Norway team's visit raises hopes of ceasefire in Jaffna

Norway team's visit raises hopes of ceasefire in Jaffna
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Colombo, May 21: Amid heavy fighting in the northern Jaffna peninsula, a high-level Norwegian delegation arrives here tomorrow in its bid to broker peace talks between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE.

In view of the fluid military situation, diplomatic sources here see the visit of Deputy Foreign Minister Raymond Johansen-led Norwegian delegation as an opportunity to work out a ceasefire and save the lives of over half million civilians, who stay dangerously close to the fighting area.

Latest reports said that fighting was taking place at Chavackachcheri, about 15 kms south east of Jaffna town, and Colombothurai, one of the southern suburbs of the town.

International humanitarian agencies whose representatives stayed put in Jaffna said that over 75 per cent of over two lakh population in Jaffna town had moved over to safer areas.

With both sides using heavy artillery and mortars coupled with multi-barrel rocket launchers, aide workers believe that civilians lives are endangered in such a theatre of war.

The Norwegian delegation's visit assumes significance in the wake of comments by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee yesterday that "if we have to take any steps we are ready for it, if necessary."

India, while ruling out military intervention, expressed willingness to extend humanitarian assistance, which included evacuation of over 30,000 Sri Lankan troops by air or by sea to safety. India has also expressed readiness to mediate if approached by both the parties.