Erik Solheim was appointed by the Norwegian government in March 2000 as facilitator. Since then he has met the various players in the conflict. Observers say that his commitment and understanding of the complex issues are assets in peacemaking. Mr Solheim was successful in meeting LTTE leader V Prabhakaran in the Vanni on 1 November, which paved the way for progress in the peace process. The Tigers agreed not to launch any attack in southern Sri Lanka. Mr Solheim won an important concession when the LTTE declared a unilateral ceasefire in December 2000. The Tigers ended the ceasefire in April, after the government not only failed to reciprocate but also launched military operations in the north.
The success of the Norwegian facilitator in extracting concessions from the LTTE seems to have surprised the government and he began to be viewed with suspicion. Prime minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake criticised him vehemently and indicated that he should withdraw. The government was enraged that Mr Solheim had presented the LTTE in positive light at a meeting with US Congressmen in Washington.
In May, the LTTE denied Foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar’s claims that an agreement had been reached between the Tigers and the government on peace talks, although some progress had been made. Mr Solheim confirmed LTTE’s position in a press interview on 11 May, considerably embarrassing Mr Kadirgamar. This was the last straw for the Sri Lankan Foreign minister.
Although Erik Solheim will continue in the four-member Norwegian peace team, it is unlikely that he will be a major player in the peace process. Observers say that it may be difficult in the future to find someone who would command the confidence of the LTTE, which means that peace is the loser.