An agreement of great importance - Petersen

THE parties in the peace process have entered into an agreement of great importance, said Norwegian Foreign Minister Jan Petersen commenting on the establishment by the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) of a joint management structure for the effective and equitable reconstruction and development of the tsunami-affected areas in the north and east of Sri Lanka.

This is the first time in over two decades of armed conflict that the parties have agreed to cooperate in a political-administrative structure that comprises the national, regional and district levels, the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo said yesterday.

"It is of major political significance that the parties after nearly a half-year of efforts have signed the agreement on the joint management structure. I congratulate the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam with today's signing", Petersen, said.

The Muslim population, which has been severely affected by both the conflict and the tsunami, will be represented in the joint management structure, he said.

The participation of Muslims will be essential for effective reconstruction after the tsunami and for efforts to achieve a lasting solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka, Petersen said.

It is important now that the parties rapidly establish the joint structure for the benefit of all persons affected by the tsunami, and that they make the most of this opportunity to build mutual confidence in the continued peace process though their cooperation on reconstruction.

In their endeavour, the parties need the active support of the international community, both in terms of economic and political backing.

It also remains critical that both parties strictly uphold the Ceasefire Agreement and that all Sri Lankans promote a peaceful environment for reconstruction.

The Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE have worked to agree upon the joint structure since early January. The negotiations have been facilitated by the Embassy of Norway in Colombo.

Visiting Sri Lanka, State Secretary Vidar Helgesen has participated in the discussions with President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and her government and with the LTTE.