Wednesday, December 28 2005 17:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Colombo: Expressing 'deep concern' over a series of recent attacks in Sri Lanka, peace broker Norway today (Dec 28, 2005) urged both the government and Tamil Tigers to hold talks immediately to salvage the ceasefire, which is at risk of collapse.

"The high level of violence and the tragic loss of life are putting the ceasefire agreement at risk and will make it very difficult to secure further progress in the peace process", Norway's Minister of International Development Erik Solheim said in a statement.

He said Norway was deeply concerned about the recent increase in violence, which claimed over 80 lives this month alone, and urged the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tigers to stop squabbling over a venue for holding talks to salvage the ceasefire.

Solheim asked the two sides to enter negotiations immediately.

The new government of President Mahinda Rajapakse, who is currently visiting India, wanted talks in Sri Lanka, a demand rejected by the Tigers who in turn wanted the parleys be held in Oslo.

The government then agreed to a compromise by suggesting to have talks at an Asian venue. But, the Tigers insisted that the negotiations must be held in Oslo only.

"The venue for a meeting is of no importance to Norway. What is important to us is that the government of Sri Lanka and the Tigers meet as soon as possible to discuss the ceasefire and the recent tragic and dangerous developments. There is no time to lose," Solheim said in the statement issued in Oslo and given to reporters in Colombo as well.

The Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE have the responsibility for safeguarding the Ceasefire Agreement that went into effect from February 23, 2002, he said.

"The two parties to the ceasefire must meet urgently to discuss ways and means to strengthen the implementation of the agreement. The focus should now be on the need to stop the bloodshed and prevent further loss of life. The ceasefire must be upheld to prevent the further escalation of violence.

"The GOSL (Government of Sri Lanka) and the LTTE should put aside the discussion on venue and meet face to face as soon as possible," Solheim stressed.