Sri Lankan government, LTTE peace talks reach dead end

GENEVA: The Sri Lankan government and the LTTE rebels failed to reach any major breakthrough in a new round of peace talks that ended today in an atmosphere clouded by new tensions in the Indian Ocean island nation.

The two days of talks ended on schedule without the two sides even agreeing on a date for a new round of talks, said Erik Solheim, Norway's minister for international development.

“No agreement was reached by the parties on how to address the humanitarian crisis,” Solheim said.

Hopes were slim from the outset that a 2002 Norwegian-brokered cease-fire could be revived, with both sides refusing to give way on key issues, including humanitarian access to the northern Jaffna Peninsula.

Earlier, an LTTE delegate taking part in peace talks warned of “serious consequences” if the island nation’s military advances while negotiations are under way.

“Our troops along the Northern Province defence line noticed a heavy military presence, and informants tell us they have imposed a curfew along the defence line,” the rebels' military spokesman, Rasiah Ilanthirayan, said.

“This is done in preparation for military operations. We are disappointed by the actions of the government. Exploitation ... for military advancement can cause serious consequences.”

Ilanthirayan did not spell out what the consequences of military action might be. Renewed fighting between the LTTE and government forces has killed 2,000 soldiers, rebels and civilians this year.