Solheim says both parties agreed for unconditional talks

Norwegian Minister for International Development Erik Solheim told BBC Sandeshaya that both parties informed the facilitators of their willingness to come back to the table.

Speaking from Brussels after a meeting of Sri Lanka’s international donor co-chairs, he said the parties have agreed to hold talks in early October.

“The international community insisted that the two parties sit immediately and also stop violence,” Solheim told bbcsinhala.com.

The international community insisted that the two parties sit immediately and also stop violence Minister Solheim

Norway, Japan, EU and the US have urged the government to stop offensive military operations “with immediate effect” and the LTTE to stop attacks against the security forces.

Asked whether the parties have given assurances that the violence to be ceased, Minister Solheim said:

“On the basis that both parties have expressed willingness to come back to the table, we expect the violence will be stopped.”

A BBC correspondent in Colombo says this is a major breakthrough in efforts to halt Sri Lanka's escalating conflict.

It follows months of heavy fighting in the north and east of the island. More than two hundred thousand people have been displaced.