The Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have agreed to meet in Switzerland from 28 to 29 October, and have asked Norway to make the necessary arrangements.

“I am very grateful for the Swiss Government’s strong support for the peace process in Sri Lanka and its willingness once again to arrange a meeting between the parties,” says Minister of International Development Erik Solheim.

“The expressed willingness of the parties to meet for direct talks is most welcome. They are taking a small but important step towards continuing the peace process although the situation on the ground remains difficult. It is crucial that the Government and the LTTE now use this opportunity to cease hostilities as called for by the Tokyo Co-Chairs (EU, Japan, USA and Norway) to ensure that a meeting actually takes place,” adds Minister Solheim.