Text of Norwegian letter to Prabhakaran follows

[December 30, London, Sri Lanka Guardian] 

"Letter from Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs
"To Mr. Velupillai Prabhakaran, Leader, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam:
"Oslo,
16 August 2005
"Dear Mr. Prabhakaran


"As I am sure you realize, the peace process is now in a critical situation. The killings and counter-killings over the last few months have been watched with mounting concern by Norway and the international community. Along with the continued recruitment of children to the LTTE, this has created distrust about the LTTE´s intentions as regards the peace process.

"The assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar has exacerbated the situation. It is not up to Norway to draw conclusions about the criminal investigations now under way in Colombo, or on any other judicial matter in relation with the killings. However, public perception both in Sri Lanka and internationally is that the LTTE is responsible. This public perception is a political reality.

The LTTE needs to respond to this situation in a way that demonstrates continued commitment to the peace process.

"I see it as my obligation to make clear to you the political choice now facing the LTTE. If the LTTE does not take a positive step forward at this critical juncture, the international reaction could be severe.

"Against this backdrop I would ask you urgently to consider the following steps:

"1. To accept the Norwegian Government´s invitation to participate in a review of the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement in order to find practical ways of ensuring full compliance by both parties.

"2. To establish direct communications between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan Army in the east, in order to improve security.

"3. To accept without delay the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission proposal for transportation of LTTE cadres.

"4. To collaborate in a practical way with government initiatives to speed up reconstruction in the north and east. The LTTE´s continued commitment to the P-TOMS agreement is vital in this regard.


"5. To take effective steps to halt killings and to cease the recruitment of underage combatants.

"I trust that you appreciate the gravity of the present situation and will take steps to demonstrate to the international community that the LTTE is committed to the peace process.

"Yours sincerely,
"Jan Petersen