"Attacks make their task more difficult but keep up our spirit"

Representatives from United States, Norway, EU and Japan are to meet in Oslo on Friday, Norway’s International Development Minister Erik Solheim told BBC Sanadeshaya.

The Norwegian facilitators will update India "constantly" of the situation in Sri Lanka after a suicide bomb attack on Sri Lanka army chief, General Sarath Fonseka, and the air attacks by Sri Lanka military on LTTE targets, he added.

'Lowest since 2002'

Describing the situation as “the lowest since 2002”, Minister Solheim said however the facilitators are “working hard” with the parties to get them back to the negotiating table.

I’m in touch with both parties who assured that they are committed to the CFA Erik Solheim

Tamil Tigers are accused of Tuesday’s suicide bomb attack on army commander and the Sri Lanka military has carried our air raids on LTTE targets on the second day after the attack.

Solheim, who was influential in getting the parties together for February 2002 Cease Fire Agreement (CFA), said the latest situation does not mean that the country is heading for an all out war.

Declaration of war

“I’m in touch with both parties who assured that they are committed to the CFA,” Solheim told bbcsinhala.com.

Parties need to give two weeks notice if they are to pull our from the truce, according to the CFA.

LTTE Trincomalee district political wing leader Elilan has questioned whether the government has declared war against the rebels as the military launched air attacks.

“Certainly this (attacks from both parties) is making our task more difficult but we keep up our spirit and will continue to work with the parties,” he added.