Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Sri Lanka's Tamil Rebels Blames Military for Thwarting Peace Talks
Sri Lanka's separatist Tamil Tiger rebels have blamed that the military's continuing refusal to implement the terms of the permanent ceasefire agreement and the government's stance on the issue of de-proscription of the rebels are thwarting the holding of direct talks between the two sides.
Sri Lanka's separatist Tamil Tiger rebels have blamed that the military's continuing refusal to implement the terms of the permanent ceasefire agreement and the government's stance on the issue of de-proscription of the rebels are thwarting the holding of direct talks between the two sides.
Anton Balasingham, chief negotiator and political advisor of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) said that the militaryhas failed to meet mutually agreed deadlines for its withdrawal from schools, places of worship and public buildings in the Tamil dominated areas and is continuing to occupy these locations.
"The ceasefire and other goodwill measures on both sides are intended to build trust and confidence in the Norwegian peace initiative. However, the military's reneging on key aspects of thetruce along with its aggressive posture has undermined the peace process," he was quoted by Tamilnet website as telling London-based Tamil Guardian newspaper on Monday.
He said that the government's ban on the LTTE poses a serious obstacle to direct talks which are expected to be held in Thailandin June.
"We have consistently maintained that the LTTE cannot represent the Tamil people at negotiations whilst being banned," he added.
A delegation led by Vidar Helgesen, Norway's Deputy Foreign Minister, concluded their visit to Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Helgesen met President Kumaratunga and other ministers and tried to preparefor the agenda for the forthcoming peace talks.