We can’t force peace in Lanka — Norwegian envoy

Solheim, who has been trying to facilitate a dialogue between Sri Lankan Government and LTTE, was here on a day’s visit to discuss with India the situation arising out of the ethnic conflict. He also held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Lalit Mansingh.

An external affairs ministry spokesman said Solheim shared India’s approach that the solution to the ethnic conflict lay with the Sri Lankans themselves in a manner by which all communities could realise their aspirations within the context of the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

Replying to questions from reporters before returning to Oslo, the special envoy said Norway would continue with its efforts for a solution to the conflict. "It can’t be solved in a day or a week. But our effort will go on. We can’t force peace in Sri Lanka," he said.

To another question, he said Norway would advise the US to work closely with India for restoration of peace in the strife-torn northern part of the Island and added that "India has much more experience than we have".

To repeated questions whether Norway made any suggestions to India that it should play some role in ending the crisis, the foreign office spokesman said Solheim briefed Jaswant Singh about Norway’s role and its perception of developments in Sri Lanka.

Solheim was accompanied by Norway’s Ambassadors to India Truls Hanevold and to Sri Lanka Jon Westborg.

The spokesman said New Delhi reiterated the government’s position as articulated by the External Affairs Minister that India would be ready to mediate if asked by both sides — LTTE and Sri Lankan government.

Asked how LTTE could approach India which has declared ita banned organisation, he said there was no dichotomy in it as during the recent hijacking of the Indian Airlines plane to Kandahar, New Delhi took up the matter with the Taliban "though we don’t recognise them".