The chief of the United Nations World Food Program and Norway's Foreign Minister have each announced plans to visit rebel-held areas of Sri Lanka.
U.N. officials said the country's government had initially refused to allow WFP head James Morris to visit areas held by Tamil Tiger rebels that were hit by last month's tsunami. The government later reversed its decision.
U.N. Chief Kofi Annan recently visited Sri Lanka, but he was asked not to tour rebel-held areas. Hundreds of Tamils later demonstrated and criticized the government for barring his trip.
Norway's foreign minister has also announced plans to visit Sri Lanka next week, and the head of the Tamil Tiger Rebels says he will meet with the him. Norway has brokered peace talks between the Tigers and the government. Those talks broke down last year over rebel demands for autonomy.
Some information provided by AP and AFP.
