21 February, 2006 - Published 13:03 GMT

Geneva getting ready for talks

Norwegian facilitators are preparing the groundwork for Wednesday’s crucial talks between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tigers in Geneva, Switzerland.

The facilitators are discussing with the parties on the make-up of each delegation team and the agenda of the talks to be held in Chateau de Bosse castle.

Speaking from Geneva, a member of the government delegation Trade minister Jeyaraj Fernandopullai told BBC Sandeshaya that the facilitators are to decide which party to make opening remarks.

Cautious optimism

“Both parties are urging the facilitators to offer them opening speech,” he told bbcsinhala.com.

Two delegations who met unofficially on Tuesday had a cordial discussion, the minister added.

He also expressed cautious optimism that the talks would be a “good beginning”.

“There will be no winners or losers as this is not going to be a one-day cricket match,” Fernandopullai added.

The LTTE have insisted that the talks would be only focused on full implementing the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) signed on 22 February 2002.

But the government has indicated that the delegation would propose amendment to the truce.