Norway and Japan, the two key peace brokers for Sri Lanka, are due to spurn an uptick in diplomatic efforts to save the peace process between the government and the LTTE (Group Profile) that has been in place since the Oslo-brokered truce in February 2002 but on hold since April 2003. Since then, the government has accused the Tigers breaking the ceasefire truce by killing over 250 political opponents (Country Profile). While the LTTE denies the killings, various human rights groups have condemned them. Diplomats are urging both sides to revive the failing process.

Japanese envoy, Yasushi Akashi, will meet with several senior leaders, including the President, from October 27 through November 2 to urge both sides to resume stalled talks. He has ruled out a quick resumption of talks, alluding to possibly the summer of 2005. Akashi said, ?They want time to reflect on the contents of the negotiations. It?s important to have stable and fruitful discussions.? Armitage will meet with three senior Sri Lankan officials during his ambitious day-long visit, which is a part of a greater trans-Asia tour, as he is deeply interested in the peace process and intends to review the status of the process in his ?hands-on? approach. Norwegian negotiator, Eric Soldheim, is scheduled to visit again in November as well. Details of his travels have not yet been confirmed; however, speculation abounds that his visit is connected to a government proposal, potentially to discuss creating a federal state for peace, a move that the coalition partner (JVP) opposes. Norway has voiced concern about the nation slipping back to civil war, a ?lack of confidence? raised by Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey earlier this month.