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by Ranga Jayasuriya

The Norwegian peace delegation will meet the LTTE hierarchy today in the Vanni for talks on arrangements for the second round of formal talks and the formation of the Joint Task Force.

A spokesman for the LTTE Political Headquarters in Kilinochchi said Velupillai Prabhakaran will head the LTTE delegation in the talks with the Norwegians.

The Norwegian team will comprise Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen, Ambassador Jon Westborg and Special Peace Envoy Erik Solheim.

According to the spokesman, the LTTE delegation will comprise Prabhakaran, Theoretician Anton Balasingham, his wife Adele and Political Chief S.P. Thamilchelvam.

The Norwegians will fly to Jaffna where they are expected to meet the Mayor and the Government Agent and then move to the Vanni for the talks with the LTTE.

Helgesen met Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday afternoon. The meeting focused on recent developments in the peace process and rehabilitation and reconstruction of the North-East.

He also met the members of the Government's peace delegation to discuss preparations for the second round of talks due at the end of this month. The Joint Task Force whose formation is now under negotiation was also discussed.

The Norwegian delegation will meet President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on Wednesday. They will also brief the Government's peace delegation on the outcome of the discussions with the LTTE.

Helgesen on Sunday met SLMM Chief Trond Furuhovde who briefed him on the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and the security situation in the North.

"The Head of the Mission briefed him on what we have achieved vis-a-vis the Ceasefire Agreement and what we have to," SLMM Spokesman Teitur Torkelsson told the Daily News.

Gen Furuhovde will meet Balasingham today in Kilinochchi to discuss the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement. Gen. Furuhovde will be accompanied by the SLMM Deputy Chief Hagrup Haukland, Torkelsson said. 

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