Blair offers to mediate

Outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair, has offered to help resolve the Northern conflict in Sri Lanka after he steps down from office later this month.

The offer, diplomatic sources said last night, is contained in a letter he wrote to President Mahinda Rajapaksa two months ago on matters relating to the ethnic conflict. This is by playing a personal role as interlocutor in addition to Norway's facilitatory efforts.

Mr. Blair is scheduled to step down on June 27 after ending a long-standing and controversial career as Brtiain's Prime Minister. Earlier, an offer to play a similar role was also made by former United States President Bill Clinton.