Solheim sidelined in peace process?

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, JUNE 8. Sri Lanka today announced that Norway would participate at a ``high-level'' to facilitate talks between the Government and the LTTE, setting off speculation that the special envoy, Mr. Erik Solheim, has been sidelined from the process.

The announcement came after a brief visit on Thursday by the Norwegian Foreign Minister, Mr Thorbjorn Jagland, to Sri Lanka during which he held discussions with the President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga, and his counterpart, Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar.

Although Mr. Solheim accompanied Mr. Jagland here, he did not participate in the discussions. The two returned to Oslo late last night. A press release from the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said it was decided at the meeting that ``Norway will henceforth participate at a high-level to advance the peace process involving the LTTE.''

Contacted in Oslo, Mr. Solheim told The Hindu that this``possibly means that the (Norwegian) Foreign Minister will continue to involve himself with the peace process.'' On whether it meant that he would no longer be associated with it, he said he could not comment.

Mr. Solheim, Oslo's pointsman on Sri Lanka, has been, since last year, engaged in strenuous shuttle diplomacy to arrange talks between the two sides. Despite a ground-breaking meeting with the LTTE leader, Mr. V. Prabhakaran last November, his efforts remain stalled on the LTTE's demand that it should be de-proscribed in Sri Lanka before the commencement of talks.

Observers said Sri Lanka's desire to involve the Norwegian Minister might be a response to the rise in the challenge of getting the LTTE to the negotiating table after its latest demand. Mr. Solheim held no office in the Norwegian Government besides his appointment as ``special adviser'' on Sri Lanka.

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Section  : International
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