Norway appoints new Special Peace Envoy

Rashomi SILVA

COLOMBO: The Norwegian Embassy yesterday confirmed the appointment of Jon Hanssen-Bauer, an academic with wide experience in mediating peace deals as the next Special Envoy to the Sri Lankan peace process.

Hanssen would replace Erik Solheim as the Special Envoy, diplomatic sources said. Solheim who would still paly a key role in the Sri Lankan peace initiative was a leading figure in the four-year old peace initiative.

"I am pleased, that Jon Hanssen-Bauer has accepted the assignment," the Nordic embassy quoted Solheim as saying. The appointment has been conveyed to the parties to the peace process.

"Hanssen-Bauer's academic and practical experience means he is highly qualified, he has engaged in peace reconciliation work in many countries. I am convinced that he will do a good job for the parties," Solheim said.

Hanssen-Bauer, who headed the Fafo Institute for the Applied International Studies for 12 years has working experience in the Middle-East and Latin America. He would be briefed on Sri Lankan politics and the peace process by the outgoing envoy Solheim.

Solheim who became the International Development Minister following the victory of the Leftist coalition, was a key figure in working out the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) between the Government and the LTTE.

Solheim, a member of Norway's Socialist Party engaged in shuttle diplomacy between Colombo and Killinochchi following the breakdown of peace talks in April 2003.

During the stalemate he worked constantly to keep the truce alive, by engaging in frequent talks with the two parties. His good offices became instrumental in re-starting talks between the Government and the LTTE last month in Switzerland.

Despite the new appointment Solheim would be still be responsible for the 'overall facilitation process' and would be present at talks between the parties, Norwegian officials said.

The new Envoy was actively involved in the Israel-Palestinian peace process is a scholar in social anthropology and a researcher in the areas of development, organisation and management.