Sri Lankan President Says Door Still Open to Tamil RebelsSri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has said that the door was still open for separatist Tamil Tiger rebels to enter peace process in her war-torn country.Addressing the Armed Forces Gallantry Awards Presentation on Tuesday Kumaratunga said the dedication of the armed forces had paved the way for the government to reach the threshold of peace by reaching a decisive stage of the war. It was too premature to comment on peace prospects but the door was still open for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels, she was quoted by official Daily News as saying. Kumaratunga commended the services rendered by the armed forces to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the country. Homage should be paid to both those who laid down their lives and also to those who are continuing the fight. She also sought the support of the entire country to end the 18- year ethnic war with LTTE rebels who have been fighting against government forces in the north and east of the country for an independent Tamil state. Her remarks came after the LTTE announced on Monday a halt of their four-month unilateral ceasefire. Early this month the government said it would announce dates for peace talks with Tamil rebels by the end of this month. |
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