Go Asia Pacific Breaking News Asia - Norwegians say prospects for Sri Lanka "promising"

		Asia home page \| Asia Breaking News

Visit our special sections for latest developments and analysis:

Norwegians say prospects for Sri Lanka "promising"

Norwegian mediators says the prospect for peace in Sri Lanka is improving, following the extension of a one-month old ceasefire between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels.

The country's new Prime Mininter's Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was voted in on the promise of trying to reach a peace agreement with the rebels, has told parliament he supports lifting a domestic ban on Tamil Tiger rebels - one of their demands.

The extended ceasefire will allow Norwegian negotiators more to time to arrange a formal truce, a prelude to peace talks due to begin in March.

A spokesman for Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Karsten Klepsvik, says the level of confidence between the parties is on the rise.

This time might be more promising than earlier. There obviously seems to be genuine will from both parties to try to make some progress.

23/01/2002 4:01:25 AM | ABC Radio Australia News

More Asia Breaking News

28/05/2002 17:06:45
India, Pakistan exchange mortar and artillery fire
28/05/2002 17:06:46
Pakistan test fires third missile as peace mission launched
28/05/2002 17:06:47
Brunei lifts travel freeze that prevented 13 foreigners leaving
28/05/2002 17:06:49
China may makie Fiji an Approved Tourist Destination
28/05/2002 16:04:36
Pakistan test fires third missile
28/05/2002 14:26:45
International efforts to address tension between India and Pakistan

Back