Lanka urges Iceland to recall diplomat

WASHINGTON DC: Iceland has tendered an unqualified apology to the Sri Lankan Government for the unauthorised meeting of its Foreign Ministry Minister Counsellor Bjarni Vestmann with the LTTE.

The apology follows a strong protest by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama regarding the action of the Counsellor when he met his Iceland counterpart Solrun Gisladortir in Washington DC on Wednesday.

The Minster also requested Gisladortir to ensure the diplomat’s immediate recall to Iceland.

During the meeting, the Iceland Foreign Minister emphasised that his Government has not authorised Vestmann to make any contact with any LTTE representative, which he has done much to their disappointment.

While noting the close relations between Sri Lanka and Iceland, Minister Gisladortir hoped for the continuation of this relationship.