Norway played a neutral role - Brattskar

Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar stressed that Norway played a neutral role in the peace process in response to the statement made by Tamil United Liberation Front leader V.Anandasangaree criticising Norway for having met with the LTTE in Oslo.

The statement released by the Norwegian Embassy in response to the TULF chief Anandasangaree:

Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar stressed yesterday how important it is for Norway, as the facilitator, to have close contacts with the parties to the peace process in Sri Lanka. It was therefore his hope that representatives of both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE would visit Norway and maintain contacts with the Norwegian Government.

Norway plays a neutral role in the peace process. But in order to do that in an efficient manner, it is crucial for us to meet with and listen to the parties, the Ambassador said.

The reaction of the Ambassador followed a statement from Mr. Anandasangaree, President of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), widely reported in the media today. Mr. Anandasangaree criticised Norway for having met with the LTTE in Oslo.

Norway also puts great emphasis on the need to have close contacts with a wide range of political leaders, government representatives, religious leaders and members of civil society.

We have also met with the TULF President on several occasions and I look forward to continuing this contact, Ambassador Brattskar added.