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The importance of Norway

The Norwegian facilitators expressed optimism at the progress in the peace process initiated by the new Government. After consultations with both sides they expressed their conviction that the process is moving towards negotiations step by step.

This progress is due not only to the willingness shown by both parties to the conflict but also to the hard work done by the Norwegians.

The Norwegians are experienced peacemakers. It was the Norwegians who brought the Israelis and the Palestinians to the negotiation table. The two parties were not talking to each other earlier. What's more, they were even refusing to recognize the legitimate existence of each other.

The Norwegian effort at peace making in Sri Lanka has not been appreciated sufficiently. In fact, certain elements are openly expressing their displeasure at it. This may be due to their wrong perception of the problem.

The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has a long history. Its origin is in the immediate pre-independence period. The problem, bequeathed by the colonial masters worsened due to the shortsighted and foolish policies pursued by the post-independence governments.

Further, all attempts at peaceful resolution of the conflict were sabotaged by extremist chauvinist elements. It was when peaceful struggle failed that Tamil militancy arose.

War was a direct result of the failure of the Sri Lankan government and the majority community to redress Tamil grievances. The turning point was the anti-Tamil pogrom of July 1983. It is true, successive governments since 1983 initiated reforms to address the issue. But they were both too little and too few. Attempt at negotiation failed several times. Each failure was followed by a further intensification of the war. The situation is degenerated to such an extent that distrust between the two parties was so great that face-to-face negotiations became impossible. Hence, a third party was needed for the belligerents to talk to each other.

Third party facilitation was something that was necessitated by our own failure to talk direct.

Facilitation is a means used internationally when conflicts degenerate. It is also a requirement when the two belligerent parties are imbalanced. Such facilitation gives legitimacy to the minority party so that it could meet the other side on equal terms with self- respect.

In an intractable conflict like ours negotiations have to be prepared. International facilitation helps such preparation.

Norway fits in well, as it has no strategic interests in Sri Lanka. Besides, it has developed an expertise over the years in such facilitation work.

We must remember that facilitators are not masters. They do not dictate terms. They only assist the two sides to begin negotiations.

We hope the momentum gathered so far in the peace process will be kept and accelerated with the able assistance of the Norwegians so that the hopes of million for peace will be fulfilled in the near future.

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