Solheim's peace bid

COLOMBO, DEC. 31. In a fresh bid to revive the peace process in Sri Lanka, the Norwegian peace envoy, Mr. Erick Solheim, would meet the Sri Lankan President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga, and the LTTE leaders next week to put forward new proposals to end the ethnic conflict, media reported today.

Mr. Solheim would visit Colombo to discuss the proposals with Ms. Kumaratunga and her ministerial colleagues before going to London where he is expected to hold talks with the LTTE spokesman, Mr. Anton Balasingham, the weekend newspaper, The Sunday Leader said.

As per Mr. Solheim's new peace proposals, the LTTE, in addition to the ceasefire, should declare a moratorium on all hostile activities, including its suicide bomb attacks and assassination attempts on top government leaders. The rebel group was also expected to release all prisoners in its custody.

In return, the Sri Lankan government would have to lift the economic embargo on areas held by the rebels before talks could commence, the report said. The newspaper said that Norway has also suggested setting up an international committee to monitor the preliminary phase of the de-escalation process.

- PTI

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Section  : International
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