25 April 2004	Sunday	04 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

COLOMBO, April 24: President Kumaratunga will steer talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam immediately after a formal feedback from Killinochchi, presidential spokesperson Harim Peiris said on Friday , after the president spoke on telephone to Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik seeking a resumption of Oslo's role as facilitator.

The Norwegian president responded positively to the request. President Kumaratunga had contacted the Norwegian ambassador in Colombo, Hans Brattskar, with a request for resumption of Norway's facilitation soon after here party's victory in the April 2 elections.

Meanwhile, officials say that the Marxist JVP, now part of Ms Kumaratunga's Alliance government and critical of Norway's role, has been told by the UPFA hierarchy to 'be on their best behaviour' and keep shut.