The Norwegian Minister for International Development and chief facilitator for the Sri Lankan Peace Process, Mr. Erik Solheim, met Foreign Secretary Mr. Shyam Saran on January 27, 2006 to brief him on his just concluded visit to Sri Lanka.

The Government of India welcomes the decision by the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to hold talks in Geneva in February, 2006. The resumption of talks augurs well for the prospects of peace in Sri Lanka.

The Government of India reiterates its long-standing view in favour of a negotiated political settlement that meets the just aspirations of all communities and which respects the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.