"Solheim was not optimistic over resumption of peace talks"

Parliamentarian Gajendra Kumar Ponnambalam told BBC Sandeshaya that Erik Solheim informed a TNA delegation that people should not have high hopes on an immediate resumption of peace talks as "there is no change in the situation"

The Norwegian envoy is conducting a series of preparatory meetings before the arrival of foreign minister Jan Petersen on Wednesday.

The Norwegian envoy also met the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem.

The SLMC leader also echoed the sentiments of the TNA parliamentarian when interviewed by Elmo Fernando.

Balasingham with Soosai and Tamilselvan in Vanni on Tuesday

However, both told BBC Sandeshaya that the Norwegian facilitators are trying to do their utmost to get both parties back to the negotiating table.

The Norwegian envoy was of the view that contradictions between the government and the LTTE did not help setting up an agenda, said Ponnambalam.

"If the President and her government can give a clear assurance that they are prepared to talk on the basis of the Interim Self Government Authority (ISGA) proposals, peace talks will come out of the deadlock," he added.

The SLMC leader said that he emphasised the need for the participation of a separate Muslim delegation comprising of Muslim parliamentarians in future peace negotiations.

Meanwhile, Tamil Tigers' chief negotiator Anton Balasingham was airlifted from Colombo to Vanni by the Sri Lanka air force.

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