AT CONCLUSION OF THIRD ROUND OF SRI LANKA PEACE TALKS, SECRETARY-GENERAL

EXPRESSES HOPE FOR FURTHER PROGRESS TOWARDS LASTING SETTLEMENT

     The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

     The Secretary-General welcomes the conclusion of the third round of Sri Lanka peace talks, during which the Government of Sri Lanka 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 towards a lasting settlement acceptable to all communities will be made in future rounds.  The Secretary-General lauds both parties for their commitment to the peace process and Norway for its role as facilitator.

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