Hailing progress in Sri Lanka peace talks, Annan voices hope for lasting settlement

Hailing progress achieved in talks aimed at settling the conflict in Sri Lanka, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today voiced hope that the country's peace process would be completed through future negotiations.

In a statement released by his spokesman in New York, the Secretary-General welcomed the conclusion of the third round of Sri Lanka peace talks, during which the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) agreed to explore a solution founded on internal self-determination based on a federal structure within a united Sri Lanka.

“It is his earnest hope that further progress toward a lasting settlement acceptable to all communities will be made in future rounds,” the statement said, lauding both parties for their commitment to the peace process and praising Norway for its role as facilitator.