Terrorism in all aspects must be condemned unreservedly - Foreign
Minister
NORWAY: Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera commenced an official
visit to Norway by meeting his counterpart Jonas Gahr Store last morning
in Oslo.
The Ministers discussed a wide range of issues centered on further
strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. It was
pointed out that since the commencement of Norwegian facilitation in
1999, matters relating to the peace process have taken precedence in the
relationship.
At this meeting the Ministers reaffirmed the need to consolidate the
bilateral relations specifically in the field of economic and
development cooperation.
Minister Samaraweera reiterated President Mahinda Rajapaksa's
commitment to a negotiated settlement and pointed out that it was the
intransigence of the LTTE that is an impediment to the progress of the
peace process as demonstrated by their actions in Oslo last week.
Minister Samaraweera pointed out that the international community
must take a firm stand on calling upon the LTTE to renounce violence and
acts of terrorism and return to the negotiating table. The listing of
the LTTE by the European Union was seen as a positive measure in support
of the peace process.
The LTTE must be told in no uncertain terms by the international
community that violence doesn't pay and terrorism in all its aspects
must be condemned unreservedly. Minister Samaraweera also said the
Government has always ensured the safety and security of the SLMM and
will continue this policy. |