During the past month both the LTTE and the Government of Sri Lanka have made statements concerning their official positions on important issues related to the conflict.

State Secretary Raymond Johansen says that the Norwegian Government is pleased that through these statements both parties expressed their willingness to establish a dialogue. This has confirmed our understanding that both parties are willing to work towards a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.

However, he adds that the statements show that there is a gap between the positions, which may prevent the parties from moving into a process which may lead to direct talks in the near future.

The Norwegian Government hopes that the parties will seize the existing opportunity to bridge any such gap and will encourage them to take the necessary steps to enter into a process leading towards direct negotations.