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by Ranga Jayasuriya

Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen and special envoy Erik Solheim will arrive in Colombo today on a visit earlier aimed at making arrangements for a meeting between the Government and the LTTE to kick start the stalled peace negotiations.

But with uncertainty overshadowing the future of the Peace Process, the visit will be confined to a fact finding mission, which will result in a possible deadlock of the peace negotiations.

The two peace facilitators arriving on a two-day visit was earlier expected to meet Thamilselvan. But now the facilitators are unlikely to fly to the Wanni, diplomatic sources told the Daily News.

The two facilitators will meet the Government's peace delegation, the Prime Minister and a delegation of North-East Muslim MPs. The meeting with the Muslim MPs will focus on the Muslim's role in the interim administration and a separate Muslim delegation to the peace talks.

The LTTE political chief said the Tigers were ready for a dialogue with the Government over the Interim Administration, after submitting its proposals for a North- East self governing authority. The Government while admitting that there are "disparities" between the Government and LTTE positions, expressed hopes that the face to face discussions between the two parties will lead to an agreement.

The meeting, if arranged will be the first face to face discussions between the two parties since the Tigers walked away from the peace talks in mid April and a prelude to a new round of formal talks expected to resume early next year.

While President Kumaratunga had given the green light for the Norwegian facilitation to continue, she had said the facilitators will be subjected to her strict instructions. The facilitators earlier played a dynamic role, sometime over-stepping the mandate, but ensuring the continuation of the peace process and bringing the stalled peace talks back on track.

The LTTE earlier said it is closely watching the developments in the South and their impact on the peace process. LTTE eastern military chief "Colonel" Karuna on Friday accused the President of sabotaging the peace process.

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