Sri Lanka’s president, Chandrika Kumaratunga, phoned Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik yesterday evening to request that Norway continue its role as impartial third-party facilitator in the peace process between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE).

“I said that Norway was prepared to continue as facilitator, providing that the LTTE also asks us to play this role,” said Mr Bondevik.

The Prime Minister thanked President Kumaratunga for the confidence she was showing in Norway.

“Once we have received a request to continue from both parties, the next step will be to consult with each of them on how the process can be brought forward,” said Prime Minister Bondevik.