|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Saturday, 22 January 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Politics | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
| Norway pledges continuous support President Chandrika Kumaratunga yesterday received Norway's Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Development Jan Petersen and Hilde F. Johnson at the President's House. The two Norwegian Ministers conveyed their sincere condolences to the Government and People of Sri Lanka and expressed their deep sympathy to the victims of the tsunami tragedy. They assured the President of the continuous support and assistance of the Royal Norwegian Government in the rehabilitation efforts, the office of the President said in a press release. The President thanked the visiting Ministers for Norwegian assistance and briefed them on the steps taken by the Government with the support of local NGOs and the International Community to organize rescue and relief measures. Explaining the magnitude of the disaster she added that plans for the next phase of rebuilding has been completed in the shortest possible time as a basis for an inclusive and transparent discussion with all political parties, the LTTE, NGOs and civil society. They viewed a presentation made by Mano Tittawella and Dr. Tara de Mel on statistics, plans, proposed implementation measures and rescue and relief efforts conducted under the aegis of respective Task Forces. The presentation revealed the needs-driven, non-discriminatory nature of the relief undertaken since December 26 and a significant share of resources proposed for rebuilding in the North and East. Minister Johnson expressed her appreciation of the work done towards recovery. She emphasized the need for donor coordination and for donors to relate to Sri Lanka's national plans. Foreign Minister Petersen said Indonesia and Sri Lanka being the two most affected Norwegian assistance will focus on these two countries. The Norwegian delegate said they proposed to visit the South and the North East in order to see the tsunami damage for themselves. Associated with the Norwegian Ministers were Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen, Ambassador Hans Brattskar, Special Advisor Erik Solheim and other officials of the Royal Norwegian Government. Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Secretary to the President W. J. S. Karunaratne, Peace Secretariat Chief Jayantha Dhanapala, Foreign Secretary H. M. G. S. Palihakkara, Rehabilitation Ministry Secretary M. S. Jayasinghe, Public Security Secretary Tilak Ranaviraja and other senior officials were also present, the President's Office said. Petersen toured some of the tsunami-hit areas including Hambantota to assess relief and reconstruction needs. He was accompanied by Minister for International Development Johnson. The Norwegian embassy said Petersen was touring affected areas "to gain a first hand impression on how relief work is proceeding." Petersen will also try to revive peace talks between the government and the LTTE. Petersen will be in Mullaitivu today. The area was devastated by the December 26 tsunami. He is due to hold talks with LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in Kilinochchi as part of Norway's efforts to revive the peace dialogue. Prabhakaran will be joined in the discussions by chief negotiator and theoretician Anton Balasingham and political wing leader S.P. Thamilselvam. Helgesen and Solheim have been preparing the groundwork for this meeting. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
