Refugees, not Tamil Tigers – Norway

(May 16, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Norwegian embassy issuing a press release today stated that the translation and representation of the article titled “Norway helps refugees leave Sri Lanka.” published by the Norwegian paper ‘Aftenposten’ in the local media contain some inaccuracies, such as referring to the refugees as members of the LTTE.

The full statement -

Several news media in Sri Lanka have carried a story originating in the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten titled “Norway helps refugees leave Sri Lanka.” The Norwegian embassy notes that the translation and representation of the article in local media contain some inaccuracies, such as referring to the refugees as members of the LTTE.

The Norwegian embassy is not at liberty to discuss individual cases; nonetheless, the following observations should be made:Applications for asylum in Norway are subject to strict rules. The cases are carefully examined to see if they qualify under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

It is not correct that the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo has secretly been helping 12 LTTE cadres out of the country, as reported by Sri Lankan media.

What is correct is that the Norwegian Embassy has assisted a limited number of people by processing their applications for asylum or other grounds for residency in Norway. This was done in accordance with international and Norwegian law, as well as with specific regulations from the Norwegian Ministry of Justice for such involvement of embassies on an exceptional basis. For this group of people, the embassy has not purchased tickets, nor has diplomatic staff escorted them to the airport. To the best of our knowledge, the embassy did not assist any LTTE-cadres.