Switzerland welcomes the formal agreement on a ceasefire between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE). It acknowledges the considerable efforts taken by the parties to conclude this agreement.

The Swiss Government wishes to express its support for the peace process and notes with satisfaction the determination of the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE to find a negotiated solution to the conflict as stated in the preamble of the agreement.

Switzerland is confident that the two Parties will soon commence negotiations to this end and that they will reach a settlement which meets the aspirations of all the communities concerned. (DFA)