The LTTE has opposed moves to oust Norwegian special envoy Erik Solheim from the island's fragile peace process, describing it as an improper and high-handed act by the Sri Lankan government.
They cannot simply find a substitute for solheim without consulting us, as both sides have accepted him as the facilitator, LTTE Spokesman Anton Balasingham was quoted as saying by 'the Sunday leader' on Sunday. They have to provide a satisfactory explanation for this. Unless this is done, we will not accept or tolerate Solheim's removal, Balasingham said.
LTTE supremo V Prabhakaran was concerned over the development and had contacted him, the London-based spokesman said. The LTTE central committee will analyse the situation after more information is received and issue a statement outlining its stance shortly. Last Thursday, Norway's Foreign Minister Thorbjorn Jagland flew in on President Chandrika Kumaratunga's invitation to have a high-level discussion on the status of the peace process, but Solheim, who accompanied him, was kept out of the dinner meeting.
Sri Lanka said, "The two countries had agreed that Norway would be henceforth be involved at a high level to advance the peace process involving the LTTE, implying that Solheim might no more be associated with it as principal envoy.
The action is seen as a result of Solheim giving his shuttle diplomacy a higher profile than necessary by talking to reporters occasionally and answering questions on a website. Bureau Report