Erik Solheim
Erik Solheim
Erik Solheimis a Norwegian politician for the Socialist Left Party. He is currently Executive Director of UNEP, the United Nations' Environment Programme. Solheim was leader of the Socialist Youth from 1977 to 1981, party secretary from 1981 to 1985, and member of the Parliament of Norway from 1989 to 2001. He was party leader from 1987 to 1997. He was appointed Minister of International Development in 2005 and also Minister of the Environment in 2007, and sat in both offices until...
both call concerned deeply recent sides stop
We are all deeply concerned with the recent escalation of violence. We call upon both sides to put a stop to the violence.
agreement difficult further high level life loss peace progress putting risk secure tragic violence
The high level of violence and the tragic loss of life are putting the cease-fire agreement at risk and will make it very difficult to secure further progress in the peace process.
elsewhere held
There may be a need for more meetings. They would be held in Switzerland or elsewhere in Europe.
realistic
Let us keep expectations at a realistic level.
major peace
It's completely insane, it is a major setback for the peace process,
agreed announce discuss happy parties
I'm happy to announce that the parties have agreed to discuss the ceasefire agreement.
april geneva meet parties strongly urge
I strongly urge the two parties to meet in Geneva on April 19 - 21 as planned.
agreed implement sides
Now the two sides will go back to Sri Lanka and implement what they have agreed during the talks.
agreed date tigers
A date has been agreed between the government, the Tigers and Oslo.
agreement both fire importance meet paramount parties start talks toward
It is of paramount importance that both parties should meet urgently and start talks toward consolidating the cease- fire agreement.
expect parties peace positive process putting small step taking towards
The parties are taking a small but very significant step towards putting the peace process back on a positive track. And we expect the negotiations to be tough.
advise complex enthusiasm necessary peace possibly specifics
There is real enthusiasm for peace but possibly not real enthusiasm for the necessary compromises. I would not advise on the specifics of the compromises. It's a complex matter.
achieved agreement confidence increasing parties
What should be achieved is increasing confidence between the parties and agreement for a new meeting.
expect geneva venue
We expect Geneva to be the venue for such a meeting.