Minister of Foreign Affairs Össur Skarphéðinsson told reporters that he believes the chances are good that British and Dutch authorities will come back to the negotiations table with regards to Icesave, emphasizing that a strong consensus between the ruling coalition and the opposition is necessary for negotiations to begin anew.
Skarphéðinsson spoke with British Foreign Minister David Miliband yesterday, and while he could not go into precise detail about what they discussed, that the conversation had been constructive. Skarphéðinsson said he made it clear that both the ruling coalition and the opposition were in agreement as to what the goals of the new negotiations should be.
Skarphéðinsson added that he believes the British foreign ministry has been more understanding of Iceland’s position than other ministries, saying that furthermore, the British are just more understanding people in general.
Every political party in Iceland appears ready to abandon the upcoming referendum on Icesave if the British and Dutch are ready to re-negotiate, with the exception of the Progressive Party, which wants the 200 million ISK referendum held, even if the current Icesave law is completely withdrawn.