The Norwegian embassy is not at liberty to discuss individual cases; nonetheless, the following observations should be made:
Applications for asylum in Norway are subject to strict rules. The cases are carefully examined to see if they qualify under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.
It is not correct that the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo has secretly been helping 12 LTTE cadres out of the country, as reported by Sri Lankan media.
What is correct is that the Norwegian Embassy has assisted a limited number of people by processing their applications for asylum or other grounds for residency in Norway. This was done in accordance with international and Norwegian law, as well as with specific regulations from the Norwegian Ministry of Justice for such involvement of embassies on an exceptional basis. For this group of people, the embassy has not purchased tickets, nor has diplomatic staff escorted them to the airport. To the best of our knowledge, the embassy did not assist any LTTE-cadres.