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Thailand will host the peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, officials said on Friday.
The Norwegian-brokered peace talks, which follow a ceasefire signed by the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government in February, are expected to begin in the first week of May.
"Both parties to the conflict have agreed to holding the talks in Thailand," a statement read out by Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai and visiting Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vida Helgesen said.
"Negotiations will aim at reaching a political settlement to the conflict in Sri Lanka," the statement said.
"Both parties have shown determination in respecting the ceasefire agreement and expressed their willingness to commence direct negotiations within the coming months," it said.
Helgesen is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in mid-April to prepare the ground for talks.
PTI
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