LTTE refused to talk to the govt. delegation in Oslo earlier this year

The Head of Sri Lanka Peace Secretariat (SCOPP) said the government has always been committed to resolve the national question through negotiations.

“We were however surprised of the announcement by the co-chairs that the talks were to commence in early October,” Dr. Palitha Kohona told BBC Sandeshaya.

Dr. Kohona said it is the government view that the international community should “exert adequate pressure” on the LTTE not to use the talks to “re-arm and re-group”.

Of course the parties should agree to both venue and regarding the modalities of the talks Norwegian peace envoy

“The LTTE should be genuine in their efforts to discuss a final solution aiming at achieving a lasting peace”.

Military affairs spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has earlier refused that the government agreed for unconditional talks with the LTTE.

The Norwegian facilitators also confirmed that the venue and the date of the talks to be agreed upon with the parties.

Special peace envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer told bbcsinhala.com that the facilitators are “trying their best” to commence the talks as soon as possible.

“Of course the parties should agree to both venue and regarding the modalities of the talks,” he said.

“This is an opportunity and the co-chairs urge the parties to grasp this opportunity as early as possible”.