“The Co-Chairs emphasise their belief that there is no military solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka, and reiterate their support for a negotiated settlement. They urge the Government of Sri Lanka to finalise a politically sustainable devolution plan,” the Co-chairs such as the US, the EU, Norway and Japan have said in a joint statement on Saturday.

Expressing their fullest support for a continued Norwegian role as facilitator, they expressed “deep concern about the human rights situation and protection of civilians in Sri Lanka, and call for continued monitoring of the human rights situation by such means as to assure an appropriate role for the UN”.

“They (the Co-chairs) urge all parties to comply with their obligations under international law to protect civilians and allow access by humanitarian aid agencies to populations in need,” the statement said issued by the Norwegian embassy on behalf of the Co-chairs here said.

The Co-chairs have also requested the Government of Sri Lanka to “provide access to the LTTE in Kilinochchi for representatives of the Co-Chairs and the facilitator.

The statement has come amidst continued fierce clashes in the north-western Mannar and northern Jaffna districts, leaving at least 85 combatants, including 66 LTTE cadres killed and several more on Saturday, according to claims by both parties.

Meanwhile, Japanese special peace envoy to Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi is due to arrive in Sri Lanka on Sunday for two-day talks with the government leaders. “He will discuss with the government the current situation of the peace process and its future,” the Japanese embassy here said in a statement.

Japan, the single largest aid donor, has already voiced deep concernexpressing fears that the move “would not only further stall the peace process but also worsen the conflict”.