Development Erik Solheim and Special Envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer will visit Sri Lanka for talks with the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
On 26 May, the Minister of International Development will meet the President of Sri Lanka, Mr Mahinda Rajapakse. Later the same day, Mr Solheim will proceed to New Dehli to discuss the situation in Sri Lanka with the Indian authorities. On 27 May, Special Envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer will meet representatives of the LTTE.
“The situation in Sri Lanka is complicated, and it is important not to have unrealistic expectations of the meetings. The visits are an important part of the preparations for the Co-chairs Meeting in Japan, and we will have talks with both parties,” said Mr Solheim.
The Minister of International Development will attend the Co-chairs Meeting in Tokyo on 30 May. The meeting will bring together representatives of the EU, Japan, the US and Norway for talks on how they can best assist the parties in Sri Lanka in furthering the peace process.
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16 May 2006
Henrik Ibsen – book launch to commemorate the "Father of Modern Drama"
The year 2006 marks the centenary of the death of the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen – the most widely performed dramatist in the world after Shakespeare.
The Platform For Alternate Culture, in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Colombo, has organised a series of activities and events in Sri Lanka to commemorate the centenary of Henrik Ibsen’s death. All these projects have been very successful.
The next event is the launch of three books on 19 May 2006. Two of the books are translations of Ibsen’s poems into Singhalese and Tamil. The third book, Ibsen the Immortal, contains selected essays by school children, university students and academics on Ibsen and his work.
Hon. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Education, will be the Chief Guest at the launch, which will take place on 19 May at the BMICH in Colombo.
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11 May 2006
Former Head of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission has died
Major General Trond Furuhovde died on Wednesday 10 May.
"It was with deep sorrow that we learned of the death of Major General Trond Furuhovde." said Minister of International Development Erik Solheim. "He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts go to his family. Major General Furuhovde made an extremely important contribution to the Sri Lankan peace process as Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM). But above all we will miss him as a man who has enriched us with his wisdom and vision."
Major General Furuhovde played an important role in the Sri Lankan peace process, first as Head of the SLMM, the civilian mission monitoring the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement, for two terms, and later as an independent adviser for the ministry on military issues related to the peace process.
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28 April 2006
Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference
The Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference (the European Union and the Governments of Japan, the United States and Norway) met in Oslo on 28 April for consultations.
The purpose of the meeting was to assess the serious situation in Sri Lanka and examine how Co-Chairs could most effectively respond to it.
Co-Chairs reiterated their deep concern at the recent deterioration of the situation in Sri Lanka, condemning all acts of violence and calling on this to stop.
The Co-Chairs from the EU, Japan and USA reaffirmed their support to the Norwegian peace facilitators.
The Co-Chairs have decided to meet again in Tokyo to further discuss steps and concerted actions to encourage the parties to pursue a durable solution in Sri Lanka.
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27 April 2006
International Development Minister to host meeting of Sri Lanka Co- Chairs
Norway will host a meeting of the Sri Lanka Co-Chairs on 28 April, which will bring together representatives from the EU, Japan, the USA and Norway for talks on the peace process in Sri Lanka. Minister of International Development Erik Solheim will chair the meeting. The USA will be represented by Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher, formerly press spokesman in the US State Department. Deputy Director-General Hervé Jouanjean will represent the European Commission. Special Representative Yasushi Akashi, who formerly served both as UN Under-Secretary-General for both Peacekeeping Operations and Emergency Relief Coordinator, will represent Japan. Mr Akashi also supervised the peace negotiations and elections in Cambodia. The representatives will discuss what can be done to get the parties to the peace process in Sri Lanka, the Government and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE), to respect the ceasefire and continuewith the peace process.
"I am extremely concerned about the recent upsurge in violence in Sri Lanka," said
Mr Solheim. "The international community will now come together to discuss this serious
situation. We strongly urge the parties to sit down together for talks in order to put a stop to the violence."
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25 April 2006 - Co-Chairs statement
CO-CHAIRS DEPLORE ATTACK ON MILITARY CHIEF
The Co-Chairs condemn absolutely the attempted assassination this
afternoon of Lt General Sarath Fonseka, head of the Sri Lankan army.
The Co-Chairs send their condolences to the families of the persons who
lost their lives in the attack.
The Co-Chairs call on the LTTE to cease all suicide attacks and other
forms of violence.
Co-Chairs express their grave concern about further escalation of
violence.
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15 April 2006.
Acts of violence may jeopardise the Sri Lanka-talks in Geneva.
Increased level of violence during the latest days puts the talks in Geneva in danger. Only the parties themselves can secure the situation.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has set as a precondition for the talks in Geneva, planned to take place 24 and 25 April, that their high-level leaders should meet in advance. An attempt to organise secure transport in this regard was disrupted today and challenges the peace talks.
- Only the parties, the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, can stabilise the security situation and secure the talks in Geneva, says Norwegian Minister of International Development Mr Erik Solheim". "Norway is awaiting a report from the civilian monitoring mission, Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), regarding the latest incidents, and will seek advise with representatives of the International Community for how to go forward, adds Minister Solheim".
For further information, please contact Espen Gullikstad, mobile phone: +47 9170 8122.
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14 April 2006
New dates for Peace Talks in Geneva
The Parties to the peace process in Sri Lanka have today agreed on a short postponement of the peace talks in Geneva. New dates for the talks are 24-25 April 2006.
The Parties to the peace process in Sri Lanka, the GOSL and the LTTE, have agreed to postpone the talks in Geneva. The decision was made due to practical considerations.
We are grateful to the Government of Switzerland for their ability to accommodate this short postponement of the talks.
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11 April 2006
Norway condemns the latest acts of violence in Sri Lanka
The Government of Norway condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the latest acts of violence in Sri Lanka.
The media report heavy loss of life in a new Claymore mine attack today. This is the third such attack in the last three days in which people have been killed or seriously injured.
These attacks must be seen against the backdrop of other serious acts of violence during the last few days. The assassination of a prominent Tamil civil society representative in Trincomalee, Mr V. Vigneswaran, and other serious incidents are adding to the vortex of violence that could eventually create a situation similar to that in December 2005 and January this year.
" I strongly urge the two parties to meet in Geneva on 19-21 April as planned", says Norwegian Minister for International Development Erik Solheim. "This meeting will provide an opportunity for finding ways to implement the Ceasefire agreement and the promises the parties gave in their previous meeting".
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29 March 2006
Visits by Minister Erik Solheim and Special Envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer
Special Envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer will arrive in Sri Lanka on Monday 3 April for a four day visit. This will be his first visit to Sri Lanka.
He will have meetings with President Rajapakse, representatives of the Government and with the LTTE. He will also meet with other political leaders.
Minister of International Development, Erik Solheim, will make a brief visit to Sri Lanka on Thursday 6 April for meetings in Colombo.
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29 March 2006
Denial of quotations attributed to Mr Solheim
Several media reports over the last couple of days have been based on an interview done in writing that Norwegian Minister of International Development, Mr Erik Solheim, gave to the Indian magazine Tehelka.
In the printed version of the interview the journalist has taken his own assertions and questions and presented them as quotations attributed to Mr Solheim. Statements on the harassment of Tamils and the allegedly biased role of the US Government should not in any way be attributed to Mr Solheim.
Mr Solheim has already urged the Tehelka editors to rectify this to their readers and apologise for the misrepresentations, and in that way demonstrate their adherence to ethical standards of journalism.
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08 March 2006
Letter to the Editor of Sunday Divaina
Dear Sir,
The attention of the Embassy has been drawn to recent press coverage of the transmission of communication equipment to the LTTE in 2002, most noticeably in Sunday Divaina 5 March, based on an interview with Norwegian Minister of International Development, Erik Solheim, published in the book Negotiating Peace in Sri Lanka.
Some issues require a clarification. The equipment was not purchased by Norway, nor was it to our knowledge purchased by the Government of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the goods was not cleared through customs nor handed over to the LTTE by the Embassy of Norway.
The LTTE Peace Secretariat obtained a licence from the Government of Sri Lanka to operate a private broadcasting station.
For all questions related to this issue, the Government of Sri Lanka gave clear explanations in a statement issued to the press 26 December 2002. This statement received wide media coverage at the time, and there are therefore no secret revelations to be made. The statement, which is attached, confirms that Norway played no role in buying, financing or transporting the communication equipment. Norway’s role was limited to act as the consignee, at the explicit request of the Government of Sri Lanka.
Yours sincerely,
Oddvar Lægreid
Chargé d’Affaires"
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6 March 2006
Norway plays a neutral role
Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar stressed today how important it is for Norway, as the facilitator, to have close contacts with the parties to the peace process in Sri Lanka.
He said it was therefore his hope that representatives of both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE would visit Norway and maintain contacts with the Norwegian Government.
- Norway plays a neutral role in the peace process. But in order to do that in an efficient manner, it is crucial for us to meet with and listen to the parties, the Ambassador said.
The reaction of the Ambassador followed a statement from Mr Anandasangaree, President of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), widely reported in the media today. Mr Anandasangaree criticised Norway for having met with the LTTE in Oslo.
Norway also puts great emphasis on the need to have close contacts with a wide range of political leaders, government representatives, religious leaders and members of civil society.
- We have also met with the TULF President on several occasions and I look forward to continuing this contact, Ambassador Brattskar added.
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21 February 2006
EUROPEAN COMMISSION DELEGATION, SRI LANKA
Co-Chairs Statement
The European Union and the Governments of Japan, Norway and the United States, the Co-Chairs, welcome the February 22- 23 discussions between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Geneva as an opportunity to restore confidence in the Ceasefire Agreement and move forward towards a peaceful future.
We urge parties to approach the opportunity with an open and flexible attitude. We also welcome the decreased violence since the January 25 announcement of the talks as a sign that the parties take seriously and fully respect their commitments under the Ceasefire Agreement.
The Co-Chairs commend the invaluable assistance provided by the Government of Norway in its continued role as facilitator. We stand ready to assist Norway in its efforts to bring about a durable peace in Sri Lanka.
For any clarification please contact: Shyamala Fernando, 2674413, 2662065 ext 111
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21 February 2006
The Norwegian Government appoints new Head of Mission of the Sri Lanka Monitoring
Mission (SLMM)
The Norwegian Government is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Head of Mission of the SLMM, Brigadier Ulf Henricsson.
Following consultations with both parties to the Ceasefire Agreement, the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, Norway invited all the countries in the Nordic mission to propose candidates for the post of Head of Mission of the SLMM. The successful candidate, Brigadier Henricsson from Sweden, will assume his duties on 1 April 2006.
“It is very positive that another country in the SLMM has produced such an excellent candidate for this important post,” says the Minister for International Development, Erik Solheim.
Brigadier Henricsson will be succeeding Brigadier Hagrup Haukland from Norway. Brigadier Haukland is leaving the SLMM after four years of service as Chief of Staff from 2002 to 2004, and as Head of Mission from 2005. Mr Solheim commends Brigadier Haukland for his long and dedicated service, saying that “Norway is very grateful to Brigadier Haukland for his commitment and the outstanding performance of his duties in the SLMM.”
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9 February 2006
Norway to facilitate talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
The parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka, the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, have asked Norway to facilitate talks in Geneva from 22 to 23 February. The parties will discuss how they can improve the implementation of the ceasefire agreement that was signed on 22 February 2002.
This is the first time in three years that the parties meet face-to-face at such a high level.
- It is very positive that the parties have agreed to meet at high level to discuss how to improve the serious security situation, says Minister of International Development Erik Solheim. - Norway, in its role as facilitator, will do its best to help the parties find a practical solution to relieve the pressure the ceasefire has come under.
- The parties are taking a small but very significant step towards putting the peace process back on a positive track. And we expect the negotiations to be tough, underlined Mr Solheim.
The Minister of International Development will lead the Norwegian delegation, which includes Ambassador Hans Brattskar and Vidar Helgesen. The head of the civilian Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, Hagrup Haukland, will also be present.
- The parties have chosen Geneva for their meeting because of the very supportive role Switzerland has always played in the peace process,” the Minister added.
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23 January 2006
Solheim to Participate in the Opening Ceremonies of Buddhist Temples in Kalutara and Galle-
Norwegian Minister of International Development Mr. Erik Solheim will on 26 January attend the Opening Ceremony of two Buddhist temples damaged by the tsunami. The temples have been reconstructed with funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The tsunami took a terrible toll on Sri Lanka and the lives of its people. Its human cost cannot be quantified in physical terms alone. Religious institutions in Sri Lanka have played an important role in providing shelter and support from the very first moments after the tsunami. They have served as pillars in the reconstruction of the country, and they have offered solace and comfort to those in grief. I hope and trust that these temples, reconstructed with the assistance of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will continue their invaluable contribution to rebuilding Sri Lankan society, Mr Solheim said.
The two temples will be officially reopened on 26 January. The first ceremony will take place at 10 am at Dharmadveepa Yogashramaya, Kalawilawatta, Aluthgama. The second ceremony is scheduled for 2 pm at Sri Sumanaramaya, Venamulla, Kuleegoda, Ambalangoda.
As part of Norway’s continued support to the people who suffered grave losses during the tsunami, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently providing support for the reconstruction of an additional 30 Buddhist temples in southern Sri Lanka and 35 religious buildings in the east, including Buddhist Temples, Hindu Kovils, Mosques and Churches.
Norway has a deep and long-standing committment to the peace and reconcilliation process in Sri Lanka. This committment goes hand in hand with Norway’s development cooperation programme with Sri Lanka, which was initiated already in the 1970s. When the tsunami hit the shores of the country on 26 December 2004 the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs therefore reacted quickly to the disaster, allocating around USD 10 million for immediate humanitarian relief operations through a number of national and international organisations. An additional USD 10 million was allocated to various UN agencies in response to their Flash Appeals to assist the victims of the disaster.
Norway also earmarked USD 20 million for the P-TOMS. The Norwegian funds will now be channeled to the affected populations of the tsunami through other mechanisms.
An additional USD 20 million was allocated to the medium-term rehabilitation work within the sectors of education, livelyhoods and fishery. Also these funds have been channelled through various national and international organisations and UN agencies.
Norway committed over USD 60 million to the relief and rehabilitation efforts in Sri Lanka in 2005. This is more than a third of Norway’s total contribution of USD 150 million to the countries in the region affected by the tsunami. These funds come in addition to funds collected privatly by Norwegian humanitarian organisations working in Sri Lanka, which were also substantial.
There will be a short press conference from 3.00 to 3.30 pm immediately after the second ceremony in Ambalangoda on Thursday 26 January.
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17 January 2006
Nordic countries condemn attack on Sri Lanka Monitoring MissionThe contributing countries to Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, condemn in the strongest terms the unacceptable attack on the Batticaloa district office of SLMM on Friday 13 January.
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission is an impartial, civilian mission that monitors the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement by the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE, at the invitation of the parties to the Agreement. SLMM has always enjoyed the full confidence of the affected populations, and good cooperation on behalf of the parties to the Ceasefire Agreement. The contributing countries expect the parties to the Ceasefire Agreement to ensure the security of SLMM, in accordance with the Agreement, and to ensure that SLMM is given the opportunity to fulfil the responsibilities placed on the mission by the parties to the Ceasefire Agreement.
Explosives detonated under a vehicle belonging to SLMM on the premises of the SLMM's district office in Batticaloa caused serious damage to four vehicles. No one was physically injured in the attack.
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4 January 2006
Norway’s cooperation with the EU on the fight against terrorism
Norway’s close cooperation with the EU on foreign and security policy includes cooperation on the fight on terrorism.
Norway has previously aligned itself with the EU’s list of persons, organisations and entities set out in the Common Position on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism. This list is revised by the EU at regular intervals. Following an overall assessment, the government has decided that Norway will no longer align itself with any other list than that published by the UN.
The reason for this decision is that a continued alignment with the EU list could cause difficulties for Norway in its role as neutral facilitator in certain peace processes. Norway’s role could become difficult if one of the parties involved was included on the EU list, and the opportunities for contact were thus restricted.
The EU list is based on the Common Position that was adopted for the first time in December 2001 in connection with implementing UN Security Council resolution 1373, which specifically calls for measures to combat the financing of terrorism. The Common Position has since been revised several times, and new persons and groups have been added to the list. As Norway is not a member of the EU, it does not take part in the internal assessments that lead to revisions of the EU list. The most recent revision was made on 21 December 2005.
- Norway is making an important contribution to international peace and security through its involvement in peace processes. These efforts have won the recognition of the international community, including the EU and the US, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre pointed out. - The government wants to intensify these efforts and we must therefore avoid a situation that makes it more difficult for us to have contact with any of the parties to a conflict.
- The international legal obligations that form the basis for Norway’s efforts to combat international terrorism will remain the same. There should be no doubt that Norway clearly condemns all forms of terrorism. The decision does not imply any other change in our cooperation with the EU on measures against terrorism. There is a high degree of agreement and solidarity between Norway and the EU countries. We are engaged in the fight against international terrorism together with the EU, underlined Mr Støre.