06-11-2004, 06:16 PM
Major Tamil alliance hardens stance on self-rule in Sri Lanka 's northeast
Associated Press, Fri June 11, 2004 02:11 EDT . COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - (AP) A Tamil political alliance has told Sri Lanka - 's president that peace talks with Tamil Tiger rebels cannot resume until the government grants Tamils the right to self-rule in the island's northeast, a Web site reported Friday. The TNA demanded that self-rule be established in the northeast, where most of Sri Lanka - 's 3.2 million Tamils live, ``as a prelude to finding a lasting solution,'' TamilNet reported.
Kumaratunga's spokesman, Harim Peiris called the meeting ``positive'' and said the president was looking forward to more discussions, but he declined to comment on the TNA's demand.
Tamil Tiger rebels began fighting for a separate Tamil homeland in the north and northeast in 1983, accusing the majority Sinhalese of discrimination in education and jobs.
About 65,000 people were killed before Norway brokered a truce that halted the conflict in 2002. Subsequent peace talks broke down a year later when the rebels withdrew over demands for more autonomy in the regions they control, but the cease-fire has held firm.
The government has said it is willing to discuss the Tamils' demand for self-rule, but it wants a commitment from the rebels that they will simultaneously negotiate a permanent end to the conflict.
With 22 members, the TNA is the third largest political party in Parliament, where Kumaratunga's alliance heads a minority government.
Associated Press, Fri June 11, 2004 02:11 EDT . COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - (AP) A Tamil political alliance has told Sri Lanka - 's president that peace talks with Tamil Tiger rebels cannot resume until the government grants Tamils the right to self-rule in the island's northeast, a Web site reported Friday. The TNA demanded that self-rule be established in the northeast, where most of Sri Lanka - 's 3.2 million Tamils live, ``as a prelude to finding a lasting solution,'' TamilNet reported.
Kumaratunga's spokesman, Harim Peiris called the meeting ``positive'' and said the president was looking forward to more discussions, but he declined to comment on the TNA's demand.
Tamil Tiger rebels began fighting for a separate Tamil homeland in the north and northeast in 1983, accusing the majority Sinhalese of discrimination in education and jobs.
About 65,000 people were killed before Norway brokered a truce that halted the conflict in 2002. Subsequent peace talks broke down a year later when the rebels withdrew over demands for more autonomy in the regions they control, but the cease-fire has held firm.
The government has said it is willing to discuss the Tamils' demand for self-rule, but it wants a commitment from the rebels that they will simultaneously negotiate a permanent end to the conflict.
With 22 members, the TNA is the third largest political party in Parliament, where Kumaratunga's alliance heads a minority government.
<span style='font-size:20pt;line-height:100%'>Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.</span>