Solheim says no sign that two parties are ready to restart talks

Talks which the envoy, Erik Solheim, has held this week with both sides have failed to break a 20-month deadlock on restarting negotiations.

He has moved on to India to brief the authorities there on his discussions.

Sri Lanka's rival Muslim parties meanwhile have agreed to unite in the peace process, leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Rauff Hakeem said.

Muslims in the peace talks

Hakeem said the SLMC and the National Unity Alliance (NUA) led by Ferial Ashroff recently signed an agreement on the Muslim representations in the peace talks.

SLMC and NUA have agreed on Muslim representation

Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya after meeting Erik Solheim, SLMC leader also confirmed that the Norwegian special envoy was pessimistic over the resumption of peace talks in the near future.

The Sri Lankan government and rebels have not been able to establish an agenda for further talks: the Tamil Tigers want increased autonomy for the Tamil-controlled territories, while the government is insisting on a federal system.

Donor countries have accused a member of the Sri Lankan coalition government, the People's Liberation Front (JVP), of undermining the peace talks.

The JVP says it can only accept negotiations not based on the idea of a separate Tamil state.