05-20-2004, 11:47 PM
Tamil rebels say Sri Lankan peace talks will be delayed because of unresolved key differences
Associated Press, Thu May 20, 2004 03:52 EDT . KRISHAN FRANCIS - Associated Press Writer - COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - (AP) Stalled peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels will not resume soon because of unresolved key differences between the two sides, a senior guerrilla official said, reversing earlier optimism that talks were imminent. Pulithevan said Norwegian peace broker Eric Solheim is expected visit Sri Lanka - soon to try to settle the differences.
He said a rebel team will also visit Europe before the peace talks resume to meet constitutional experts and discuss a rebel blueprint for self-rule in the island's north and east.
The blueprint would give the rebels sweeping powers over law enforcement, tax collection, control over state land and other matters currently handled by the government. It also calls for the withdrawal of Sri Lanka - 's army from Tamil-owned lands and the right to receive foreign aid directly.
Kumaratunga previously rejected the blueprint.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam rebels began fighting in 1983 to create a separate state for minority Tamils, accusing the majority Sinhalese of discrimination.
About 65,000 people were killed in the conflict until the Norway-brokered cease-fire halted the fighting. The truce has largely held despite the deadlock in peace talks.
Associated Press, Thu May 20, 2004 03:52 EDT . KRISHAN FRANCIS - Associated Press Writer - COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - (AP) Stalled peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels will not resume soon because of unresolved key differences between the two sides, a senior guerrilla official said, reversing earlier optimism that talks were imminent. Pulithevan said Norwegian peace broker Eric Solheim is expected visit Sri Lanka - soon to try to settle the differences.
He said a rebel team will also visit Europe before the peace talks resume to meet constitutional experts and discuss a rebel blueprint for self-rule in the island's north and east.
The blueprint would give the rebels sweeping powers over law enforcement, tax collection, control over state land and other matters currently handled by the government. It also calls for the withdrawal of Sri Lanka - 's army from Tamil-owned lands and the right to receive foreign aid directly.
Kumaratunga previously rejected the blueprint.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam rebels began fighting in 1983 to create a separate state for minority Tamils, accusing the majority Sinhalese of discrimination.
About 65,000 people were killed in the conflict until the Norway-brokered cease-fire halted the fighting. The truce has largely held despite the deadlock in peace talks.
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