UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes, speaking to reporters at the UN yesterday, confirmed that he has had talks with the LTTE over the past few weeks seeking the release of civilians trapped in the Safe Zone.

"I have had some contact with the LTTE. Not with those with actually on the ground but with those outside the area to make the point clear that they should not hold people against their will," he said.

Homes said the LTTE has responded by saying they are not holding people against their will and that these are people who went there voluntarily and have been there for many years and that the people themselves are not keen to leave.

Holmes further said the ousting of Norway by Sri Lanka was not a helpful step and added that the move however does not stop Norway from having talks with the LTTE.