If committed to peace LTTE should not attack unarmed soldiers- Govt. Chief negotiator tells Norwegian envoy
[Thursday, October 19, 2006 - 10.30 GMT]

Says govt. committed to peace despite events of this week

Government’s chief negotiator Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has told Norway’s Special envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer that the LTTE should not “attack unarmed soldiers and act in an irresponsible manner” if it is committed to the peace talks.

According to a statement released by the Ministry, the Minister had reassured the envoy of the Government’s commitment to peace talks despite the events of this week.

On Monday (16th) a suicide truck rammed a navy convoy at the Digampathana transit camp in Habarana and yesterday (18th) LTTE suicide boats attempted to destroy the Dakshina naval base in Galle. The Navy foiled the attempted by destroying three of the five LTTE boats.

Minister de Silva according to the statement asked Hanssen-Bauer to ensure through the international community that the LTTE would not pullout from peace talks by carrying out provocative attacks against the government. He emphasized that if the LTTE intended to come to peace talks, they should have the commitment and desire to hold peace talks like the Sri Lankan government.

It further says Minister de Silva had asked the Norwegian peace envoy to inform the LTTE leadership, not to consider the government's commitment to peace as a weakness.

Hanssen-Bauer is to meet the LTTE today at Kilinochchi.

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Last Updated Date: October 19, 2006 -  10.30 GMT