Statement read out by the Norwegian Facilitator Erik Solheim

On February 24, 2006, Norwegian minister for International Development, Eric Solheim, released a statement at the end of talks between the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE in Geneva. Following is the full text of the statement:

The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) met in Geneva 22-23 February 2006 for talks on the Ceasefire Agreement.

The parties discussed issues related to the ceasefire, including the concerns of the Muslim, Sinhalese, and Tamil civilians.

The GOSL and the LTTE are committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure that there will be no intimidation, acts of violence, abductions or killings.

The LTTE is committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure that there will be no acts of violence against the security forces and police. The GOSL is committed to taking all necessary measures in accordance with the Ceasefire Agreement to ensure that no armed group or person other than Government security forces will carry arms or conduct armed operations.

The GOSL and the LTTE discussed all issues concerning the welfare of children in the North East, including the recruitment of children.

The parties requested the Swiss Government to host the next round of talks in Geneva on 19-21 April 2006.

Source: Official Website of the Government of Sri Lanka