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by Uditha Kumarasinghe

A motion moved by the JVP requesting the immediate deportation of the Norwegian Ambassador was adopted with a majority of eight votes at the Western Provincial Council meeting yesterday.

Forty one council members including PA, JVP and MEP members voted in favour of the motion while 33 opposition members of the UNP voted against.

Tabling the motion, JVP member Siripala Amarasinghe said the Government of Norway has intervened in the internal problems of the country by attempting to end the country's territorial integrity.

Norway has acted to provide high powered communications equipment to the LTTE by completely violating the country's laws and Customs regulations. Even the PA who requested Norway to become a negotiator to solve the ethnic problem has informed the Norwegian Prime Minister of the illegal role played by the Norway, he said.

Western Province Chief Minister Reginald Cooray said the two major parties should join hand on this ethnic issue. All political parties should reach one stand regarding this problem. No political party can solve this problem individually.

The Chief Minister said the PA extends its fullest support to peace talks. But if the LTTE makes a mistake, the Government should take action against it.

Opposition Leader Kithsiri Kahatapitiya said the JVP is attempting to mislead the two major parties by disrupting the peace process.

Dr.Wickramabahu Karunaratne said Norway intervened in the peace process on the invitation of the President and the Prime Minister. The radio transmission equipment have been imported and provided to the LTTE legally. The Norwegian Ambassador did not interfere to divide the country.

He said in a situation where the country was going to be divided, the President invited the Norway as a facilitator to stop it. International elements were involved in Sri Lanka due to war in the country. Therefore this is a useless motion and there is no sense of it.

Joseph Charles (UNP) said the intention of this motion is to attack the peace process. At present, JVP shouts a lot without any substance. During war time, the LTTE had their own radio channel.

He said the ambassador only represents Norway. This motion is not properly drafted. This matter should not be entertained by the Council.

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