Norway to guarantee Tigers observe guidelines

by Norman Palihawadena The Island

Norway has undertaken to guarantee that all Government guidelines for the resumption of peace talks will be observed by LTTE leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran.

LTTE political wing leader S. P. Thamilselvan conveyed Prabhakaran’s willingness to engage in talks when he met Norwegian Special Envoy Jon Hanssen Bauer on Tuesday.

Defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday told The Island that Norway, in response to concerns expressed by the Government, had said it would ensure that all Government guidelines are observed.

He has also told the Government that the LTTE was agreeable to holding the talks in Geneva. Rambukwella said that the first thing the government would do at the proposed talks is to seek an agreement with the LTTE to the effect that in the event the Tigers resort to violence during the talks the Government has every right to hit back.

Meanwhile reports from Wanni said ordinary civilians expressed satisfaction at the developments and wanted the LTTE to engage in meaningful talks to find a lasting solution