Solheim wanted to provide President the “LTTE perspective” – Wikileaks
January 7, 2011 02:31 pm
A US Cable released by Wikileaks through Oslo-based newspaper- Aftenposten reveals that the then chief peace negotiator and Norwegian International Development Minister Erik Solheim conveyed to the US Embassy in Oslo that he intended to provide President Mahinda Rajapaksa the “LTTE perspective” during his visit to Colombo in January 2006.
Solheim is alleged to have stated that while he knows the President well and thinks highly of him, Rajapaksa in his view is unfamiliar with the complexities of the ethnic issues and needs to learn how to best move the peace process forward. “Solheim intends to provide Rajapaksa the ‘LTTE perspective.’” the Cable states.
Solheim has also told the US Embassy in Oslo that expectations in the Sri Lankan press have gotten way out of hand -- as if his visit would “save” the country. Solheim remarked that ironically, the same people who only two months ago were bad mouthing Norway and wanted to end the Norwegian mediation role were now counting on Solheim to get the peace process back on track, the cable reveals.
Cable excerpt;
C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000072
SIPDIS
FOR D AND P
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/20/2016
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, PINR, CE, SU, NO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR´S CALL ON DEVELOPMENT MINISTER SOLHEIM
Classified By: Ambassador Benson K. Whitney, Reason 1.4 b and d.
1. (C) Summary. The Ambassador made his introductory call on International Development Minister Erik Solheim January 19 and discussed Solheims upcoming trip to Sri Lanka, the state of play in Sudan, and the Ministers development priorities. Solheim stressed that he is eager to cooperate with the United States, noting that there is only so much Norway can do to promote peace around the world. Ultimately, U.S. pressure is usually needed to consolidate any process, Solheim commented. Essentially, Solheim envisions Norway having a “complementary role” to U.S. efforts. Solheim spoke highly of Deputy Secretary Zoellicks in-depth knowledge of Sudan and praised the United States for achieving the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Solheim welcomed the Ambassadors suggestion that we not only continue the close cooperation on Sri Lanka and Sudan but also identify new areas where we can work together to advance peace and development, although he did not see an increased Norwegian role in the Caucasus. Solheim bluntly explained that Norway needs to be cautious in its approach to the Caucasus given that it is Russias backyard. End summary.
Sri Lanka: Expectations for Solheim Trip “Too High” - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2. (C) Solheim, who is traveling to Colombo January 23-26 (with a planned stop in New Delhi on his way back to Oslo), commented that expectations in the Sri Lankan press have gotten way out of hand -- as if his visit would “save” the country. Solheim remarked that ironically, the same people who only two months ago were bad mouthing Norway and wanted to end the Norwegian mediation role were now counting on Solheim to get the peace process back on track. The Minister outlined two basic objectives for his visit: 1) “stabilize the ceasefire” and 2) meet the President in his new capacity with a view to getting him to fully understand how he can advance talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Solheim explained that he wants to get a recommitment to the cease-fire, reduce violations, and move the country away from the brink of war. He added, that while he knows the President well and thinks highly of him, Rajapaksa in his view is unfamiliar with the complexities of the ethnic issues and needs to learn how to best move the peace process forward. Solheim intends to provide Rajapaksa the “LTTE perspective.” On the question of getting the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE to the table, Solheim said that he hoped the parties would agree soon to a venue in Europe. While not ruling out Oslo, Solheim said that places like Sweden, Finland or Switzerland would be better. Solheim noted that he looked forward to comparing notes and discussing how best to advance the peace process with U/S Burns when they meet in Colombo.