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ASSESSMENTS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
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BACKGROUNDER
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ISLAMIST EXTREMISM & TERRORISM IN SOUTH ASIA
SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS/PROJECTS/REPORTS
NA
Statement:2002
Read more...
Date
Incidents
January - 3 
Senior Minister G.L. Peiris said on January 3 that the government was in the process of working out a formal truce arrangement that would be acceptable to the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and pave the way to find a solution to the protracted ethnic conflict. The immediate focus is
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Senior Minister G.L. Peiris said on January 3 that the government was in the process of working out a formal truce arrangement that would be acceptable to the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and pave the way to find a solution to the protracted ethnic conflict. The immediate focus is on confidence building, Peiris said at a Cabinet meeting. The Minister also warned that the issue was complex and, hence, problems could crop up from time to time.
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January - 9 
In a related development, the Norwegian delegation briefed President Chandrika Kumaratunga on the LTTE’s proposal for a formal cease-fire and easing of economic blockade on LTTE areas in the North and East. The President was earlier in the day briefed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, who had
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In a related development, the Norwegian delegation briefed President Chandrika Kumaratunga on the LTTE’s proposal for a formal cease-fire and easing of economic blockade on LTTE areas in the North and East. The President was earlier in the day briefed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, who had himself held talks with the Norwegian delegation on January 9.
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January - 10 
The Tamil delegation said Norway should impress upon the government that the proscription of the LTTE should be lifted immediately so that talks could commence soon. TNA leaders also said the government should speak to the LTTE. Stating that there should be no parallel negotiations with other Tamil
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The Tamil delegation said Norway should impress upon the government that the proscription of the LTTE should be lifted immediately so that talks could commence soon. TNA leaders also said the government should speak to the LTTE. Stating that there should be no parallel negotiations with other Tamil parties, the TNA said it too would not participate in the peace talks. Speaking to the LTTE alone would ensure that the negotiations were "focussed, purposeful and successful", the TNA told the Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister.
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January - 11 
Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgeson, said in Colombo, on January 11, that there was an increased level of confidence between the parties to the conflict, the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He thus expressed cautious optimism about the peace process moving fu
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Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgeson, said in Colombo, on January 11, that there was an increased level of confidence between the parties to the conflict, the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He thus expressed cautious optimism about the peace process moving further. The government and the LTTE have been locked in a war for over 18 years now, and have asked Norway to act as facilitator in the peace negotiations. Helgeson said that the proposed peace process would be challenging, and both parties would face difficulties in achieving success.
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January - 11 
Presidential Secretariat said President Kumaratunga fully supports the peace initiative of the United National Party (UNP)-led United National Front (UNF) government in finding a peace solution for the ethnic problem. The UNP is the arch-rival of the President’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
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Presidential Secretariat said President Kumaratunga fully supports the peace initiative of the United National Party (UNP)-led United National Front (UNF) government in finding a peace solution for the ethnic problem. The UNP is the arch-rival of the President’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
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January - 12 
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasingham, on January 12, said there was no basis in reports that LTTE and the government were considering Nepal as a venue for the peace negotiations. Balasingham told a Website that Nepal was logistically "completely un
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Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasingham, on January 12, said there was no basis in reports that LTTE and the government were considering Nepal as a venue for the peace negotiations. Balasingham told a Website that Nepal was logistically "completely unsuitable" as the venue. Reports in the media had earlier speculated that a city in southern India could be a venue for the talks. "Given the necessity for secure consultation on sensitive matters, regular face-to-face discussions [between teams and their leaderships in north and south Sri Lanka] must be practical," Balasingham added.
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January - 17 
Speaking during a press briefing on January 17, Cabinet spokesperson and Industrial Development Minister G L Peiris ruled out conceding to the demand for de-proscription, put forward by the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), saying that it was too early to comment on such matters. Earlie
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Speaking during a press briefing on January 17, Cabinet spokesperson and Industrial Development Minister G L Peiris ruled out conceding to the demand for de-proscription, put forward by the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), saying that it was too early to comment on such matters. Earlier, on January 15, LTTE’s political wing leader Thamil Chelvam told journalists visiting the Wanni area, that legitimacy was a prerequisite for any negotiations and could be achieved only by de-proscription of the outfit. Reacting to this, G L Peiris said that any preconditions demanded by the LTTE for peace negotiations would have to come through the proper channels and in this instance it would have to be via Norway which is the facilitator. He added that he was optimistic that the one-month cease-fires declared unilaterally by the government and the LTTE could be formalised and extended beyond January 24.
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January - 20 
The LTTE in a statement said that it hoped its gesture of "peace and goodwill'' would give the Norwegian facilitators adequate time to work out the terms and conditions for a mutually-agreed ad structured cease-fire with the Sri Lankan government.
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The LTTE in a statement said that it hoped its gesture of "peace and goodwill'' would give the Norwegian facilitators adequate time to work out the terms and conditions for a mutually-agreed ad structured cease-fire with the Sri Lankan government.
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January - 22 
Making a special statement to the Parliament on January 22, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that amendments to the local ban on the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) should be considered to go ahead with "the last chance" for resolving the ethnic conflict in the country. He howe
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Making a special statement to the Parliament on January 22, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that amendments to the local ban on the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) should be considered to go ahead with "the last chance" for resolving the ethnic conflict in the country. He however clarified that these amendments would have to be designed to ensure that it does no affect the ban imposed on the LTTE by other countries. US, UK and India are among the countries that have termed the LTTE as a terrorist outfit and banned its operations in their territory. The LTTE has demanded that the proscription imposed by the Sri Lankan government must be lifted to ensure that the outfit can ‘legitimately’ participate in the peace process. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe also said that the opportunity to reach a political solution to the ethnic conflict in the country’s north-east region should not be ruined by resorting to narrow political gains. He added that the separate decisions of the LTTE and the government for unilateral cessation of hostilities should be brought together into "a common agreement which would pave the way for talks".
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January - 23 
Reacting to the Prime Minister’s indication that the ban imposed on LTTE may be reviewed, LTTE’s chief negotiator and political advisor, Anton Balasingham, welcomed the development on January 23. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, making a special address in the Parliament on January 22 had indica
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Reacting to the Prime Minister’s indication that the ban imposed on LTTE may be reviewed, LTTE’s chief negotiator and political advisor, Anton Balasingham, welcomed the development on January 23. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, making a special address in the Parliament on January 22 had indicated that his government was considering a review of the ban on the outfit. Balasingham said that the de-proscription of LTTE was a long-standing impediment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
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February - 3 
A senior leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on February 3, accused "elements" in the Sri Lankan Army and paramilitary groups of attempting to scuttle peace negotiations between the LTTE and the government. Addressing a press conference in Kokkaddicholai near Batticaloa, Karikalan
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A senior leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on February 3, accused "elements" in the Sri Lankan Army and paramilitary groups of attempting to scuttle peace negotiations between the LTTE and the government. Addressing a press conference in Kokkaddicholai near Batticaloa, Karikalan, deputy leader of LTTE’s political wing also denied reports that the outfit was forcing youth to join the outfit. He said that in response to the November 2000 unilateral cease-fire offered by the outfit, the Army launched one of its biggest offensive against the LTTE. He added that currently, the army is recruiting more personnel, the Navy is buying offensive equipment and a minister is promoting a hundred day development programme for the army.
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February - 8 
According to government sources, the Norwegian delegation on February 8, has finalised a draft agreement between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which will pave the way for a permanent cease-fire. Sources said that the delegation held a last minute meeting with Constit
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According to government sources, the Norwegian delegation on February 8, has finalised a draft agreement between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which will pave the way for a permanent cease-fire. Sources said that the delegation held a last minute meeting with Constitutional Affairs Minister Prof. G L Peiris and Minister Milinda Moragoda on the draft at Visumpaya before leaving the country ending their two-day deliberations with senior leaders of the government. They also met Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe on February 7. Addressing the weekly Cabinet press briefing on February 7, Peiris said that the agreement would specifically mention the responsibilities of both sides with regard to the conditions of a permanent cease-fire. The agreement is to be signed before February 24, the date on which the ongoing period of unilateral cessation of hostilities ends.
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February - 21 
A news report on February 21 said that the Sri Lankan government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are to sign an indefinite Cessation of Hostilities agreement in Vavuniya on February 22 as a prelude to peace talks expected to commence within the next two months. The report, citi
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A news report on February 21 said that the Sri Lankan government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are to sign an indefinite Cessation of Hostilities agreement in Vavuniya on February 22 as a prelude to peace talks expected to commence within the next two months. The report, citing official sources, said that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will travel to Vavuniya to sign the agreement while LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran is expected to sign it on LTTE’s behalf. According to the report, the agreement is expected to be signed at a venue close to the Thandikulam check point. The agreement when signed, will formalise unilateral cease-fires declared by each side on December 25, 2001 and extended for a further one month on January 25, 2002. It would be the first between the two parties after another agreement signed in 1995 ended within 100 days. According to the report, the current cease-fire is expected to be along the same lines as that of the 1995 agreement with two differences. Firstly, the mediators in the dispute, Norway, would also monitor the agreement and the two sides would have to give a two-week notice if they are to pull out of the agreement. Another news report on February 21, however, said that the Leader of the House in Sri Lanka’s Parliament assured members that the prospective Cease-fire Agreement with the LTTE would be opened for debate in the house after it is finalised. The Minister has not been reported saying if the agreement would be signed with the LTTE before or after approval of the Parliament.
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February - 22 
After signing the ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cessation of Hostilities’ on February 22, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed editors of national newspapers saying that the government has no alternative but to negotiate with the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He was
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After signing the ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cessation of Hostilities’ on February 22, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed editors of national newspapers saying that the government has no alternative but to negotiate with the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He was answering a question on whether the LTTE could be trusted in view of the clash between its cadre and Navy personnel on February 22 in which three personnel including an officer were killed. The Prime Minister also clarified that the cease-fire agreement did not address the issue of de-proscription of the LTTE adding that this matter would emerge only later in the peace process. Commenting on the agreement, he said that it pertained exclusively to a cessation of hostilities and added that it would not endanger national security and Sri Lankan troops would continue to be on a high alert. The memorandum did not extend to the seas and the navy had every right to intercept vessels bringing in arms. It also prohibits abductions. Clarifying on the provision that armed LTTE cadres would be permitted to move into government-held areas, he said that everyone entering cleared areas would have to pass through certain checkpoints where their identity would be registered. He was clarifying concerns that the provision would eventually aid LTTE in smuggling weapons into government-held areas which could then be occupied by armed LTTE cadres. The Premier also stressed that the agreement had been reached after exhaustive consultations with the armed forces and police. Earlier, the Prime Minister visited Omanthai at the checkpoint which divides government and LTTE-controlled areas. The Prime Minister has also said that he will reveal all details of the agreement to the media at a press conference scheduled for February 24.
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February - 22 
President Chandrika Kumaratunga issued a statement, on February 22, expressing her unhappiness at the procedure adopted by the Prime Minster in concluding the ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cessation of Hostilities’ with the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which was signed on Fe
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President Chandrika Kumaratunga issued a statement, on February 22, expressing her unhappiness at the procedure adopted by the Prime Minster in concluding the ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cessation of Hostilities’ with the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which was signed on February 22. The Prime Minister visited her in Colombo on February 21 after the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran had signed the MoU and informed her that he was due to sign it on February 22. She expressed "surprise and concern that she was being informed for the first time of the contents of the agreement after it was signed by the LTTE chief and just a few hours before the prime minister proposed to put his signature on it." The President’s statement added that she is of the opinion that "the procedures followed … ignoring constitutional provisions to obtain Presidential approval, as well as not informing the Cabinet, is considered improper and undemocratic". The statement added that the President was concerned about some provisions of the agreement and "A detailed response to the MOU will be released in a few days time by the office of the President, after careful study".
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February - 22 
Several countries have welcomed the concluding of the ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cessation of Hostilities’ between the Sri Lankan government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on February 22. The MoU was announced by Norwegian Foreign Minister Jan Petersen whose country
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Several countries have welcomed the concluding of the ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cessation of Hostilities’ between the Sri Lankan government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on February 22. The MoU was announced by Norwegian Foreign Minister Jan Petersen whose country has been playing the role of a mediator between the government and the LTTE in the peace process. India, the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan released statements urging a negotiated settlement to Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict. A statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs said that "This MoU will provide an opportunity to both sides to move forward towards a substantive dialogue for a negotiated political settlement of the ethnic conflict in a manner which would meet the aspirations of all sections of Sri Lankan society and restore lasting peace in that country." Welcoming the MoU, a US official spokesperson said that a "political solution to this conflict in the context of an undivided Sri Lanka would be welcomed by the international community. If Sri Lankans constructively approach talks and show a willingness to compromise, we believe peace can return".
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February - 22 
The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Jan Petersen, in a press conference at Oslo formally announced a ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cessation of Hostilities’ between the Sri Lankan government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on February 22. Norway has been playing the role of
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The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Jan Petersen, in a press conference at Oslo formally announced a ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cessation of Hostilities’ between the Sri Lankan government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on February 22. Norway has been playing the role of a mediator between the government and the LTTE in the peace process. The MoU formalises the unilateral cease-fires being observed by the two parties since December 24, 2001. The announcement was made after the Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Jon Westborg, had obtained the signatures of the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran on February 21 and the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on February 22 at separate locations. On February 21, the Norwegian Ambassador had been flown in a government Air Force helicopter to the LTTE’s political administrative office in Kilinocchi where the LTTE chief, Velupillai Prabhakaran signed the agreement. He then returned to Vavuniya where the Prime Minister signed the Agreement on February 22. A committee comprising Scandinavian countries - Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland - as well as representatives of the government and LTTE will monitor the implementation of the agreement. During his press conference announcing the cease-fire which took effect from 00:00 hours on February 23, the Norwegian Foreign Minister said that "The overall objective of the parties (to the cease-fire) is to find a negotiated solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka…Through this formalized ceasefire the parties commit themselves to putting an end to the hostilities. They commit themselves to restoring normalcy for all the inhabitants of Sri Lanka, whether they are Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims or others. And they commit themselves to accepting an international monitoring mission, led by Norway, which will conduct on site monitoring". Giving details of the agreement, the statement said that: "First, it outlines the modalities of the ceasefire, including the total cessation of all offensive military operations, the separation of forces and increased freedom of movement for unarmed troops on both sides. Second, measures to restore normalcy for all the inhabitants of Sri Lanka - Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and others - putting an end to hostile acts against civilians, allowing the unimpeded flow of non-military goods, opening roads and railway lines and a gradual easing of fishing restrictions. Third, a small international monitoring mission, led by Norway. The mission will conduct international on-site monitoring of the fulfilment of the commitments made by the parties. Let me underline, however, that it is up to the parties to respect the agreement and to impose sanctions on those individuals on either side who act contrary to the agreement."
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February - 24 
Media reports from Sri Lanka, quoting unidentified sources in the Prime Minister’s office said, on February 24, Parliament will be reconvened "as early as possible to debate" the cease-fire signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) rebels. 40 Members of Parliament
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Media reports from Sri Lanka, quoting unidentified sources in the Prime Minister’s office said, on February 24, Parliament will be reconvened "as early as possible to debate" the cease-fire signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) rebels. 40 Members of Parliament (MPs) belonging to the Marxist Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the Opposition People's Alliance (PA) have already submitted a memorandum calling for reconvening Parliament to discuss the cease-fire agreement. Reports indicate that the debate could be held on March 5. Other reports from the Presidential Secretariat said, "President Chandrika Kumaratunga did not attend the two cabinet meetings held (on) Wednesday and Thursday (January 20 and 21) to discuss the cease-fire agreement between the UNF (United National Front) government and (the) LTTE, as she had not been notified in advance."
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February - 24 
Addressing the media in Colombo, on February 24, at a press conference called to explain the cease-fire agreement between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) rebels, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said there was no question of repealing the Prevention of Terrorism (PTA
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Addressing the media in Colombo, on February 24, at a press conference called to explain the cease-fire agreement between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) rebels, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said there was no question of repealing the Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) Act. He, however, added that it was not correct to place too many conditions, restrictions and prohibitions on the LTTE, which he opined "would prevent them (LTTE) from coming to the negotiating table. Once they come to the table we must discuss what they want," the Prime Minister said. He also said that a decision on lifting the ban on the LTTE will be taken only at a later date. He said there was every necessity for bridging the differences in the type of devolution that the LTTE is aspiring for and the position of the main political parties, among which there already exists a broad consensus. He said "there cannot be any constitutional arrangements that would lead to the separation of the country. There cannot be different armed groups operating. We want one Sri Lanka. We want all to be Sri Lankan citizens. This concept should be first accepted. Thereafter we must work for best solution."
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February - 24 
In a separate development, the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP), on February 24, urged Kumaratunga and leaders of other political parties to desist from making any moves that would derail the fledgling peace process. "The ceasefire agreement that came into force with the signing of MoU … was the best
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In a separate development, the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP), on February 24, urged Kumaratunga and leaders of other political parties to desist from making any moves that would derail the fledgling peace process. "The ceasefire agreement that came into force with the signing of MoU … was the best of its kind so far. The President of the country and other political parties should not engage in any acts which could instill fear among the general public," LSS p leader Weerakone said in a statement.
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February - 26 
Hard-line, nationalist Sihala Urumaya (SU) leader Tilak Karunaratne said in Colombo on February 26, that his party would pressurise President Chandrika Kumaratunga to annul the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels. He a
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Hard-line, nationalist Sihala Urumaya (SU) leader Tilak Karunaratne said in Colombo on February 26, that his party would pressurise President Chandrika Kumaratunga to annul the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels. He also let it known that he would move the courts against the agreement on the contention that the agreement was in contravention of the Constitution of Sri Lanka. The SU has also decided to hold an agitation campaign on March 2 against the agreement in Colombo.
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March - 1 
An estimated 30,000 Tamils gathered in Vavuniya and took part in the self-determination rally, reports said on March 1. Speaking at the rally, Cabinet Minister for Plantation Community Development P. Chandrasekeran said it was incorrect to divide the Tamils in Sri Lanka as up-country and northeast T
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An estimated 30,000 Tamils gathered in Vavuniya and took part in the self-determination rally, reports said on March 1. Speaking at the rally, Cabinet Minister for Plantation Community Development P. Chandrasekeran said it was incorrect to divide the Tamils in Sri Lanka as up-country and northeast Tamils and declared that armed struggle and politics were inseparable. Also addressing the rally, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) representing Vanni, Selvam Adaikalanathan said, "If the Sri Lankan state cheats at the peace negotiations this time all of us should join the Liberation Tigers to fight for independent Eelam". He added that the rights bestowed upon the Tamils were their ‘basic rights’ which were won through "the force of arms" by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) but not "concessions of compassion" by the Sri Lankan government.
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March - 1 
Sri Lanka’s President Chandrika Kumaratunga castigated as "improper and unconstitutional" her Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe’s government signing a truce agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels, pro-Tamil sources said on March 1. She blamed the Prime Minister for the ‘
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Sri Lanka’s President Chandrika Kumaratunga castigated as "improper and unconstitutional" her Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe’s government signing a truce agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels, pro-Tamil sources said on March 1. She blamed the Prime Minister for the ‘friction’ between her office and Parliament and added that certain clauses in the truce agreement impinged upon the national security of the country and these have to be reviewed by the Commanders of the Armed Forces and the National Security Council, she said. She was particularly critical that the agreement did not contain provisions pertaining to commencement of negotiations. The President said, "I note that the Agreement deals substantially with questions concerning the cease-fire and humanitarian and confidence building measures, while making no reference at all to the important political issues that would have to be addressed, while the cease-fire is in place", and added, "The present agreement does not include any indication, let alone a commitment, that the LTTE agrees to come to the negotiating table and talk of the essential and substantive issues. This gives me reason for concern." She was also critical of the powers granted to Norway as the monitor of the cease-fire, which she opined eroded the sovereignty of Sri Lanka..
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March - 2 
The LTTE accused President Chandrika Kumaratunga and her adviser Laksman Kadirgamar of conspiring to sabotage the 'Memorandum of Understanding' on a cease-fire between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE brokered by Norwegian facilitators. Reacting to President Kumaratunge's March 1 criticism o
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The LTTE accused President Chandrika Kumaratunga and her adviser Laksman Kadirgamar of conspiring to sabotage the 'Memorandum of Understanding' on a cease-fire between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE brokered by Norwegian facilitators. Reacting to President Kumaratunge's March 1 criticism of the MoU, the LTTE's chief negotiator and the political strategist Anton Balasingham, on March 2, termed the President's response as "irresponsible, injurious and ill-advised." He added that "the central arguments advanced by President Kumaratunga were based on pathological hatred, bitterness and paranoia rather than on any discrepancies in the logical structure of the cease-fire document… Her argument that certain articles in the truce agreement have compromised the island's sovereignty and national security is untenable and fallacious. The concepts and categories employed in the cease-fire document such as 'forward defence localities', 'demarcation lines', 'areas controlled by the parties', 'check points on the line of control' do correspond and reflect the actuality of the ground situation and have been formulated with the consent of the parties concerned after careful scrutiny. To argue that these categories are 'highly evocative expressions' capable of 'destabilising the region' and linking them to Kashmir conflict is preposterous and ridiculous," Mr Balasingham observed.
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March - 3 
Speaking in Trincomalee, on March 3, , Tamil National Alliance Member of Parliament Selvam Adaikalanathan representing Vanni said a campaign needs to be launched to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act in Tamil dominated areas––the Northeast province and in Upcountry areas in the Central province.
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Speaking in Trincomalee, on March 3, , Tamil National Alliance Member of Parliament Selvam Adaikalanathan representing Vanni said a campaign needs to be launched to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act in Tamil dominated areas––the Northeast province and in Upcountry areas in the Central province. "The proposed campaign should be organized in the form of hartal (general shut down of schools, shops and government offices) or fasting," Adaikalanathan added.
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March - 4 
Speaking in Sri Lanka’s Parliament during the debate on the permanent cease-fire agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said, on March 4, the agreemen was not aimed at arriving at a final political solution to the national problem, but
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Speaking in Sri Lanka’s Parliament during the debate on the permanent cease-fire agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said, on March 4, the agreemen was not aimed at arriving at a final political solution to the national problem, but took them ‘half way down the road’. It would help In meeting the concerns expressed by the LTTE and in addressing important issues raised by the Tamils on discrimination, he said. Stating that the agreement paved the way for talks about talks, he added, "It should be seen as a reasonable and practical foundation on which a political solution to this seemingly intractable problem can be built upon and not as an end in itself," the PM told the House. The Prime Minister also said that elements in Sri Lanka had earlier opposed India’s role in bringing peace following an agreement between the two governments in deploying the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). Pointing that it was a ‘mistake’, he urged that a similar mistake should be repeated. His remarks came in the wake of opposition to the agreement and the Norwegian role from the People’s Alliance, the Jantha Vimukthi Peramuna and Sinhala right-wing elements.
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March - 5 
Cabinet spokesperson and Minister Professor G. L. Peiris said in Parliament on March 5 that the government was awaiting the approval from President Chandrika Kumaratunga of a list of nine government-opposition sponsored nominees for the Constitutional Council, and the intimation of the name of her n
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Cabinet spokesperson and Minister Professor G. L. Peiris said in Parliament on March 5 that the government was awaiting the approval from President Chandrika Kumaratunga of a list of nine government-opposition sponsored nominees for the Constitutional Council, and the intimation of the name of her nominee. The approval/appointment would pave the way for the creation Independent Commissions. The government sent its communication on February 21, and the delay in the reply from the President in incomprehensible and inexplicable, Prof. Peiris said. The independent commissions will oversee the elections office, public services, judicial service and the police department as pledged by the ruling United Front government during its November-December 2001 election campaign. The Constitutional Council was founded under the 17th amendment to the Constitution under the previous People's Alliance government.
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March - 5 
Government spokesperson and Cabinet Minister Prof. G L Peiris said, on March 5, at a press briefing that the cease-fire agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels was meant to create an environment conducive for commencement of talks between the government and the LTTE and tha
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Government spokesperson and Cabinet Minister Prof. G L Peiris said, on March 5, at a press briefing that the cease-fire agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels was meant to create an environment conducive for commencement of talks between the government and the LTTE and that the talks would begin within the next 70 days. He refuted the criticism of the agreement by President Chandrika Kumaratunga and said the language used in the agreement was the same as that used in the earlier 1995-agreement signed by her with the LTTE, but the present agreement has several changes. He said, "The cessation of hostilities prepared in April last year was not implemented as the two parties were unable to reach an agreement", and went on to add, "We are not ready to repeat the same mistake this time too". He said it was necessary to define lines of demarcation so as to effectively implement the agreement and added that LTTE vessels smuggling arms would surely be intercepted and the agreement did not forbade this.
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March - 5 
Three foreign cease-fire monitors already in Sri Lanka are scheduled to meet, on March 6 or March 7, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, at his headquarters in Vanni, government spokesman and Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris said in Colombo, on March 5. Six more observe
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Three foreign cease-fire monitors already in Sri Lanka are scheduled to meet, on March 6 or March 7, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, at his headquarters in Vanni, government spokesman and Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris said in Colombo, on March 5. Six more observers from Nordic countries are due to arrive on March 6. Thereafter, within the next few days, more monitors would be arriving in Sri Lanka taking their total strength to 18, reports said. The Monitoring Mission will establish six local monitoring committees that will function at the district level. Members of the committees will be appointed by the Sri Lankan government, the LTTE and Norwegian government, reports said.
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March - 5 
People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), an organisation that has sought to uphold the people's right to free and fair elections and to a democratic society, said in a press release on March 5, that it would help set up people's committees at the village level throughout the country in
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People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), an organisation that has sought to uphold the people's right to free and fair elections and to a democratic society, said in a press release on March 5, that it would help set up people's committees at the village level throughout the country in support of the cease-fire agreed to between the government and the LTTE rebels.
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March - 6 
Addressing her Sri Lanka Freedom Party activists in Kandy, President Chandrika Kumaratunga said, on March 6, declared her unstinted support for the peace process being pursued by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe as long as it would not end up in creating a separate Tamil Eelam (state). Noting tha
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Addressing her Sri Lanka Freedom Party activists in Kandy, President Chandrika Kumaratunga said, on March 6, declared her unstinted support for the peace process being pursued by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe as long as it would not end up in creating a separate Tamil Eelam (state). Noting that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have not yet publicly shed their demand for Eelam, the President said Sri Lanka would have to conduct a strong publicity campaign abroad if it was to work out a peace arrangement with the LTTE short of granting Eelam. She leveled the criticism that the cease-fire agreement between the government and the LTTE did not contain provisions on the LTTE laying down arms or giving up its demand for Eelam are essential pre-conditions for talks to be held the President said.
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March - 6 
Another report said Ven. Samitha Thera, a Buddhist monk who was elected Member of Parliament, incidentally the first to be so—elected, has asked clerics and everyone across the country to support the peace process initiated by Prime Minister Ranil lWickremasinghe, the state-owned Daily News said, on
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Another report said Ven. Samitha Thera, a Buddhist monk who was elected Member of Parliament, incidentally the first to be so—elected, has asked clerics and everyone across the country to support the peace process initiated by Prime Minister Ranil lWickremasinghe, the state-owned Daily News said, on March 6. The Ven. Thera said, the Lanka Sama Samaj Party (LSSP) which he represented had never wavered on its position as regards devolution. He observed that the cease-fire agreement should be operative only for a limited period so that real peace talks should commence speedily.
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March - 6 
At an hour-long meeting with the Norwegian chief cease-fire monitor and retired Army General Trond Furuhovede in Killinochci, northern Sri Lanka, on March 6, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran praised the untiring efforts of Norway to bring peace to Sri Lanka. He a
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At an hour-long meeting with the Norwegian chief cease-fire monitor and retired Army General Trond Furuhovede in Killinochci, northern Sri Lanka, on March 6, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran praised the untiring efforts of Norway to bring peace to Sri Lanka. He added that the cease-fire agreement laid a strong foundation for the peace process and a negotiated settlement. Prabhakaran urged for speedy opening up of the main A 9 Highway and assistance in the LTTE‘s massive project to de-mine the Vanni region so as to help resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced Tamils.
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March - 8 
Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Austin Fernando said on March 8 that a check-point would be set up at Muhamalai which would thus facilitate the full opening of the Jaffna-Kandy main Highway No. A 9, Daily News said, on March 9. Muhamalai is southern-most point in government controlled areas along the
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Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Austin Fernando said on March 8 that a check-point would be set up at Muhamalai which would thus facilitate the full opening of the Jaffna-Kandy main Highway No. A 9, Daily News said, on March 9. Muhamalai is southern-most point in government controlled areas along the route. The Jaffna-Kandy highway was opened for civilians up to Kilinochchi with an entry point being set up at Omanthai, on February 15. The complete opening of A 9 Highway has been planned for after 30 days from the 'D' day of the cease-fire Agreement.
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March - 9 
The Vanni Commander of the Sri Lankan Army (SLA), at a meeting on March 9 at the Vavuniya Headquarters, asked Tamil paramilitary groups to surrender any firearms in their possession before March 11, tomorrow morning. The Commander informed representatives of the Peoples Liberation Organization of
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The Vanni Commander of the Sri Lankan Army (SLA), at a meeting on March 9 at the Vavuniya Headquarters, asked Tamil paramilitary groups to surrender any firearms in their possession before March 11, tomorrow morning. The Commander informed representatives of the Peoples Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO) and Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF) should be handed over by the deadline. The Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) did not attend the meeting. The SLA’s directives follow a formal, written understanding between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). As per the cease-fire agreement reached between the two, on February 22, all Tamil paramilitary groups would have either surrender their arms or join the SLA as regulars to be posted in areas away from the North and the East.
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March - 11 
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief negotiator and ideologue Anton Balasingham told www.tamilnet.com in London, on March 11, that any of the LTTE cadres found violating the terms, conditions, ground rules and other modalities of the cease-fire agreed upon with the government would be sever
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Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief negotiator and ideologue Anton Balasingham told www.tamilnet.com in London, on March 11, that any of the LTTE cadres found violating the terms, conditions, ground rules and other modalities of the cease-fire agreed upon with the government would be severely punished. He denied accusations that the LTTE was acting in a way that would jeopardise the peace process. "Those (LTTE) members who are found guilty of violating the cease-fire will be severely punished," Balasingham warned. Commenting on the US statement that the LTTE was committing cease-fire violations and that it had ‘credible information’ of the same, Balasingham said, "We wish to assure the US government that the LTTE is sincerely and seriously committed to peace and to a peace process aimed at a negotiated political settlement".
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March - 13 
The head of a cease-fire monitoring mission (CMM) in Sri Lanka said on March 13 said the truce was moving ahead but warned that the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would need the will to overcome expected setbacks. Retired Norwegian Major-General Trond Furuhovde cauti
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The head of a cease-fire monitoring mission (CMM) in Sri Lanka said on March 13 said the truce was moving ahead but warned that the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would need the will to overcome expected setbacks. Retired Norwegian Major-General Trond Furuhovde cautioned both sides that there would be reverses. He said 13 monitors from Norway, Finland and Sweden had arrived and the number would quickly rise to 22 and possibly more, as district offices were set up.
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March - 14 
Defence Minister Thilak Marapane, on the other hand, defended the LTTE against charges of cease-fire violations levelled by the United States, saying that he had not heard of any adverse reports against the LTTE after the mutually agreed indefinite truce began in February. Terming the allegation
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Defence Minister Thilak Marapane, on the other hand, defended the LTTE against charges of cease-fire violations levelled by the United States, saying that he had not heard of any adverse reports against the LTTE after the mutually agreed indefinite truce began in February. Terming the allegations of child conscription, abductions and extortion by the LTTE as "unconfirmed gossip", Marapane told the BBC radio's Sinhala service that the government had no evidence.
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March - 14 
Lars Tio Beck, a Swede, and Ola Kristian Hegge, a Norwegian, both members of the Cease-fire Monitoring Mission (CMM) visited Batticaloa on March 14, on a familiarisation visit. The CMM will have teams of monitors representing Scandinavian countries, the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil
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Lars Tio Beck, a Swede, and Ola Kristian Hegge, a Norwegian, both members of the Cease-fire Monitoring Mission (CMM) visited Batticaloa on March 14, on a familiarisation visit. The CMM will have teams of monitors representing Scandinavian countries, the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to monitor the implementation of the permanent cease-fire between the government and the LTTE, agreed to on February 22. There would be 22 foreign monitors and some of them have already arrived in Sri Lanka. Monitors Beck and Hegge said, "We would try our best to solve problems arising in connection with the cease-fire agreement at the local level."
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March - 14 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's historic visit to Jaffna on March 14 has been received with much praise by political parties based in the North. Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Youth Wing leader and Jaffna TNA Parliamentarian Mavai Senathirajah said the TNA hopes that the visit by the
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's historic visit to Jaffna on March 14 has been received with much praise by political parties based in the North. Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Youth Wing leader and Jaffna TNA Parliamentarian Mavai Senathirajah said the TNA hopes that the visit by the premier would help Sinhala and Tamil people to revive their traditional ties.
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March - 14 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) termed as "a bold step on the part of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe" about his decision to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on permanent cessation of hostilities, though President Chandrika Kumaratunga holds the position of the Commander-in-Chief
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) termed as "a bold step on the part of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe" about his decision to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on permanent cessation of hostilities, though President Chandrika Kumaratunga holds the position of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Karikalan, the deputy leader of LTTE’s political wing for Ampara and Batticaloa districts, in a media interview stated that the move gave them confidence that further bold steps of similar nature would emerge during the peace talks. Speaking further, he refuted the allegation by some parties that the LTTE was using the cease-fire period to strengthen itself. "We didn't go for peace talks neither at a weaker position nor to strengthen ourselves. Peace signals were sent to the government only after capturing the Elephant Pass Army Base by chasing out Jayasikuru forces" he added. Referring to statements made by Tamil paramilitary groups about their safety in the absence of arms, he said those who don't wish to hand over arms should leave the North-East. Regarding the proposal to hold the peace talks in India, he said he hopes India would agree.
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March - 14 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on March 14 criticised the US Administration stating that it has no authority to issue a statement evaluating the success of the implementation of the cease-fire agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The Allianc
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on March 14 criticised the US Administration stating that it has no authority to issue a statement evaluating the success of the implementation of the cease-fire agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The Alliance also said, if ever there was a violation of the cease-fire it was for the government of Norway functioning as the facilitator in the peace process to comment on the matter. The Sri Lankan government, meanwhile, said on March 14 that the US statement urging the LTTE to stick to the ongoing truce revealed to the LTTE that Sri Lanka has "powerful friends." G.L. Peiris, Cabinet spokesman and Minister, said the statement was "significant", particularly as the US was the most powerful country in the world.
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March - 15 
United States Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca and top US Marines officer General Timothy Ghormley visited the Palaly military air base in a US Special Forces Hercules C-130 aircraft, on March 15, signifying US support to the peace process. Rocca had a 40-minute meeting wi
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United States Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca and top US Marines officer General Timothy Ghormley visited the Palaly military air base in a US Special Forces Hercules C-130 aircraft, on March 15, signifying US support to the peace process. Rocca had a 40-minute meeting with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe at the airbase. Meanwhile, in the United States, a State Department spokesman said "the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) need to grasp this opportunity to end Sri Lanka's tragic conflict and forge a durable peace." The Prime Minister and the US officials met people in Jaffna and discussed their grievances. "In the current international context, in which terrorism is being condemned in more and more countries, the LTTE should be especially vigilant about observing the terms of the cease-fire accord", a recent statement of the US Embassy in Colombo said.
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March - 16 
United States Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina Rocca asked the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to dedicate itself to the peace process and to prove that it was not a terrorist organisation, if its name were to be removed the State Department’s list of terrorist
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United States Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina Rocca asked the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to dedicate itself to the peace process and to prove that it was not a terrorist organisation, if its name were to be removed the State Department’s list of terrorist groups. She was speaking to the media in Colombo, on March 16. Rocca said, "My visit to Jaffna indicates the support given by the US government to the peace process in Sri Lanka. The progress in the peace process shows that the LTTE is showing its interest in the negotiations and we hope that it will grab this opportunity to prove that it is not a terrorist organisation".
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March - 17 
Batticaloa Government Agent S. Shanmugam told the cease-fire monitors on March 17 that the Sri Lankan Army was violating the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities, signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), pro-Tamil so
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Batticaloa Government Agent S. Shanmugam told the cease-fire monitors on March 17 that the Sri Lankan Army was violating the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities, signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), pro-Tamil sources said, on March 17. The violations reportedly occurred in eastern Batticaloa district, where troops were allegedly harassing civilians at Mylambaveli, 8km north of Batticaloa. Besides, undue restrictions were being imposed on the supply of unregulated commodities as well as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) was being implemented arbitrarily.
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March - 17 
Cabinet Minister and Ceylon Workers Congress leader Arumugam Thondaman said at a public on March 17, at Nuwaraeliya that upcountry Tamils would give total support to the government's peace efforts as well as the cease-fire agreement signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ee
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Cabinet Minister and Ceylon Workers Congress leader Arumugam Thondaman said at a public on March 17, at Nuwaraeliya that upcountry Tamils would give total support to the government's peace efforts as well as the cease-fire agreement signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Speaking at the rally, he said, "I recently visited LTTE held areas in the eastern province where I found large number of Tamil people living in abject poverty without any basic facilities. I have taken several measures to improve their living conditions by establishing housing projects" and appealed, "The upcountry Tamils should come forward to support the cause of Northeast Tamils".
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March - 17 
The Sunday Observer said on March 17 that, during his just concluded visit to Jaffna, Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremasinghe said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels would commence political activity soon and would open up political offices in the North and East. This was only expec
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The Sunday Observer said on March 17 that, during his just concluded visit to Jaffna, Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremasinghe said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels would commence political activity soon and would open up political offices in the North and East. This was only expected of them, he said, if they were to enter the political mainstream. The PM was speaking at the Bishop’s Residence in Jaffna, on March 14. Shortly, the LTTE would be sending 50 cadres to government controlled areas to conduct political activity, after March 24, unnamed LTTE sources told the Sunday Observer in Vanni. They would most certainly work towards opening a string of political branch offices in Batticaloa, Valaichcheni and Kaluwanchikudy areas.
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March - 18 
Spokesperson of President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Harim Peiris, on March 18, allayed suspicions expressed in certain quarters to the effect that the President was not serious in her commitment to the peace process. The suspicions arose after the President expressed her inability to meet visiting US A
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Spokesperson of President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Harim Peiris, on March 18, allayed suspicions expressed in certain quarters to the effect that the President was not serious in her commitment to the peace process. The suspicions arose after the President expressed her inability to meet visiting US Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca. Peiris reminded in a statement that it was the President who had initiated the peace process in the mid-1990s and added that Rocca sought an appointment at a very short notice, and the President already had prior commitments.
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March - 20 
The state-run Daily News said, on March 21, quoting Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando, that the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were set to discuss the venue of the proposed peace talks. Reports indicate that Thailand is emerging as a likely venue, with the LTTE having pro
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The state-run Daily News said, on March 21, quoting Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando, that the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were set to discuss the venue of the proposed peace talks. Reports indicate that Thailand is emerging as a likely venue, with the LTTE having proposed it. The LTTE had earlier also suggested India as a possible venue. The LTTE has yet not given up hopes of India permitting one its cities as the venue. Other reports, meanwhile, said LTTE ideologue and theoretician Anton Balasingham would be leaving from London where he established residence for some time now, on March 22, and reach Maldives on his way to Sri Lanka. He is likely to reach the LTTE headquarters in Vanni on March 25.
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March - 22 
Finance Minister K N Choksy presented his maiden Budget in Sri Lanka’s Parliament on March 22. He said the 6.95 percent defence levy, on all goods and services imposed by the predecessor People’s Alliance government to raise funds for the war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), was res
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Finance Minister K N Choksy presented his maiden Budget in Sri Lanka’s Parliament on March 22. He said the 6.95 percent defence levy, on all goods and services imposed by the predecessor People’s Alliance government to raise funds for the war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), was responsible for the steep price rise. He announced that his (United National Front [UNF]) government would be abolishing the National Security Levy (NSL) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from June 1. A new NSL Value Added Tax would be introduced, he said.
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March - 24 
In consonance with the terms of the truce agreement between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Tamil paramilitary groups handed over weapons to the Sri Lankan Army. On March 24, District Organizers of the Elam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), People’s Liberation Organis
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In consonance with the terms of the truce agreement between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Tamil paramilitary groups handed over weapons to the Sri Lankan Army. On March 24, District Organizers of the Elam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), both the factions of the Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF), respectively T. Pushparaja, Ashok, Ragunathan and Sinnathurai (Sivam) handed their weapons to the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Trincomalee, Brigadier Ratnasabapathy. The four party coalition, Tamil National Alliance (TNA), however, expressed the apprehension that all weapons might not be handed over and said the Army alone was aware of the quantities of weapons available with the paramilitary groups.
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March - 31 
Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen said the agenda for the talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was more important than the date of the talks. He was speaking to the Sinhala language service of the BBC, The Island, a Sri Lankan newspaper said, whi
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Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen said the agenda for the talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was more important than the date of the talks. He was speaking to the Sinhala language service of the BBC, The Island, a Sri Lankan newspaper said, while quoting him on March 31. Soon after announcing that Thailand would be the venue for the talks, the first face-to-face since 1995, Helgesen denied there was any link between the choice of the country for talks and the LTTE allegedly having a tiny base in Thailand. Adding that Norway, Thailand, Sri Lanka and the LTTE will consult with one another and decide on the location for the talks, he said, "The date will follow the agenda… Until and unless the confidence building measures and conditions set out by the cease-fire agreement are fulfilled, talks will not commence".
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April - 1 
The leader of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), Trond Furuhovde, said that none of the complaints so far investigated could be identified as violating the cease-fire agreement but were criminal acts unrelated to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that needed to be dealt with by the police.
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The leader of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), Trond Furuhovde, said that none of the complaints so far investigated could be identified as violating the cease-fire agreement but were criminal acts unrelated to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that needed to be dealt with by the police. Talking to the media on April 1, Furuhovde said that the Ministry of Defence, which issues the daily situation report often containing news of abduction, extortion and conscription, had not complained to the SLMM about these alleged violations. Warning against the danger of misinterpreting criminal activity as violations of the cease-fire agreement, he urged the government and police to take advantage of the cease-fire to strengthen the law enforcement.
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April - 7 
According to media reports quoting T. Maheswaran, Minister for Hindu Religious Affairs the government is expected to lift the ban imposed on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) imposed in 1998 by the former People’s Alliance regime on May 1. The Minister was speaking at a conference for Divi
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According to media reports quoting T. Maheswaran, Minister for Hindu Religious Affairs the government is expected to lift the ban imposed on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) imposed in 1998 by the former People’s Alliance regime on May 1. The Minister was speaking at a conference for Divisional Secretaries at the Jaffna District Secretariat on April 7.
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April - 10 
According to media reports the Srilankan Prime Minister (PM) and Norway have welcomed the remarks made by Vellupillai Pirapaharan, the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), during his press conference on April 10.
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According to media reports the Srilankan Prime Minister (PM) and Norway have welcomed the remarks made by Vellupillai Pirapaharan, the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), during his press conference on April 10.
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April - 11 
"We must commit ourselves to trek the difficult path towards a permanent solution to the ethnic conflict", Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told the Government Parliamentary Group on April 11 and said that since the LTTE had expressed the desire for a political solution with internal self-determi
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"We must commit ourselves to trek the difficult path towards a permanent solution to the ethnic conflict", Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told the Government Parliamentary Group on April 11 and said that since the LTTE had expressed the desire for a political solution with internal self-determination, while safeguarding the territorial integrity, it was necessary to work towards a solution. The PM also indicated that the government would now favourably consider the LTTE's demand for its de-proscription in Sri Lanka.
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April - 11 
Constitutional Affairs Minister, G L Peiris speaking during a cabinet briefing on April 11, stated that Prabhakaran’s comments at the press conference is indication of LTTE’s willingness to share power within a united Sri Lanka.
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Constitutional Affairs Minister, G L Peiris speaking during a cabinet briefing on April 11, stated that Prabhakaran’s comments at the press conference is indication of LTTE’s willingness to share power within a united Sri Lanka.
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April - 11 
The Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen also told the media persons in Oslo that it was a very good sign of establishing a normal process and that Prabhakaran’s phrasing of the separate state issue was pretty balanced. Helegesen is scheduled to meet Prabhakaran in Vanni on April 17.
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The Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen also told the media persons in Oslo that it was a very good sign of establishing a normal process and that Prabhakaran’s phrasing of the separate state issue was pretty balanced. Helegesen is scheduled to meet Prabhakaran in Vanni on April 17.
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April - 11 
The opposition Janatha Vimuktasi Peramuna (People's United Liberation Party) (JVP) on April 11, termed the media conference held in the Vanni by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a glaring manifestation of the LTTE strategy of taking advantage of the United National Party (UNP) leadership's
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The opposition Janatha Vimuktasi Peramuna (People's United Liberation Party) (JVP) on April 11, termed the media conference held in the Vanni by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a glaring manifestation of the LTTE strategy of taking advantage of the United National Party (UNP) leadership's meekness to attain its definite goal and an adequate eye opener for the dreamers who are strayed by various myths of "power sharing without dividing the country" as the path to lasting peace through negotiation. The announcement also accused United National Front (UNF) which came to power, of granting the present status of a powerful state body to the LTTE which was waging a guerrilla war till recently.
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April - 12 
The United States Embassy in Colombo welcomed Prabhakaran’s commitment to peace and a negotiated political settlement of the 19-year long ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and the willingness of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to work within a political process and to renounce violence. A stateme
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The United States Embassy in Colombo welcomed Prabhakaran’s commitment to peace and a negotiated political settlement of the 19-year long ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and the willingness of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to work within a political process and to renounce violence. A statement issued on April 12, noted that the political solution which maintains Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity would-be welcomed by the international community and urged all parties to continue to work towards that goal.
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April - 14 
Speaking to the media at Katunayake International Airport, Colombo on April 14, Arumugam Thondaman, leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the CWC have come to an understanding to work together for the resolution of the Tamil national questio
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Speaking to the media at Katunayake International Airport, Colombo on April 14, Arumugam Thondaman, leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the CWC have come to an understanding to work together for the resolution of the Tamil national question and for the right of self-determination of Tamils. Thondaman who is also a Minister in the United National Front (UNF) cabinet was coming from LTTE held town of Killinochchi in the Vanni region after discussions with the LTTE leader V Prabhakaran.
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April - 15 
Speaking to the media on April 15, the Nama Sama Samaja Party (NSSP) leader Wickramabahu Karunaratna urged the government to lift the ban imposed on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in order to commence early peace talks. Referring to the LTTE's concept of a separate state of Eelam, Kar
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Speaking to the media on April 15, the Nama Sama Samaja Party (NSSP) leader Wickramabahu Karunaratna urged the government to lift the ban imposed on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in order to commence early peace talks. Referring to the LTTE's concept of a separate state of Eelam, Karunaratne said that the demand would be abandoned by the LTTE if the Government was prepared to meet their major demands and fulfil the obligations of the Tamil people in the North.
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April - 16 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is reported to have said that the government was giving ‘serious consideration’ to the LTTE’s demand to lift the ban imposed on them.
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is reported to have said that the government was giving ‘serious consideration’ to the LTTE’s demand to lift the ban imposed on them.
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April - 17 
Prabhakaran reportedly expressed his dissatisfaction to the visiting Minister regarding Sri Lankan delays in implementing the terms and conditions of the cease-fire agreement, especially the continued occupation of Tamil public places by Sri Lankan military forces.
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Prabhakaran reportedly expressed his dissatisfaction to the visiting Minister regarding Sri Lankan delays in implementing the terms and conditions of the cease-fire agreement, especially the continued occupation of Tamil public places by Sri Lankan military forces.
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April - 18 
President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on April 18 reiterated her support for the peace process, during a meeting with the Norwegian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen. According to media reports quoting a news release issued by the Presidential Secretariat the President
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President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on April 18 reiterated her support for the peace process, during a meeting with the Norwegian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen. According to media reports quoting a news release issued by the Presidential Secretariat the President is fully committed to the continuation of the peace process and to a negotiated settlement of the ethnic conflict.
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April - 18 
Reacting to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)’s claim that the peace talks scheduled to be held in Thailand had been delayed due to the Sri Lanka Government’s failure to fully implement the terms of the cease-fire agreement, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry on April 18 said that the peace ta
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Reacting to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)’s claim that the peace talks scheduled to be held in Thailand had been delayed due to the Sri Lanka Government’s failure to fully implement the terms of the cease-fire agreement, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry on April 18 said that the peace talks between the Sri Lanka government and the LTTE were on track and would start in Thailand in June 2002. The Foreign Ministry spokesman Karsten Klepsvik, talking to media persons in Oslo, said, "there could be possibilities of some setbacks along the way, but the process is so solid that we believe it would withstand some setbacks if such should occur." Stating that the talks had been widely expected to start in May, he noted that the schedule had never officially been agreed by the parties and hence was a process that could change along the way
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April - 19 
According to media reports, the United States (US) Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage told a visiting Sri Lankan delegation in Washington on April 17 that the US strongly supports the peace process in Sri Lanka and is following closely the developments in this regard. G. L. Peiris, the Sri L
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According to media reports, the United States (US) Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage told a visiting Sri Lankan delegation in Washington on April 17 that the US strongly supports the peace process in Sri Lanka and is following closely the developments in this regard. G. L. Peiris, the Sri Lankan Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, who is among the members of the delegation is reported to have briefed Armitage in detail about the peace initiatives of the government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the preparations which are currently under way for the discussions with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) scheduled to be held in Thailand.
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April - 19 
Minister of Muslim Affairs, Rauf Hakeem, according to media reports said that although the Muslim community would follow the 'middle path' in the peace process, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would have to look on the Muslims as a veritable third force. He also said that he had briefed
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Minister of Muslim Affairs, Rauf Hakeem, according to media reports said that although the Muslim community would follow the 'middle path' in the peace process, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would have to look on the Muslims as a veritable third force. He also said that he had briefed the Norwegian delegation with details pertaining to the April 13 joint statement with the LTTE.
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April - 21 
Addressing the crowd the Prime Minister (PM) pointed out that the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) should seize the opportunity to find a permanent political solution ensuring peace and harmony among all communities. The PM also stressed the need for finding a political sol
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Addressing the crowd the Prime Minister (PM) pointed out that the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) should seize the opportunity to find a permanent political solution ensuring peace and harmony among all communities. The PM also stressed the need for finding a political solution without affecting the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the country and stated, "My government firmly believes that peace should be restored through an acceptable solution to all communities within a United Sri Lanka. My government would never divide the country. But the power will be devolved as the solution to the conflict."
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April - 23 
The Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremasinghe’s spokesperson refused to be drawn into a controversy and said there was no need for the Prime Ministers’ Office to comment on a statement made by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasingham, the state-run Daily Ne
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The Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremasinghe’s spokesperson refused to be drawn into a controversy and said there was no need for the Prime Ministers’ Office to comment on a statement made by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasingham, the state-run Daily News said on April 23. Balasingham had reportedly said that LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran is both the President and Prime Minister of Tamil Eelam and subsequently the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) had demanded the government’s response. The spokesperson said Wickremasinghe is the Prime Minister of the whole of Sri Lanka
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April - 26 
Tamil Member of Parliament Mavai Senathirajah said, on April 27, it was incorrect to designate some of the islets as military zones, and hence, out of bounds for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Following a chain of events after some LTTE cadres made an attempt on April 12 to enter Kayts
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Tamil Member of Parliament Mavai Senathirajah said, on April 27, it was incorrect to designate some of the islets as military zones, and hence, out of bounds for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Following a chain of events after some LTTE cadres made an attempt on April 12 to enter Kayts islet, Northern Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral Weerasena wrote to the Norwegian-led Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) stating that the navy had established forward defence lines around Kayts, Punkudutivu, Mandaitivu, Eluvativu, Analativu and Nainativu. Mavai Senathirajah has now questioned the validity of this designation and has also asked of the government to clarify if a commander could make such statements.
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April - 30 
The state-run Daily News reported on April 30 that Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen, speaking in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 29, opined that the peace process should focus on long-term aspects rather than consider instituting an interim administration in Tamil areas. Norway is actin
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The state-run Daily News reported on April 30 that Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen, speaking in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 29, opined that the peace process should focus on long-term aspects rather than consider instituting an interim administration in Tamil areas. Norway is acting as a facilitator between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to help end the over-18 year-old ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
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May - 1 
Following the attack, several Navy gunboats were patrolling in the Sallithivu sea, off Vakarai coast, On the other hand, Sri Lankan Army spokesman Brig. Sanath Karunaratne, said in Colombo, also on May 1, that one boat had blown up when approached by naval craft. "It suddenly exploded. We don't know
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Following the attack, several Navy gunboats were patrolling in the Sallithivu sea, off Vakarai coast, On the other hand, Sri Lankan Army spokesman Brig. Sanath Karunaratne, said in Colombo, also on May 1, that one boat had blown up when approached by naval craft. "It suddenly exploded. We don't know the reason," Karunaratne said. He said he suspected it was an LTTE boat as no other boat operates in the waters there.
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May - 1 
Speaking on May Day, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said people have given his government a mandate to solve the North-East problem without taking recourse to war. He said the people have become averse to war and want the shattered economy to be re-built. He also declared that international opi
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Speaking on May Day, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said people have given his government a mandate to solve the North-East problem without taking recourse to war. He said the people have become averse to war and want the shattered economy to be re-built. He also declared that international opinion was supportive of the government and its efforts, and said the killings orchestrated to get the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) out of the country had then badly damaged the goodwill that Sri Lanka enjoyed in the international community. Stating "We will not fall for that again", he said it was only the political parties (meaning President Chandrika Kumaratuga’s People Alliance) that were opposing the peace process, even while religious groups and several social groups have expressed support. The Prime Minister emphasised that it was necessary to create conditions to force the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to come to the negotiating table .
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May - 1 
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Vavuniya district chief organiser Aariff said at a May Day rally that his party would join the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) if war commenced again. His remarks followed the recognition by LTTE leader Prabhakaran of the Tamil Muslim’s right to live in their lands.
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Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Vavuniya district chief organiser Aariff said at a May Day rally that his party would join the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) if war commenced again. His remarks followed the recognition by LTTE leader Prabhakaran of the Tamil Muslim’s right to live in their lands.
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May - 1 
The New Democratic Front urged the government to life the ban on the LTTE and hand over interim administration in the Northeast province to the LTTE.. Addressing a May Day rally in Colombo Wickremabahu Karunaratne said the Tamils have a right to claim that the Northeast us their traditional homeland
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The New Democratic Front urged the government to life the ban on the LTTE and hand over interim administration in the Northeast province to the LTTE.. Addressing a May Day rally in Colombo Wickremabahu Karunaratne said the Tamils have a right to claim that the Northeast us their traditional homeland.
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May - 2 
Reports said on May 2 that the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has ruled that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has not violated the terms of the truce agreement It said it does not consider the sailing of a Sea Tiger convoy, intercepted and challenged by Sri Lankan navy gunboats near
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Reports said on May 2 that the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has ruled that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has not violated the terms of the truce agreement It said it does not consider the sailing of a Sea Tiger convoy, intercepted and challenged by Sri Lankan navy gunboats near Trincomalee seas, April 124, as a breach of ongoing cease-fire. SLMM chief monitor General Tronde Furuhovde said it was a mistake on its part to not inform the planned movement to the naval authorities. The convoy consisted of rebel leaders returning to the Eastern province after attending crucial meetings in the Vanni at the LTTE headquarters.
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May - 3 
President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on May 3 said it would fully support and cooperate with the government in finding a negotiated solution with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to the protracted ethnic conflict and to bring peace. The SLFP however, said, for
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President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on May 3 said it would fully support and cooperate with the government in finding a negotiated solution with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to the protracted ethnic conflict and to bring peace. The SLFP however, said, for this, the government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe must recognise that the President has a very important role to play on the peace process and, further, the government should stop the harassment, suppression, intimidation and unjustified imprisonment of the SLFP-led People’s Alliance activists.
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May - 4 
People's Alliance (PA) National List Member of Parliament (MP) Ronnie de Mel, on May 4, speaking at a function at Palana, Gangarama Viharaya in Weligama, said he was disillusioned with the PA regarding the peace process and declared his support to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and his United N
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People's Alliance (PA) National List Member of Parliament (MP) Ronnie de Mel, on May 4, speaking at a function at Palana, Gangarama Viharaya in Weligama, said he was disillusioned with the PA regarding the peace process and declared his support to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and his United National Front (UNF) government, from which he had earlier defected. He said that it is the UNF Government which has the power to achieve these objectives. De Mel said he had three political objectives - peace and unity in the country, economic development as a solution to unemployment and a righteous political culture.
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May - 5 
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on May 5 while criticising the Sri Lankan Navy said that it was guilty of committing "grave and serious violation" of the ongoing indefinite cease-fire as it destroyed several fishing vessels and also killed two Muslim fishermen in the seas near Vaharai, Batti
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Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on May 5 while criticising the Sri Lankan Navy said that it was guilty of committing "grave and serious violation" of the ongoing indefinite cease-fire as it destroyed several fishing vessels and also killed two Muslim fishermen in the seas near Vaharai, Batticaloa on May 1. The LTTE said, the Navy was "deliberately creating conflictual situations to disrupt the peace process... "We call upon the Sri Lanka government to prevail upon the naval authorities to abandon its hostile attitude and strictly follow the peace agreement."
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May - 6 
12 Liberation Tigers of Tami Eelam (LTTE) cadres, including four women, formed part of the second group of LTTE cadres to enter Trincomalee to conduct political activities in government areas, under the terms of the permanent cease-fire agreement, on May 6. On the occasion, District political secr
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12 Liberation Tigers of Tami Eelam (LTTE) cadres, including four women, formed part of the second group of LTTE cadres to enter Trincomalee to conduct political activities in government areas, under the terms of the permanent cease-fire agreement, on May 6. On the occasion, District political secretary Ruban said, addressing the media, "Our main function is to educate the masses about the substance contained in the cease-fire agreement and to take forward the peace process safely without giving room for evil forces which are now actively engaged in sabotaging it." He also said, "Tamil families in large number had fled from their own villages in 1983 and 1990 disturbances. Other communities have occupied some of the lands in abandoned villages. We should first find out the original settlers of the abandoned villages before implementing resettlement projects."
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May - 9 
Constitutional Affairs Minister G.L.Peiris said at another press meet, "Due to disagreement among Opposition political parties in Parliament all efforts [by the government] to establish a parliamentary joint committee to monitor the cease-fire agreement have proved futile."
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Constitutional Affairs Minister G.L.Peiris said at another press meet, "Due to disagreement among Opposition political parties in Parliament all efforts [by the government] to establish a parliamentary joint committee to monitor the cease-fire agreement have proved futile."
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May - 9 
Media reports said Sri Lanka’s Parliament will hold a comprehensive debate on the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ reached between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE), today, May 9. "No purpose would be served debating about the cease-fire agreement, we should go for a di
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Media reports said Sri Lanka’s Parliament will hold a comprehensive debate on the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ reached between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE), today, May 9. "No purpose would be served debating about the cease-fire agreement, we should go for a discussions, The international Community is with us and they are backing us, this was not so at the time of last year's May day," Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said at his party’s May Day rally.
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May - 9 
Sri Lanka’s Opposition People’s Alliance (PA), on May 9, during the debate in Parliament on the permanent cease-fire agreement signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), declared emphatically that it would step up its campaign against the Norwegian peace initiativ
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Sri Lanka’s Opposition People’s Alliance (PA), on May 9, during the debate in Parliament on the permanent cease-fire agreement signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), declared emphatically that it would step up its campaign against the Norwegian peace initiative. Reports said, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse later said at a press conference that the cease-fire agreement is ‘one-sided and favoured the LTTE’. He also opined that the proposed interim administration will hand over the northeast to the LTTE and that would threaten the unity of the country. Therefore, the PA has decided to oppose the Norwegian-facilitated peace process, he held.
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May - 11 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said, on May 11, his government gave no assurances to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the run up to talks and added that the issue of interim administration would be taken up only while negotiations proceed. "We will ask the LTTE to place the topic
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said, on May 11, his government gave no assurances to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the run up to talks and added that the issue of interim administration would be taken up only while negotiations proceed. "We will ask the LTTE to place the topic of an interim administration in its agenda for talks. Other than that we have not given them promises on anything", the Premier said. He also said that establishing an interim administration needed parliamentary consent and should also be ratified by the people.
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May - 14 
Another report said several Sinhala Members of Parliament (MPs), on May 14, vowed in Anuradhapura to fight what they said was a conspiracy to divide Sri Lanka through peace talks with the LTTE. Tissa Karaliyadda, MP for Anuradhapura district, read out the five objectives of the movement christened a
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Another report said several Sinhala Members of Parliament (MPs), on May 14, vowed in Anuradhapura to fight what they said was a conspiracy to divide Sri Lanka through peace talks with the LTTE. Tissa Karaliyadda, MP for Anuradhapura district, read out the five objectives of the movement christened as 'pancha maha prathignawa'. Former Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayaka and former cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga also took part in the inaugural events of the movement.
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May - 14 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe would be briefing several world leaders ahead of the commencement of direct talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Thailand in June this year, 2002. The Premier will undertake visits to the UK, the European Union and India the state-r
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe would be briefing several world leaders ahead of the commencement of direct talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Thailand in June this year, 2002. The Premier will undertake visits to the UK, the European Union and India the state-run Daily News said on May 14. He will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando and will brief world leaders them on the latest developments in the cease-fire process and the upcoming peace talks the report said. Also, the role of India in the days ahead would come up for discussion, reports held and added that misconceptions and apprehensions aired by the majority Sinhalese would be dispelled by the Prime Minister.
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May - 15 
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader and Minister for Port Development & Shipping as well as Minister for Eastern Development & Muslim Religious Affairs Rauf Hakeem, on May 13, speaking in Parliament reportedly criticised severely the opponents of the Norwegian–facilitated peace initiative and ma
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Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader and Minister for Port Development & Shipping as well as Minister for Eastern Development & Muslim Religious Affairs Rauf Hakeem, on May 13, speaking in Parliament reportedly criticised severely the opponents of the Norwegian–facilitated peace initiative and made a plea for support to move the peace process ahead, the media in Sri Lankan said, on May 15. He said, for the talks to be initiated, it was wrong to set the the pre-condition of asking the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to surrender arms, especially because the LTTE controls a substantial portion of territory. He quickly added, however, that he did not support the division of the country, but that his government concurs with shares Sinhala] opposition's view that power should be devolved without division of the state. "The ceasefire accord was signed not to divide this country but to create a situation of normalcy. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramula's (JVP) campaign against the government's efforts to achieve peace cannot be accepted," he said.
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May - 16 
The moderate Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) president Murugesu Sivasithambaram on May 16 strongly urged the ruling United National Front government to lift the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) immediately. He said in a statement issued the media, "The LTTE has made it perfect
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The moderate Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) president Murugesu Sivasithambaram on May 16 strongly urged the ruling United National Front government to lift the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) immediately. He said in a statement issued the media, "The LTTE has made it perfectly clear that they will not come for talks unless the ban is lifted. This is a very reasonable request because the LTTE is going to speak on behalf of the Tamil people as their sole representative. The LTTE cannot be expected to participate in the talks except on the basis of equality."
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May - 17 
Media reports from Sri Lanka said, on May 17, the Sri Lankan Army’s 23/3 Brigade in Batticaloa declined to vacate buildings under its occupation until permanent peace returned. An officer with the Brigade, Lt. Col. Gunasekera said, "[The army] will not leave public and private buildings and houses u
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Media reports from Sri Lanka said, on May 17, the Sri Lankan Army’s 23/3 Brigade in Batticaloa declined to vacate buildings under its occupation until permanent peace returned. An officer with the Brigade, Lt. Col. Gunasekera said, "[The army] will not leave public and private buildings and houses until permanent peace is established." The Army was supposed to have vacated these latest by March 26, according to the terms of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in February 2002.
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May - 21 
A government sponsored-‘Anti-Terrorism Day’ was observed by all the government offices in the State on May 21.The inspiration behind the exercise was an order dated May 13, 1992 issued by the then Home Minister SB Chavan, to celebrate May 21 as ‘Anti-Terrorism Day’. It was on this day in 1991 that f
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A government sponsored-‘Anti-Terrorism Day’ was observed by all the government offices in the State on May 21.The inspiration behind the exercise was an order dated May 13, 1992 issued by the then Home Minister SB Chavan, to celebrate May 21 as ‘Anti-Terrorism Day’. It was on this day in 1991 that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in the southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels.
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May - 21 
Reports said, Goonatilake, briefed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, on May 21, on the two-hour long discussion he had with S. P. Thamilchelvan.
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Reports said, Goonatilake, briefed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, on May 21, on the two-hour long discussion he had with S. P. Thamilchelvan.
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May - 24 
Sri Lankan Cabinet spokesman and Minister Prof G L Peiris said, on May 24, the government was planning to introduce seven constitutional amendments after extensive deliberation among the widest section of the Sri Lankan society. He indicated, among the amendments would be the one on repealing the po
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Sri Lankan Cabinet spokesman and Minister Prof G L Peiris said, on May 24, the government was planning to introduce seven constitutional amendments after extensive deliberation among the widest section of the Sri Lankan society. He indicated, among the amendments would be the one on repealing the powers of the President to dissolve Parliament when the government commands a majority in Parliament. Another would seek to establish of 20 Executive Committees as in the 1931 Donoughmore Constitution. Yet another would enable Members of Parliament to vote in accordance with their conscience without attracting disqualification.
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May - 24 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) alleged that Sri Lanka Army (SLA) troops, in violation of the terms of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’, entered LTTE-held territory in Batticaloa on May 24. The LTTE has reportedly lodged a complaint with the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), a Tam
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) alleged that Sri Lanka Army (SLA) troops, in violation of the terms of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’, entered LTTE-held territory in Batticaloa on May 24. The LTTE has reportedly lodged a complaint with the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), a Tamil newspaper Uthayan said.
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May - 26 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) is set to extend its activities to the sea, a spokerson said, according to the state-run Daily News on May 27. Two monitors each would be stationed on-board three naval vessels and the initial monitoring would be around Trincomalee, which would subsequently be
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) is set to extend its activities to the sea, a spokerson said, according to the state-run Daily News on May 27. Two monitors each would be stationed on-board three naval vessels and the initial monitoring would be around Trincomalee, which would subsequently be extended towards the sea area around Mullaitivu and Pudukudiiruppu, reports added. Reports also said the membership of the SLMM would be raised to 49 from the present 23.
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May - 28 
Addressing the European Parliament, on May 28, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the peace effort in the country would have broken down but for the co-operation and continuous support extended by the international community and invited the European Commission to send a team to observe and sub
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Addressing the European Parliament, on May 28, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the peace effort in the country would have broken down but for the co-operation and continuous support extended by the international community and invited the European Commission to send a team to observe and submit a critical assessment of the peace process.
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May - 28 
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief negotiator Anton Balasingham told Tamil Guardian, a pro-LTTE newspaper, that the government’s delay in de-proscribing the LTTE and the military’s reluctance to fully implement the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ were the two main reasons for direct peac
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Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief negotiator Anton Balasingham told Tamil Guardian, a pro-LTTE newspaper, that the government’s delay in de-proscribing the LTTE and the military’s reluctance to fully implement the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ were the two main reasons for direct peace talks not commencing, reports said on May 28. "… the Sri Lankan military has failed to meet mutually agreed deadlines for its withdrawal from schools, places of worship and public buildings in the Tamil areas… the military's reneging on key aspects of the truce along with its aggressive posture has undermined the peace process," Balasingham said, and added, "We have consistently maintained that the LTTE cannot represent the Tamil people at negotiations whilst being banned."
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May - 30 
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Lionol Balagalle said, on May 30, the Army would not move out from the Palaly high and Muhamalai security zones, but would consider the same after the government side and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) conclude disarmament negotiations. Fair demands of the LTTE can be
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Army Chief Lt. Gen. Lionol Balagalle said, on May 30, the Army would not move out from the Palaly high and Muhamalai security zones, but would consider the same after the government side and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) conclude disarmament negotiations. Fair demands of the LTTE can be met and not everything they asked, the Army Chief said and added, where immediate options were available for relocation the Army has already vacated school buildings.
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May - 30 
The Navy has declared the Pungudutheevu, Nainatheevu, Eluvaitheevu, Analaitheevu, Mandaitheevu and Karainagar islands as military zones which the LTTE cannot from visiting under the terms of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the government and the LTTE. It is also believed that the
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The Navy has declared the Pungudutheevu, Nainatheevu, Eluvaitheevu, Analaitheevu, Mandaitheevu and Karainagar islands as military zones which the LTTE cannot from visiting under the terms of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the government and the LTTE. It is also believed that the Navy’s move was meant to help the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP), a paramilitary group and a close ally of President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
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June - 3 
The central committee of the People’s Alliance (PA), which is led by President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party, is due to meet today, June 4, with Kumaratunga in the chair to assess the implementation of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the Liberation Tigers of Tam
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The central committee of the People’s Alliance (PA), which is led by President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party, is due to meet today, June 4, with Kumaratunga in the chair to assess the implementation of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Ranil Wickremasinghe government. Also coming up for discussion are allegations of violations of the truce terms. Meanwhile, Batty Weerakone, general secretary of the Opposition Lanka Sama Samaj Party (LSSP), a constituent of the PA reportedly criticised the PA and said on June 3 that the PA "… does not maintain a definite position regarding the ongoing peace efforts and the government's economic programme". He also opined that the PA was one with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in ‘whipping up racial hatred’.
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June - 4 
Speaking in Parliament on an adjournment motion moved by his Tamil National Alliance (TNA), on June 4, Member of Parliament R Sampanthan said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was taking considerable risk in engaging in the peace process. The TNA is a four party Tamil coalition that has th
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Speaking in Parliament on an adjournment motion moved by his Tamil National Alliance (TNA), on June 4, Member of Parliament R Sampanthan said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was taking considerable risk in engaging in the peace process. The TNA is a four party Tamil coalition that has the blessings of the LTTE. He said, "There must be no assumption that it is only the government of Sri Lanka which is taking risks; it must be realized that even the LTTE is taking risks when it is engaged in the peace process". Furthermore, Sampanthan urged the world Community on behalf of the TNA not to do anything that would prejudice the legitimate struggle of the Tamil people for equality. He also pleaded with the government to reiterate its commitment to implement in totality the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed with the LTTE so as to take the peace process further ahead.
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June - 5 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission said a government notification on fishing restrictions issued under the Prevention of Terrorism Act was violates provisions of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), media reports from Sri L
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission said a government notification on fishing restrictions issued under the Prevention of Terrorism Act was violates provisions of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), media reports from Sri Lanka said on June 5. The agreement provided that all restrictions on fishing, save a few exceptions, would be lifted by 90 days after the agreement was signed. Moreover, reports said government forces were still imposing strict restrictions.
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June - 6 
Addressing a rally of over-five thousand students in Thambiluvil, 76km away from Batticaloa, on June 6, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) political-wing senior leader Karikalan charged the elite Special Task Force (STF) of deliberately provoking the LTTE to break the ‘permanent cease-fire’ now
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Addressing a rally of over-five thousand students in Thambiluvil, 76km away from Batticaloa, on June 6, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) political-wing senior leader Karikalan charged the elite Special Task Force (STF) of deliberately provoking the LTTE to break the ‘permanent cease-fire’ now in force, and declared that they would not succumb. He said at the rally, "… The commandos … are telling our people to make coffins … the STF is trying to bury the peace process in those coffins… [and] is attempting to deliberately provoke us into breaking the cease-fire and starting the war again. He said it was the ’firm belief’ of the LTTE that a lasting solution to the protracted conflict "should be found by peaceful means, through negotiations".
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June - 6 
Reports said on June 6 that the influential Buddhist clergy headed by the Mahanayake Theras has urged for support to the government’s peace process. The religious leaders said in a statement from Japan, where they are on a visit, "The ongoing cease-fire has lasted for over four months now and has cr
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Reports said on June 6 that the influential Buddhist clergy headed by the Mahanayake Theras has urged for support to the government’s peace process. The religious leaders said in a statement from Japan, where they are on a visit, "The ongoing cease-fire has lasted for over four months now and has created a general sense of hope and renewal in the country - that peace and development will become a reality in the near future. We the Mahanayakes of Sri Lanka are the guardians of the nation and we are taking a keen and active interest in bridging about peace and development to this country".
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June - 6 
Tamil Eelam Police Service (TEPS), the police force of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), celebrated the 10th anniversary of its formation on June 6, pro-Tamil sources said. Lauding the services of TEPS, chief Nadesan said it "maintained law and order without harassment" and had ensured sa
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Tamil Eelam Police Service (TEPS), the police force of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), celebrated the 10th anniversary of its formation on June 6, pro-Tamil sources said. Lauding the services of TEPS, chief Nadesan said it "maintained law and order without harassment" and had ensured safe living during times of "immense suffering and war". S Soosai, chief of Sea Tigers, the LTTE’s naval wing, was the chief guest at the celebrations.
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June - 13 
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Eastern Province Special Commander ‘colonel’ Karuna, speaking at the passing out parade of the 52nd batch of LTTE trainees, said, on June 13, in Mavadi Munmari Koddam, the LTTE needs ‘to be strong’ till the Tamils rights are achieved. He thus justified the LTT
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Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Eastern Province Special Commander ‘colonel’ Karuna, speaking at the passing out parade of the 52nd batch of LTTE trainees, said, on June 13, in Mavadi Munmari Koddam, the LTTE needs ‘to be strong’ till the Tamils rights are achieved. He thus justified the LTTE continuing to train its cadres, even when mutual cease-fire is in force with the government. He declared that if their rights could be achieved there would be an end to the armed struggle. Karuna said, "If a just solution is found, there will be no need for us to continue the armed struggle. But until our rights are granted, we need to remain strong." He further said the Tamils can not be won over with granting concessions, but their rights have to be granted. 436 cadres of the Special Forces were trained in the batch.
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June - 14 
According to media reports on June 15, Nepali Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Bal Bahadur Kuwar, quoting President Chandrika Kumaratunga, said the Liberation Tigers for Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels were training Nepal's Maoists insurgents. The reports added that, he has submitted a report regarding this to Pr
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According to media reports on June 15, Nepali Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Bal Bahadur Kuwar, quoting President Chandrika Kumaratunga, said the Liberation Tigers for Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels were training Nepal's Maoists insurgents. The reports added that, he has submitted a report regarding this to Prime Minister of Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuba. Kuwar has also taken up the issue with the Ambassador of Norway mediating between the government and the LTTE to end the conflict in Srilanka.
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June - 15 
The Janatha Vimuktasi Peramuna (JVP) has said it would conduct a two-pronged campaign against the ongoing peace process and continue with the joint opposition action against the peace process with the support of influential sections in the People’s Alliance (PA). The leading partner of PA is Sri Lan
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The Janatha Vimuktasi Peramuna (JVP) has said it would conduct a two-pronged campaign against the ongoing peace process and continue with the joint opposition action against the peace process with the support of influential sections in the People’s Alliance (PA). The leading partner of PA is Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headed by President Chandrika Kumaratunga
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June - 15 
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has commended the initiatives of the United National Front (UNF) government in Sri Lanka to bring the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels to the negotiating table and offered any assistance to find permanent peace in Sri Lanka. The offer was mad
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United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has commended the initiatives of the United National Front (UNF) government in Sri Lanka to bring the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels to the negotiating table and offered any assistance to find permanent peace in Sri Lanka. The offer was made when Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando called on him on June 13.
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June - 20 
Thailand’s Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Jerm Tivayanond, on June 20 said that 'everything' including the venue was ready for talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Thailand. Talking to media personnel at the Kelaniya Temple during a discussion on Tha
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Thailand’s Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Jerm Tivayanond, on June 20 said that 'everything' including the venue was ready for talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Thailand. Talking to media personnel at the Kelaniya Temple during a discussion on Thailand-Sri Lankan Buddhist ties, the Ambassador said that Thailand was closely observing the situation in Sri Lanka and that it was unwise to delay talks for too long. He further added that talks could probably be held in July or August 2002. Separately, while referring to the removal of the local ban on the LTTE, the Ambassador said that the local proscription of LTTE would not be an impediment to the peace talks.
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June - 20 
The Cabinet spokesperson G L Peiris has said that there was a significant improvement in the peace process since it was signed on February 22. Talking to the media after a Cabinet meeting on June 20, he said that the government was looking for stability in the peace process and was not willing to co
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The Cabinet spokesperson G L Peiris has said that there was a significant improvement in the peace process since it was signed on February 22. Talking to the media after a Cabinet meeting on June 20, he said that the government was looking for stability in the peace process and was not willing to compromise merely for the sake of speed. "We are not unduly concerned about a slight delay in peace talks... What is important is not the date, but the foundation," said Peiris.
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June - 20 
The Jaffna-based Council of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA) on June 20 criticised the Sri Lankan government for ignoring the plight of thousands of internally displaced refugees, returning from Vanni willing to resettle in their villages in the northern peninsula. S Paramanathan, President of the CHA sa
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The Jaffna-based Council of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA) on June 20 criticised the Sri Lankan government for ignoring the plight of thousands of internally displaced refugees, returning from Vanni willing to resettle in their villages in the northern peninsula. S Paramanathan, President of the CHA said that more than twenty five thousand displaced persons in the Thenmaradchi division alone were in need of urgent assistance for resettlement. Restoring normalcy as promised in the cease-fire agreement, he added, meant the resettlement of internally displaced persons
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June - 21 
According to a media report, former Foreign Minister and President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s designated nominee for the Norwegian-led peace process, Lakshman Kadirgamar, on June 21 criticised parts of the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the government and the Liberatio
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According to a media report, former Foreign Minister and President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s designated nominee for the Norwegian-led peace process, Lakshman Kadirgamar, on June 21 criticised parts of the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He reportedly called the provisions on indefinite cease-fire and the clause which deals with the vacation of places of religious worship, government buildings, including school buildings by security forces by D-day (February 22) plus 160 as being "prepared too hastily."
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June - 22 
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief Major General Trond Furuhovde will be visiting Trincomalee in end-June to address complaints on an attack on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) office in Mutur allegedly by Muslim militants. Also he will look into complaints on the implementation
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Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief Major General Trond Furuhovde will be visiting Trincomalee in end-June to address complaints on an attack on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) office in Mutur allegedly by Muslim militants. Also he will look into complaints on the implementation of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the government and the LTTE. Furuhovde, besides, on June 22, called for an independent commission to probe into the alleged attack on two LTTE political cadres in Kayts island. He stated this at a meeting with Peace Secretariat Director General Bernard Goonatilleke and Economic Affairs Minister Milinda Moragoda. Gen. Furuhovde went over to Jaffna following discussions with LTTE political-wing leader Thamilchelvam. At the meeting, the LTTE complained that two of its cadres had been attacked by eight men––three in security force uniforms and five masked civilians. SLMM spokesman Tuitor Torkelsson said investigations revealed that "it (the attack) was a fact and several eye witnesses confirmed it". Owing to conflicting versions on the attack, the SLMM has called for an independent inquiry into the same. Besides, the Army, Navy, Police and the LTTE will conduct separate investigations. Meanwhile Sri Lanka’s Naval Chief Rear Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama said on June 23, "…no conclusion was reached on the involvement of the SLN (naval troops) in the incident."
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June - 23 
Condemning the attack on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) office in Mutur allegedly by Muslim militants, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) said "sinister elements" were seeking to forment communal strife. Reports said on June 23 that the LTTE informed the SLMM in Trincomalee that the
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Condemning the attack on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) office in Mutur allegedly by Muslim militants, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) said "sinister elements" were seeking to forment communal strife. Reports said on June 23 that the LTTE informed the SLMM in Trincomalee that the 'Osama' wing of a Jihadi group, which it did not name, had attacked its political office in Muttur. Meanwhile, SLMC chief and Ports Minister Rauf Hakeem held extensive talks with security force officials on the tension that has built up in the Trincomalee district following the attack.
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June - 23 
The moderate Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), on June 23, pleaded with the government to hold an impartial inquiry into attacks on Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leaders at Velanai, Jaffna district, and the LTTE’s political office in Mutur, Trincomalee district At a meeting, the TULF
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The moderate Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), on June 23, pleaded with the government to hold an impartial inquiry into attacks on Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leaders at Velanai, Jaffna district, and the LTTE’s political office in Mutur, Trincomalee district At a meeting, the TULF central committee passed a resolution strongly condemning the attacks. "These attacks on Liberation Tigers should be considered not only as cease-fire violations but also to be viewed as a premeditated action to derail the peace process by provoking the Liberation Tigers to react," TULF said in its resolution.
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June - 24 
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) acting chief for Amparai district Svein Myklebust said on June 24 that there have been 74 complaints of cease-fire violations in the areas under his jurisdiction, but hastened to add that the number should not be taken as an indication of the ground situation. He
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Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) acting chief for Amparai district Svein Myklebust said on June 24 that there have been 74 complaints of cease-fire violations in the areas under his jurisdiction, but hastened to add that the number should not be taken as an indication of the ground situation. He was speaking at a discussion organised by local journalists, reports said. Also, two Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) representatives, Rasaiah Shanmuganathan and Aasaipillai Soundararajah––both government employees––repprtedly said the government’s apathy towards the ongoing peace process was seriously hampering their work as monitors. They said they are in a piquant situation being representatives of the LTTE. Explaining this, they said, to seek temporary leave from service and function whole-time as Monitors, the government has to provide them with a letter, because the LTTE’s letter appointing them as Monitors would not be accepted by their respective departments. In the end, they would be violating government rules and thus run the risk of losing their jobs. They also expressed the fear that they might earn the displeasure of the security forces.
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June - 27 
An estimated eight thousand people reportedly participated in a protest march in Kayts, Jaffna, on June 27 denouncing the activities in the islands off the northern peninsula of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), a Tamil paramilitary group that allegedly has the backing of Sri Lanka Navy. T
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An estimated eight thousand people reportedly participated in a protest march in Kayts, Jaffna, on June 27 denouncing the activities in the islands off the northern peninsula of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), a Tamil paramilitary group that allegedly has the backing of Sri Lanka Navy. The protestors also condemned the attack on Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) political activists in Kayts on June 20. Addressing the rally, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) representing Jaffna Nadaraja Raviraj said it was time for EPDP leader Douglas Devananda and his men, occupying the Srithar Cinema in Jaffna town, to leave the islands so that people there can live in peace. He said, "The people of Jaffna have risen against you (Devananda) today and have called your bluff. You should understand that the Tamil people have united under one leadership." Others who addressed the rally included TNA MP M. K Sivajilingam, Jaffna University Students’ Union President and some Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) officials.
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June - 27 
Reports from Sri Lanka said one Tamil was killed and 13 more injured in attacks by alleged members of an extremist Islamic group that termed itself as the Osama wing, in Valaichenai, 32km away from Batticaloa, on June 27. A curfew has been clamped over the area. Further, the alleged extremists also
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Reports from Sri Lanka said one Tamil was killed and 13 more injured in attacks by alleged members of an extremist Islamic group that termed itself as the Osama wing, in Valaichenai, 32km away from Batticaloa, on June 27. A curfew has been clamped over the area. Further, the alleged extremists also abducted 10 Tamil women in Oddamaavadi near Valaichenai. Commenting on the incidents, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament representing Batticaloa Joseph Pararajasingham said, "Those who are determined to prevent us from realising our legitimate rights through the peace process are systematically instigating armed Islamic extremists to attack Tamils and create general violence in the east". The miscreants also set on fire shops owned by Tamils in the Valaichenai area and had attacked buses and ambulances in Ottamavadi, Eravur and Kattankudi Furthermore, Pararajasingham accused sections among the security forces and intelligence agencies for instigating the violence.
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June - 27 
The state-run Daily News said on June 27 that Norwegian facilitators to the peace process in Sri Lanka have sent a questionnaire to the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on the agenda for the proposed face-to-face peace talks between the two sides. The questionnaire has as i
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The state-run Daily News said on June 27 that Norwegian facilitators to the peace process in Sri Lanka have sent a questionnaire to the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on the agenda for the proposed face-to-face peace talks between the two sides. The questionnaire has as it its focus the formation and powers of the proposed interim administration, reports said. Already, the government said the dates for the talks would be fixed after a clear agenda is prepared. Further, reports hold that the ban on the LTTE is likely to be lifted some around 10 days ahead of the talks. The talks, it is being speculated, might be held in July or August 2002 and the government team would consist of four members.
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July - 2 
Media reports from Sri Lanka said on July 2 that the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) in a statement clarified that it had at no point of time asked the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to deist from holding protests and demonstrations. The SLMM said it considers these as and expression of
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Media reports from Sri Lanka said on July 2 that the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) in a statement clarified that it had at no point of time asked the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to deist from holding protests and demonstrations. The SLMM said it considers these as and expression of people’s opinion and these were political and peaceful means. The SLMM, however, added that it has asked the LTTE leadership at its meeting in Kilinochchi a few days earlier that care should be taken to keep these ‘under control’ as there are certain "risks" involved, implying that it could vitiate the atmosphere and provoke unrest and violence. "… he SLMM would like to stress that those who organize and participate in such activities must be responsible for keeping them under control and never let them lead to violent and tragic events where lives are lost and property damaged, a statement from the SLMM added." It further said, "… S.P. Tamilchelvan, head of the LTTE's Political Section, reacted very positively to this request (of helping in calming down the unrest in Valaichenai, in the East, and in cooperating with the government] and promised that the LTTE would use their influence to calm things down and keep the situation under control."
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July - 4 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), a four-party coalition that has the blessings of the LTTE, on July 4, severely criticised the arrest of LTTE cadres. TNA leader Sampanthan said in a statement, "The arrests of five unarmed members of Liberation Tigers … by the security forces are a violation of the
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), a four-party coalition that has the blessings of the LTTE, on July 4, severely criticised the arrest of LTTE cadres. TNA leader Sampanthan said in a statement, "The arrests of five unarmed members of Liberation Tigers … by the security forces are a violation of the … cease-fire agreement,"
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July - 5 
Addressing a gathering in Trincomalee, on the occasion of Black Tigers Day, Trincomalee district LTTE women’s wing secretary Krishna said, "The Sri Lankan security forces test our patience frequently. But we won't violate the cease-fire agreement signed by our leader with the Sri Lankan government.
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Addressing a gathering in Trincomalee, on the occasion of Black Tigers Day, Trincomalee district LTTE women’s wing secretary Krishna said, "The Sri Lankan security forces test our patience frequently. But we won't violate the cease-fire agreement signed by our leader with the Sri Lankan government. At the same time we will not do anything that will derail the ceasefire agreement". She also alleged that the attacks on LTTE activists and offices ‘clearly showed that the true intention of the culprits was sabotaging the peace process.’
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July - 6 
According to media reports, Rauff Hakeem, leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) said on July 6, that his party has appealed to all the Muslims in the Eastern Province to exercise restraint with respect to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) following rising tension between the two.
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According to media reports, Rauff Hakeem, leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) said on July 6, that his party has appealed to all the Muslims in the Eastern Province to exercise restraint with respect to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) following rising tension between the two. However, Hakeem warned that if things in the Eastern Province did not improve, the SLMC would be compelled to demand a decommissioning of arms by the LTTE prior to any talks. He criticised the lower level LTTE cadres responsible for the tense situation.
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July - 9 
A sitting of Sri Lanka's Parliament was, on July 9, suspended following pandemonium created by the Opposition People's Alliance (PA) and the Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). Members representing the two groups were demanding that the government should make a statement on the unrest in the East in whi
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A sitting of Sri Lanka's Parliament was, on July 9, suspended following pandemonium created by the Opposition People's Alliance (PA) and the Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). Members representing the two groups were demanding that the government should make a statement on the unrest in the East in which Tamils and Muslims clashed. Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapakse made a statement when the House met for the day. "Neither the government nor the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission in Colombo has been successful in controlling the unfortunate incidents that took place in the eastern province," Rajapakse said. He added, "the People's Alliance regime such serious incidents did not take place. The government should take immediate steps to ensure no such incidents take place in future."
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July - 9 
Cabinet Minister Former Speaker M. H. Mohammed said at a press conference in Colombo, on July 9, "The Liberation Tigers (of Tamil Eelam [LTTE]) have no hand in the recent troubles in the East. They very keenly interested in taking forward the peace process". The remarks were made after the Minister
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Cabinet Minister Former Speaker M. H. Mohammed said at a press conference in Colombo, on July 9, "The Liberation Tigers (of Tamil Eelam [LTTE]) have no hand in the recent troubles in the East. They very keenly interested in taking forward the peace process". The remarks were made after the Minister completed a tour of troubled areas in Batticaloa district, in the East, wher Tamils and Muslims clashed on June 28 and June 29. Further, he attributed the trouble to "a third force, which is against the peace process…." He also said all 26 six parliamentarians representing Muslims in Parliament will join hands irrespective of party affiliation to secure the rights of Muslims in the country.
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July - 9 
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission chief Maj. Gen (Retd.) Trond Furuhovde intends "to clarify the exact zone of separation between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) held areas in the East before the opening of A 5 road. The zone of separation is not absolutely clear," SLMM spo
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Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission chief Maj. Gen (Retd.) Trond Furuhovde intends "to clarify the exact zone of separation between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) held areas in the East before the opening of A 5 road. The zone of separation is not absolutely clear," SLMM spokesman Teitur Torkelsson told the state-run Daily News on July 9. The paper said he is also likely to ask the Army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to maintain direct communications between their commanders. During discussions with the LTTE, he might focus on complaints against the LTTE relating to extortion and abductions. "He will draw the attention of the LTTE leadership in the East on the large number of complaints received from the East," the spokesman was quoted as having said.
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July - 10 
Speaking to Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief Maj. Gen (Retd.) Trond Furuhovde, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)) Batticaloa-Amparai commander V Karuna held responsible certain "insidious forces" for the violence in Valaichenai during which Tamils and Muslims clashed in the last week
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Speaking to Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief Maj. Gen (Retd.) Trond Furuhovde, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)) Batticaloa-Amparai commander V Karuna held responsible certain "insidious forces" for the violence in Valaichenai during which Tamils and Muslims clashed in the last week of June. He assured Furuhovde of the LTTE’s commitment to peace. "These forces should not be allowed to disrupt the peace process," he said, on July 10 After the meeting Furuhovde said the aim was to further develop communication links between the government and the LTTE and added that the discussion were fruitful and constructive and expressed the satisfaction that things were now better now in the East. SLMM members held that there should be a direct communication link between the Monitors themselves and the highest leadership of the LTTE in the East. The SLMM head also held meetings with members of the Armed Forces and Trincomalee Monitors. The implementation of the ‘permanent cease-fire’ agreement signed between the LTTE and the government came in for intense discussion, as did several other issues like the arrest of LTTE cadres by the Army and the Navy in the last week of June.
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July - 12 
According to Sri Lankan media reports, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has appealed to the Indian government and the Tamil Nadu State government to release the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko. A statement issued by the TNA on July 12 said, "The TNA expresses it's deep sh
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According to Sri Lankan media reports, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has appealed to the Indian government and the Tamil Nadu State government to release the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko. A statement issued by the TNA on July 12 said, "The TNA expresses it's deep shock and disappointment at the arrest of Mr. Y.Gopalasamy- popularly referred to as " Vaiko" the leader of the MDMK and a prominent members political leader in Tamil Nadu". It further added, "The arrest of 'Vaiko on the ground that he was supportive of the LTTE and his being remanded causes deep anguish to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka."
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July - 12 
National Unity Alliance (NUA), one of the constituents of the main opposition People's Alliance (PA) on July 12 demanded a complete revision of the cease-fire agreement between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Addressing a press conference held at the office of the lea
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National Unity Alliance (NUA), one of the constituents of the main opposition People's Alliance (PA) on July 12 demanded a complete revision of the cease-fire agreement between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Addressing a press conference held at the office of the leader of opposition in Colombo, the leader of the NUA, Ferial Ashraff, said, "The present form of the cease-fire agreement has number of shortcomings which can endanger the security of Muslims and Sinhalese in the east." While pointing out that the cease-fire agreement has failed to demarcate the boundaries of the state-controlled areas and LTTE controlled areas in the Northeast province clearly, he added that this has resulted in confusion in the minds of the people of the province and members of the security forces.
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July - 15 
Media reports from Sri Lanka said, Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) Deputy Chief Hagrup Haukland said on July 15, in Colombo, that there was a re-thinking on conducting operations-at –sea. Reportedly, after the July 13-incident in which the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had taken hostag
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Media reports from Sri Lanka said, Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) Deputy Chief Hagrup Haukland said on July 15, in Colombo, that there was a re-thinking on conducting operations-at –sea. Reportedly, after the July 13-incident in which the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had taken hostage two Monitors and set them free after reaching to safety, Haukland expressed the view: "We have to rethink the concept of operation at sea." He did not say if there would be any change in the role of the sea monitors. He said, "It is possible, but yet to be decided".
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July - 16 
Speaking on the occasion, LTTE’s Trincomalee political wing chief Ruban said, "We ask the armed forces to withdraw their camps from our schools, our places of worships. We are not asking them to remove their camps from Colombo or any others parts of the country" and went to add that the government s
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Speaking on the occasion, LTTE’s Trincomalee political wing chief Ruban said, "We ask the armed forces to withdraw their camps from our schools, our places of worships. We are not asking them to remove their camps from Colombo or any others parts of the country" and went to add that the government should ensure that the Army sincerely implemented the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the government and the LTTE.
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July - 16 
The Prime Minister said he would ask Defence Secretary Fernando to go to Thenamaradchchi and investigate the claims and take necessary action. The visit is slated for July 20 and 21.
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The Prime Minister said he would ask Defence Secretary Fernando to go to Thenamaradchchi and investigate the claims and take necessary action. The visit is slated for July 20 and 21.
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July - 17 
Media reports from Sri Lanka claimed President Chandrika Kumaratunga will take the "government head-on" in the backdrop of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe deciding to move an impeachment motion against the President. "The President has planned out her strategy to take the government head-on. She
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Media reports from Sri Lanka claimed President Chandrika Kumaratunga will take the "government head-on" in the backdrop of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe deciding to move an impeachment motion against the President. "The President has planned out her strategy to take the government head-on. She has got several measures cut and dry to hit back at the government," a newspaper, Daily Mirror said quoting an unnamed source close to her. The President has reportedly told her People’s Alliance (PA) General Secretary D. M. Jayaratne and Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapakse to brief Members of Parliament representing her PA on the evolving situation and direct them to be available at short notice.
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July - 18 
Pro-Tamil sources said the government had, on July 18, brushed aside demands for affecting changes in the terms of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), while at the same making clear that the government would abide by the
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Pro-Tamil sources said the government had, on July 18, brushed aside demands for affecting changes in the terms of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), while at the same making clear that the government would abide by the agreement. Cabinet spokesperson and Minister G L Peiris said at a press conference in Colombo, on July 17, "Although several political groups have requested for the revision of the cease-fire agreement the government considers it a complete document."
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July - 18 
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) president and Cabinet Minister Rauff Hakeem had pleaded for a revision of some of the terms of the agreement. Besides, the rival National Unity Alliance, in a statement by Member of Parliament representing Ampara district Ferial Ashraff had demanded complete revision
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Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) president and Cabinet Minister Rauff Hakeem had pleaded for a revision of some of the terms of the agreement. Besides, the rival National Unity Alliance, in a statement by Member of Parliament representing Ampara district Ferial Ashraff had demanded complete revision of the agreement. The demands followed violence in the East in the last week of June 2002 in which Muslims and Tamils clashed. Muslim leaders had then sought for safeguards for their constituents.
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July - 23 
Member of Parliament representing Jaffna district G. G. Gajendrakumar said refusing permission to displaced civilians to resettle in Valikamam north, Jaffna district, is a violation by the Sri Lankan Army of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers
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Member of Parliament representing Jaffna district G. G. Gajendrakumar said refusing permission to displaced civilians to resettle in Valikamam north, Jaffna district, is a violation by the Sri Lankan Army of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement signed between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). , He was addressing a press conference on July 23 following the two-day visit to the area by Defence Secretary Austin Fernando, on July 20 and 21. He further said protests would be organised through out the Jaffna peninsula, if displaced persons were not allowed to resettle in their villages before July 30.
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July - 23 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentary group leader R. Sampanthan, said, on July 23, in Trincomalee, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is fighting for justice. The TNA is a four party Tamil coalition and has the blessings of the LTTE. Sampathan was speaking at the conclusion a hunger
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentary group leader R. Sampanthan, said, on July 23, in Trincomalee, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is fighting for justice. The TNA is a four party Tamil coalition and has the blessings of the LTTE. Sampathan was speaking at the conclusion a hunger strike to protest the arrest in the southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu of an Indian Member of Parliament, Vaiko, for making pro-LTTE speeches. Sampanthan said, "It is because the LTTE is fighting for a just cause that several countries including United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, European Union and India have intimated to the Sri Lankan government to find a political solution to Tamil problem through talks with the LTTE". Reminding that India had reaffirmed complete support to the ongoing peace process, Sampanthan said, the arrest of Vaiko "by the Tamil Nadu government is considered by the Tamils in Sri Lanka detrimental to the peace process".
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July - 24 
Reports quoting the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) said sea operations would be continued. The SLMM said on July 24 that it had, for a week, reassessed the procedures of the operations. "The SLMM will continue in sea operations, but with a couple of minor changes in the procedure," SLMM Deputy
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Reports quoting the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) said sea operations would be continued. The SLMM said on July 24 that it had, for a week, reassessed the procedures of the operations. "The SLMM will continue in sea operations, but with a couple of minor changes in the procedure," SLMM Deputy Head Hagrup Haukland was quoted in the state Daily News as having said. Now, naval monitors have the right to decide on the vessels that would be intercepted as well as assess if it is "appropriate" and "safe enough" to embark a vessel for inspection. The Sri Lankan Navy and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have reportedly been informed of the changes and both have consented to the same.
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July - 24 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing media persons, think tanks and foreign policy experts at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, in the United States, on July 23, strongly defended his decision to negotiate with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He as
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing media persons, think tanks and foreign policy experts at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, in the United States, on July 23, strongly defended his decision to negotiate with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He asserted that it was a move towards resolving the ethnic strife in Sri Lanka. He said, answering a query, it was the prerogative of the US on deciding to proscribe the LTTE and that the ban imposed on the LTTE by other countries like India was according to their own laws. Nevertheless, he added, prior to talks with the LTTE, a consensus was evolving on this issue between all parties in Sri Lanka. Obstacles to the progress of the peace talks have been minor and were not a matter for concern, as the talks did not have any specified time frame for completion, he added. He asserted that the differences of opinion among various Sinhala groups on the peace process were marginal and insignificant and further added that the Maha Sangha has also agreed on the need for peace. He further emphasised the need for a political solution to the problem simultaneous with economic development to avoid conflicts. He drew attention to the recent clashes in Valachennai between Muslims and the LTTE and said that Muslims would be treated like any other citizen as equals in the country. He added that Muslim leader Rauf Hakeem would be included in the government delegation at the talks with the LTTE. He also expressed the hope that interference from the southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu in the ongoing peace process would not complicate matters, as had happened in the past.
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July - 25 
Commenting on the incident, Defence Secretary Austin Fernando said it was ‘unfortunate’ and added that it would not impinge in any way on the ongoing truce. Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission chief Maj Gen (Retd.) Trond Furuhovde said ‘Both the Army and the LTTE displayed tremendous responsibility and res
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Commenting on the incident, Defence Secretary Austin Fernando said it was ‘unfortunate’ and added that it would not impinge in any way on the ongoing truce. Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission chief Maj Gen (Retd.) Trond Furuhovde said ‘Both the Army and the LTTE displayed tremendous responsibility and restraint in this very difficult situation’.
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July - 27 
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) spokesman Teitur Torkelsson was quoted in the state-run Daily News, on July 27, as having said that naval monitors will continue to be stationed on Sri Lankan Navy (SLN). The SLMM has already announced changed procedures for sea monitoring to which the government
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Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) spokesman Teitur Torkelsson was quoted in the state-run Daily News, on July 27, as having said that naval monitors will continue to be stationed on Sri Lankan Navy (SLN). The SLMM has already announced changed procedures for sea monitoring to which the government as well as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) gave consent. According to the new procedures the naval monitors will be stationed on board SLN vessels and the vessel will fly the SLMM flag only when required. The monitors will not embark LTTE vessels for inspection routinely, but do so only when specially required. Before boarding the SLN vessel, the monitors will be briefed thoroughly on safety arrangements and procedures. Besides, the monitors will have access to the vessel’s communication systems in order to stay on touch with the SLMM headquarters. The changes follow the July 14-Iranathivu incident in which the LTTE took two monitors hostage. The SLMM currently has four naval monitors stationed in Jaffna and Trincomalee.
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July - 28 
Norwegian ambassador in Sri Lanka John Westborg refuted, in Colombo, on July 29, reports that LTTE ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasingham and the Minister Maragoda discussed taking further the peace process without Norwegian facilitation Balasingham and Maragoda met in London on July 28.
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Norwegian ambassador in Sri Lanka John Westborg refuted, in Colombo, on July 29, reports that LTTE ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasingham and the Minister Maragoda discussed taking further the peace process without Norwegian facilitation Balasingham and Maragoda met in London on July 28.
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July - 31 
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasingham reportedly said the LTTE would ‘favourably consider’ if a request was made by the government for a meeting between LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. The prospects for a m
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Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasingham reportedly said the LTTE would ‘favourably consider’ if a request was made by the government for a meeting between LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. The prospects for a meeting between the two towards the year-end looked bright following a meeting between Cabinet Minister Milinda Maragoda and Balasingham in London, on July 27, a pro-Tamil media agency said on July 31. Balasingham himself is likely to meet with Prabhakaran in September.
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August - 1 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission met with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on August 1, and discussed at length the implementation of the truce agreement and movement at sea of the LTTE, even as the deadline passed for government troops to vacate public buildings under its occupation. An
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission met with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on August 1, and discussed at length the implementation of the truce agreement and movement at sea of the LTTE, even as the deadline passed for government troops to vacate public buildings under its occupation. An SLMM statement said, "movement at sea by the LTTE [was] discussed at length. A solution to this is expected in the near future." The LTTE agreed to ’95 per cent’ of the conditions that had been set to permit movement at sea, SLMM deputy chief Hugrup Haukland told the state-owned Daily News. However he said a settlement will be reached within next few days.
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August - 4 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarians, on August 4, said they would pressurise the United National Front (UNF) government to fully implement the cease-fire agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). They also threatened to launch people's agitation in the northeast province
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarians, on August 4, said they would pressurise the United National Front (UNF) government to fully implement the cease-fire agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). They also threatened to launch people's agitation in the northeast province in support of their stand. The TNA is four-party Tamil coalition that has the blessings of the LTTE. At a meeting with LTTE political-wing head S. P. Tamilselvan, in Killinochchi, the 15-member TNA delegation agreed to work together with LTTE district heads in future, and sought the support of the Muslim community in resettling refugees and securing the release of political prisoners.
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August - 7 
Media reports from Sri Lanka said the authorities would not succumb to political pressure in dealing with those detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Attorney General K C Kamasabeyson was quoted, on August 7, as saying that only those against whom there was no substantial evidence wo
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Media reports from Sri Lanka said the authorities would not succumb to political pressure in dealing with those detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Attorney General K C Kamasabeyson was quoted, on August 7, as saying that only those against whom there was no substantial evidence would be released from detention. He said it has been decided not to give-in to political pressure and added that his department would act independently in dealing with PTA cases. The Attorney General made the comments in the wake of a representation made by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to the Prime Minister seeking release of those detained in Sri Lanka under the PTA. The TNA is a four party Tamil coalition that has the blessings of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
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August - 9 
Media reports from Sri Lanka said journalists in Batticaloa, on August 9, protested the attack on Thinakathir, a Tamil language newspaper office on August 8 night. They organised a sit-in protest and also blocked traffic for 30 minutes. The protest was organised by East Lanka Journalists Association
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Media reports from Sri Lanka said journalists in Batticaloa, on August 9, protested the attack on Thinakathir, a Tamil language newspaper office on August 8 night. They organised a sit-in protest and also blocked traffic for 30 minutes. The protest was organised by East Lanka Journalists Association.
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August - 11 
Economic Reforms and Science and Technology Minister Milinda Moragoda said the government as well as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) should evince flexibility and firmness in implementing the ongoing peace process. He praised both the sides for their respective deeds since the time the ‘p
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Economic Reforms and Science and Technology Minister Milinda Moragoda said the government as well as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) should evince flexibility and firmness in implementing the ongoing peace process. He praised both the sides for their respective deeds since the time the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ was signed in February 2002. The Minister pleaded that financial constraints were the reason behind government troops not vacating public buildings, even though the deadline for vacating such buildings has passed, as they would be able to set-up any more new camps Accepting that the Ruling United National Party (UNP) and the President’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) were both responsible for the worsening race relations in Sri Lanka, he called upon the SLFP now to co-operate with the government and make the peace process a success.
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August - 11 
Media reports from Sri Lanka said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE), on August 11, lodged a protest with the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) that Sri Lanka Army (SLA) troops were making provocative moves. These included ‘advancing from forward defence lines and establishing new position
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Media reports from Sri Lanka said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE), on August 11, lodged a protest with the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) that Sri Lanka Army (SLA) troops were making provocative moves. These included ‘advancing from forward defence lines and establishing new positions in the ‘no-man’ zones closer to LTTE lines in the Kilali and Muhamalai- Nagarkovil areas, Jaffna district. Following the complaint, senior military government and LTTE commanders met under the auspices of the SLMM, the rebel’s clandestine Voice of Tigers (VoT) radio said. "The LTTE considers these acts as an attempt to provoke its cadres," LTTE representatives said at this discussion, reports said. LTTE Northern Flank commander Colonel Theepan, Nagarkovil commander Lt. Colonel Veeramani, Pallai commander Arivu, Lt Colonel Lawrence, and LTTE political-wing member Pulittheevan participated in the discussion, on behalf of the LTTE. The government troops were represented by Jaffna Area Commander Major General Sarath Fonseka, Acting Commander Brigadier Ratnasabapathy, 55th Division Commander Edirisinghe and Lt Colonel Silva.
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August - 11 
The state-owned Sunday Observer said, on August 11, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasimgham, presently in the Norwegian capital Oslo would be holding 'wide-ranging' discussions with government officials there following heightened efforts to take the p
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The state-owned Sunday Observer said, on August 11, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasimgham, presently in the Norwegian capital Oslo would be holding 'wide-ranging' discussions with government officials there following heightened efforts to take the peace process further. Reports said Norway now expects the peace process towards ‘process-detailed negotiations’. Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen is due to meet Balasingham this week, reports added. The talks would focus on the agenda for future political negotiations between the government and the LTTE. Besides, the details of Balasingham’s travel to Sri Lanka would also be discussed.
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August - 12 
Reports from Sri Lanka said the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on August 12, reached an agreement on the LTTE-demand for permission regarding sea-movement of LTTE vessels and cadres. The LTTE can now ferry cadres and civilian passengers in its own vessels but a Sri Lanka
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Reports from Sri Lanka said the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on August 12, reached an agreement on the LTTE-demand for permission regarding sea-movement of LTTE vessels and cadres. The LTTE can now ferry cadres and civilian passengers in its own vessels but a Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) member would travel on-board the vessel. Besides, the vessel would fly the SLMM flag and movement will be under observation by the Sri Lankan Navy. Giving details of the agreement, Peace Secretariat Director General Ambassador Bernard Gunatilake told the state-run Daily News the LTTE can ferry civilians and cadres twice a week from the Vanni to the East and vice versa. Primarily, the traffic will be between Mullaitivu and Vakarai, some 150km apart. A Sri Lanka Navy vessel will have the right to sail alongside the LTTE vessel but would maintain a distance of at least two nautical miles. Reports also said a maximum of four LTTE vessels would be allowed to sail in a convoy, all keeping a distance of at least five to eight nautical miles from the coast. LTTE movement would be permitted only during the day and information on movement should be conveyed to the Navy at least 48 hours in advance. The following details, too, need to be passed on the to the Navy: purpose of movement; point of origin and destination of the vessel; estimated time of departure and arrival; route; type of vessels; number of cadres and civilians being ferried; method of communication with the SLMM and the Navy; and number of crew.
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August - 14 
According to media reports, Japan welcomed, on August 14, the commencement of peace talks between Government of Sri Lanka and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in September 2002. A statement issued by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi expressed hope that both parties would maintain th
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According to media reports, Japan welcomed, on August 14, the commencement of peace talks between Government of Sri Lanka and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in September 2002. A statement issued by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi expressed hope that both parties would maintain their commitment to a permanent settlement and engage in a sincere discussion to achieve lasting peace. He also pledged continued assistance for humanitarian projects in the North-Eastern region and stressed that Japan would contribute more towards reconstruction and rehabilitation of those areas once durable peace is achieved.
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August - 14 
Norway, the peace facilitator in Sri Lanka, announced on August 14 that formal direct talks between the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would commence on some day between September 12 and 17, 2002 in Thailand. The Norwegian government will announce the precise date on which th
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Norway, the peace facilitator in Sri Lanka, announced on August 14 that formal direct talks between the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would commence on some day between September 12 and 17, 2002 in Thailand. The Norwegian government will announce the precise date on which the meeting is to be held, a statement issued by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said.
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August - 14 
Police sources on August 14 said the LTTE has taken control of a 475- acre government estate in the Tirukkovil police area and also appointed a new manager. The sources also alleged that former manager was abducted by the LTTE and taken to an LTTE base in the jungles.
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Police sources on August 14 said the LTTE has taken control of a 475- acre government estate in the Tirukkovil police area and also appointed a new manager. The sources also alleged that former manager was abducted by the LTTE and taken to an LTTE base in the jungles.
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August - 14 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) on August 14 ruled that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) violated the ceasefire agreement 146 times. "It is clear that at this point the LTTE has to do better in adhering to the ceasefire agreement, considering the high number of complaints and viola
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) on August 14 ruled that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) violated the ceasefire agreement 146 times. "It is clear that at this point the LTTE has to do better in adhering to the ceasefire agreement, considering the high number of complaints and violations involving abductions and underage recruitment. This practice is not only a violation of the ceasefire agreement and international law, but is also a hindrance to the restoration of normalcy in Sri Lanka, in otherwise peaceful times," it said in a statement. The SLMM also said that since the beginning of the ceasefire agreement, February 2002, it has received 576 valid complaints against the LTTE and 164 against the government. Out of that 146 have been ruled as violations of the LTTE and 28 as violations of the government side. Violations of LTTE included 55 cases of child recruitment, 43 cases of abduction and 20 cases of harassment. The government, inter alia, was involved in '11 cases of harassment, 6 cases of restriction of movement and 5 cases of restriction of fishery'.
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August - 15 
According to media reports, the Sri Lankan government would propose two amendments to the Constitution - to enact a Conscience Bill, which enables Member of Parliaments (MPs) to vote according to their conscience and to contribute to the national crisis irrespective of party differences, and another
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According to media reports, the Sri Lankan government would propose two amendments to the Constitution - to enact a Conscience Bill, which enables Member of Parliaments (MPs) to vote according to their conscience and to contribute to the national crisis irrespective of party differences, and another to curb the power of President to dissolve Parliament - on an urgent basis so that a minimum level of political stability is reached before talks with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) commence. Cabinet spokesperson and Minister G.L. Peiris said on August 15 that final touches to proposed amendments would be made soon and that they would further be debated in Parliament. The Minister reportedly added that as the government has the two-thirds majority needed to pass these amendments, it would be a reality soon.
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August - 15 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on August 15 reportedly said that the decision on the dates for formal talks (to be held between September 12 and 17, 2002 in Thailand) was an important step forward in the peace process. "The agreement reached between his government and the Liberation Tigers of T
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on August 15 reportedly said that the decision on the dates for formal talks (to be held between September 12 and 17, 2002 in Thailand) was an important step forward in the peace process. "The agreement reached between his government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to fix date for direct talks in September is a watershed in the peace process", he said while addressing a United National Front parliamentary group.
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August - 16 
An unnamed official of Thailand’s Foreign Ministry was quoted in Sri Lanka’s media as saying that his government has proposed a number of venues for the forthcoming September 12-17 direct peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels. The talks
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An unnamed official of Thailand’s Foreign Ministry was quoted in Sri Lanka’s media as saying that his government has proposed a number of venues for the forthcoming September 12-17 direct peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels. The talks are a further step in the ongoing peace process being facilitated by Norway, and Thailand has offered to host the peace talks, given its geographical proximity to Sri Lanka, the scene of bloody battles between the government and the LTTE rebels for over-17 years. The venue is meant to help quick travel to the rebel headquarters in the Wanni for consultations by the LTTE delegation with its leadership there. The venues proposed included Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Chonburi (Pattaya) and even the capital Bangkok. The first three are famous tourist destinations, reports said, and added that Pattya was known more for its infamous nightlife. The final choice of the venue is yet to be made.
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August - 16 
Inaugurating a new berth at Trincomalee Port, on August 16, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said the forthcoming September-peace talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) were critical for the economic development of the country. He said his government has "stre
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Inaugurating a new berth at Trincomalee Port, on August 16, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said the forthcoming September-peace talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) were critical for the economic development of the country. He said his government has "strengthened the ongoing peace process by laying a firm foundation for the proposed peace talks." Declaring his firm resolve to take the peace process further, he said he would not let obstacles and delays to impair the peace process. Economic progress could be achieved only if the peace process marched ahead towards permanent peace, he averred.
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August - 16 
Media Minister Imtiaz Bakeer Markar, addressing a gathering, on August 16, in Trincomalee, accused the Sinhala chauvinist Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)-led People’s Alliance (PA) of working towards "derailing" the ongoing peace pr
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Media Minister Imtiaz Bakeer Markar, addressing a gathering, on August 16, in Trincomalee, accused the Sinhala chauvinist Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)-led People’s Alliance (PA) of working towards "derailing" the ongoing peace process. He urged, "Peace loving people of the country should not allow these elements to succeed." Lamenting at the economic crisis the country is faced with, Markar said success in the ongoing peace efforts was vital to find a solution to the vexed, nearly two-decade long ‘national question’ and restore peace and economic stability.
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August - 16 
Reports said Constitutional Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris envisaged, while speaking on August 16, that the peace talks could be held twice a month after a ceremonial opening, on September 12. He reportedly said, "We are looking at something like two meetings a month with each meeting lasting for abo
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Reports said Constitutional Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris envisaged, while speaking on August 16, that the peace talks could be held twice a month after a ceremonial opening, on September 12. He reportedly said, "We are looking at something like two meetings a month with each meeting lasting for about three days," and added that the government would be represented by a four-man-team at the talks. Reports also said that the agenda for the direct peace talks would be firmed-up after the venue is fixed.
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August - 18 
Media reports from Sri Lanka said a convoy of four boats of the Sea Tigers carrying 170 unarmed cadres sailed from the Mullaithivu coast to Vakarai, 64km North of Batticaloa, on August 18. The Sea Tigers constitute the naval wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE). Members of the Sri Lank
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Media reports from Sri Lanka said a convoy of four boats of the Sea Tigers carrying 170 unarmed cadres sailed from the Mullaithivu coast to Vakarai, 64km North of Batticaloa, on August 18. The Sea Tigers constitute the naval wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE). Members of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) were on board each of the vessels and the Sri Lankan Navy provided escort to the convoy. The movement of LTTE cadres in such large numbers, under SLMM supervision, is the first since an agreement between the government and the LTTE in this regard was reached through SLMM facilitation.
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August - 18 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said the ‘goal’ of the forthcoming three-day talks in Thailand, anytime between September 12 and 17, with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is to find a ‘permanent solution’ to the protracted ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka without dividing the country. He
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said the ‘goal’ of the forthcoming three-day talks in Thailand, anytime between September 12 and 17, with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is to find a ‘permanent solution’ to the protracted ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka without dividing the country. He was addressing the ruling United National Party’s national executive committee meeting, in Trincomalee, on August 18. The Premier said said there could be neither a fixed time frame nor could the talks start with tabling ‘concrete’ proposals, but both sides have to understand one another and the ‘basic problems each faced’. He said he visualised differences arising at the subsequent rounds of talks, especially on the proposed Interim Administration to be set-up in the North and East. The problems being faced by the Muslim community is another tricky issue, he said and added that securi6y forces camps in public places in Muslim areas would be wound-up after consulting the Muslim community, but elsewhere these camps would soon be wound up. Vacating public places under occupation by the security forces has been a major issue of contention between the government and the LTTE. The security forces are obliged by the terms of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ to vacate all public places under their occupation, but are yet to do so, though the dead line for the same has passed by.
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August - 18 
Speaking at a function in Trincomalee, on August 18, Constitutional Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris said he would be leading the government delegation at the forthcoming September-talks in Thailand with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE). He said all should work finding a permanent solution to
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Speaking at a function in Trincomalee, on August 18, Constitutional Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris said he would be leading the government delegation at the forthcoming September-talks in Thailand with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE). He said all should work finding a permanent solution to the 18-year old ‘national question’.
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August - 19 
Reports from Sri Lanka, on August 19, said the Sri Lankan Army’s 23-3 Brigade Commander in Batticaloa is being replaced. The officer in-charge is better known Batticaloa Commander. Lt. Col. Rajitha de Silva would replace Lt. Col. V. L. R Anthoniz is being sent-out reportedly because he has allegedly
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Reports from Sri Lanka, on August 19, said the Sri Lankan Army’s 23-3 Brigade Commander in Batticaloa is being replaced. The officer in-charge is better known Batticaloa Commander. Lt. Col. Rajitha de Silva would replace Lt. Col. V. L. R Anthoniz is being sent-out reportedly because he has allegedly misbehaved with a female junior officer. Lt. Col. R Anthoniz denied the charges and those who support him had, in turn, accused two other officers of leveling false charges after having "conspired to destroy his career."
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August - 19 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), on August 19, accused the opposition People’s Alliance (PA) of playing a dual role in the ongoing peace process. TNA leader R Sampathan, while addressing the House during the debate on a no confidence motion against the Interior Minister John Amaratunge demanded th
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), on August 19, accused the opposition People’s Alliance (PA) of playing a dual role in the ongoing peace process. TNA leader R Sampathan, while addressing the House during the debate on a no confidence motion against the Interior Minister John Amaratunge demanded the PA to make ‘clear its stand.’ He further said the PA on the hand claims it had started the peace process, while on the other it was having discussions with the right-wing Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) to form a united front to oppose the peace process. The TNA is a four-party Tamil coalition that has the blessings of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
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August - 20 
The state-run Daily News said, on August 20, Defence Secretary Austin Fernando has written to the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) asking its leadership to provide complete information on the number of weapons in the possession of its cadres and those with breakaway groups. The EPDP report
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The state-run Daily News said, on August 20, Defence Secretary Austin Fernando has written to the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) asking its leadership to provide complete information on the number of weapons in the possession of its cadres and those with breakaway groups. The EPDP reportedly told Fernando that that an unspecified number of weapons originally owned by it have now slipped into the hands of one of their splinter groups. According to Fernando, "So far this group has not handed over those weapons to the government". To recollect, all para-military groups in Sri Lanka are required to hand over to the government the weapons they owned. This was agreed to by the terms of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement signed in February 2002 between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
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August - 22 
Media reports from Sri Lanka said the ruling United National Front (UNF) announced on August 22 that Norway, the facilitator in the ongoing peace process in Sri Lanka, would soon announce the exact date of the direct peace talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
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Media reports from Sri Lanka said the ruling United National Front (UNF) announced on August 22 that Norway, the facilitator in the ongoing peace process in Sri Lanka, would soon announce the exact date of the direct peace talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Earlier reports said the talks, to be held in Thailand, would be conducted any day between September 12 and 17. Yet another report said, quoting Cabinet spokesman and Constitutional Affairs Minister G L Peiris, "Peace Secretariat Secretary General Bernard Gunatilake is scheduled to visit Killinochchi shortly to hold vital talks with" LTTE political-wing chief S P Thamilchelvan.
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August - 22 
Visiting United States Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said his government would support the ongoing peace process in Sri Lanka as forcefully as it can, and help end, through negotiated settlement, the protracted ethnic conflict. Armitage was speaking to the media during his visit to a US
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Visiting United States Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said his government would support the ongoing peace process in Sri Lanka as forcefully as it can, and help end, through negotiated settlement, the protracted ethnic conflict. Armitage was speaking to the media during his visit to a US de-mining project site in Sarasalai, Chavakachcheri. He reportedly said the devastation that he had witnessed in the areas he toured reminded him of Vietnam and he has come to appreciate the urgent need to end the ethnic conflict in the island. He also urged both the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to commit to resolve the problem through peaceful means.
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August - 23 
Direct peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will take place between September 16 and 18, in Thailand. The facilitator in the ongoing peace process, Norway announced on August 23 that the dates were mutually agreed upon by the government and
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Direct peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will take place between September 16 and 18, in Thailand. The facilitator in the ongoing peace process, Norway announced on August 23 that the dates were mutually agreed upon by the government and the LTTE in consultation with the governments of Norway and Thailand, where the talks would be held. A Norwegian government statement said, "The Norwegian government will announce the venue [city] for the negotiations and information on press access, closer to the time of the talks". In the statement, Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen was quoted as saying that he anticipated difficulties during the course of the talks, but they (the government and the LTTE) had displayed commitment to seek a durable settlement. He said, "With this step the parties continue their long road towards peace. There is no reason to conceal that there are considerable difficulties ahead. But, there is also a determination on both sides to seek a lasting political settlement of the ethnic conflict."
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August - 24 
Media reports quoting the Sri Lankan Defence Minister indicated that the government might announce de-proscription of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by August 26. Minister Marapone said in Kandy on August 24, "the government has already decided to lift the ban… [It] is now in the process of
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Media reports quoting the Sri Lankan Defence Minister indicated that the government might announce de-proscription of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by August 26. Minister Marapone said in Kandy on August 24, "the government has already decided to lift the ban… [It] is now in the process of making arrangements to issue an official announcement in this regard." Marapone added that withdrawal of government troops from public places, as was agreed in the truce terms with LTTE, has not given any military advantage to LTTE in the areas vacated by troops.
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August - 25 
Media reports from Sri Lanka, quoting the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), said the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would be lifted for a month. The announcement would be formally made through a gazette notification on September 6, 10 days ahead of direct talks commencin
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Media reports from Sri Lanka, quoting the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), said the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would be lifted for a month. The announcement would be formally made through a gazette notification on September 6, 10 days ahead of direct talks commencing between the government and the LTTE. The LTTE has long been demanding the same saying it was necessary if it were to sit at the negotiating table. The LTTE was banned in 1998. The government, however, said either if the talks failed or the LTTE walked out of the talks, the ban would be clamped once again.
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August - 27 
Media reports said Minister for Economic Reforms, Science and Technology Milinda Moragoda would be meeting with several Indian leaders on August 27 and brief them on the developments in the ongoing peace process. The government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are set to meet for dire
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Media reports said Minister for Economic Reforms, Science and Technology Milinda Moragoda would be meeting with several Indian leaders on August 27 and brief them on the developments in the ongoing peace process. The government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are set to meet for direct talks in Thailand on September 16. Moragoda has already arrived on India. Reports indicate Moragoda will meet with Finance Minister Jaswant Singh, Foreign Minister Yaswanth Singh, and Minister for Information Technology Pramod Mahajan, Defence Minister George Fernandes and National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra.
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August - 27 
Speaking to the state-run Daily New, SLMM deputy chief Hagrup Haukland said, "The Army has complained that 60 armed LTTE cadres in Black Uniform had crossed the Polonnaruwa - Batticaloa road between 128-129km posts around 7.45 p.m. on August 27." He further said, if there was truth in the complaint,
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Speaking to the state-run Daily New, SLMM deputy chief Hagrup Haukland said, "The Army has complained that 60 armed LTTE cadres in Black Uniform had crossed the Polonnaruwa - Batticaloa road between 128-129km posts around 7.45 p.m. on August 27." He further said, if there was truth in the complaint, it was a serious breach of cease-fire. The Army also held that the LTTE has crossed the MSR on August 25, too.
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August - 27 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on August 27, announced its delegation for the forthcoming direct talks with the government. The first round is scheduled for three days beginning September 16, in Thailand. The LTTE team will reportedly consist of four persons. Ideologue Anton Balasin
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on August 27, announced its delegation for the forthcoming direct talks with the government. The first round is scheduled for three days beginning September 16, in Thailand. The LTTE team will reportedly consist of four persons. Ideologue Anton Balasingham will lead the LTTE delegation. In the past, too, he had been the chief negotiator for the LTTE. The other members of the LTTE delegation are LTTE legal advisor V. Rudrakumar, rehabilitation and development expert Jay Maheswaran and Balasingham’s Australian-born wife Adele Balasingham, who will be the secretary of the LTTE delegation. The government is yet to officially announce its delegation. Reports, however, indicate Constitutional Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris will head the delegation. The other probable members are Economic Reforms Minister Milinda Moragoda and Peace Secretariat Secretary General Bernard Gunatillake. The name of a fourth probable is yet not known. But, one report indicated that Cabinet Minister and Muslim leader Rauf Hakeem of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) could be the fourth member. The LTTE said the talks would begin with opening statements to the press by chief negotiators of the two teams. Delegates of Norway, the facilitator, and Thailand, the host, would also make opening statements. The first round would be of a preliminary nature and would be held in-camera.
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August - 27 
Visiting Sri Lankan Minister for Economic Reforms, Science and Technology Milinda Moragoda warned, in New Delhi, on August 27, that the road to peace was long and cautioned against expecting immediate dividends. The Minister, however, said, "The prospect of peace is looming very large". He said the
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Visiting Sri Lankan Minister for Economic Reforms, Science and Technology Milinda Moragoda warned, in New Delhi, on August 27, that the road to peace was long and cautioned against expecting immediate dividends. The Minister, however, said, "The prospect of peace is looming very large". He said the Lankan government was proceeding incremental steps and was trying to build trust with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Reconstruction and development, the Minister hoped "would reinforce the peace process." The government and the LTTE are scheduled to meet for three days beginning September 16, in Thailand, for direct talks.
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August - 28 
Media reports from Sri Lanka said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on August 28, announced it would set free seven Security Force personnel presently in its custody on August 31. "The LTTE will release the soldiers in custody as a goodwill gesture before the talks," LTTE Media Secreta
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Media reports from Sri Lanka said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on August 28, announced it would set free seven Security Force personnel presently in its custody on August 31. "The LTTE will release the soldiers in custody as a goodwill gesture before the talks," LTTE Media Secretary Daya Master was quoted in the state-run Daily News. He also said the government told the LTTE that it would reciprocate the gesture. Independent confirmation of the government assurance is yet not available. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports said the LTTE has forwarded a list of 23 cadres it wants the government to release. Reports also said, on August 28, that 23 LTTE detainees have been transferred to the Welikada Prison from Batticaloa, Jaffna, Anuradhapura and Kalutara prisons.
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August - 28 
Media reports said a meeting of the Congress of Religions, on August 28, disassociated itself from statements made by some of its members at a press conference a day earlier on lifting the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Besides, it also said members, especially Hindu and Christi
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Media reports said a meeting of the Congress of Religions, on August 28, disassociated itself from statements made by some of its members at a press conference a day earlier on lifting the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Besides, it also said members, especially Hindu and Christian leaders, want the ban on the LTTE to be lifted. Commenting on the statement by some leaders that the ban should not be lifted, the August-28 statement said, "Its' their personal opinion and not of the Congress of Religions." Prominent among those who attended the August 28-meeting, and signed the statement on lifting the ban, were Venerable Professor Bellenwila Wimalaratne Nayake Thera, Venerable Maduluwewe Sobitha Thera, Bramma Sri Guhananda Sarma, Moulavi M.P Hipsoor Rahuman, Rev Dr. Mervyn Fernando and Fr.Ebanesar Joseph.
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August - 28 
The state-run Daily News said, on August 28, the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were discussing the exchange of prisoners of war (POWs) as a confidence building measure (CBM) ahead of the direct talks scheduled to commence on September 16, in Thailand. Quoting anonymo
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The state-run Daily News said, on August 28, the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were discussing the exchange of prisoners of war (POWs) as a confidence building measure (CBM) ahead of the direct talks scheduled to commence on September 16, in Thailand. Quoting anonymous official sources the paper said the first round of talks on the issue was held on August 23 and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also participated in the talks. Reports also said the LTTE disclosed it has seven government troops in its custody and has sent across a list of 23 LTTE cadres who it wants to be set free. Unconfirmed reports said the prisoners-swap could take place between September 6 and 16.
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August - 29 
A high-level United States (US) defence delegation would be visiting Sri Lanka between September 1 and 4, the US Embassy in Colombo said, on August 29, the state-run Daily News reported, on August 31. National Defence University Senior Vice President and former Assistant Secretary of State for S
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A high-level United States (US) defence delegation would be visiting Sri Lanka between September 1 and 4, the US Embassy in Colombo said, on August 29, the state-run Daily News reported, on August 31. National Defence University Senior Vice President and former Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Robin Raphel will head the team that will "assess the Sri Lankan military's educational and training needs and identify potential areas for future US assistance," the US Embassy said. The visit follows and agreement between US President George W Bush and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during the latter’s July 2002-visit to the US. US Ambassador Ashley Wills said, "It is yet another demonstration of United States support for the government and the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to end the conflict and reform their institutions to address the needs of the country in years to come."
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August - 29 
Media reports said, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) disclosed on August 29 that that it was investigating into a complaint by the Sri Lanka Army, in which it stated armed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres had crossed the Main Supply Route (MSR) in the East. The Army held that th
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Media reports said, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) disclosed on August 29 that that it was investigating into a complaint by the Sri Lanka Army, in which it stated armed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres had crossed the Main Supply Route (MSR) in the East. The Army held that the LTTE has, thus, violated the terms of the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed on February 23, 2002, between the government and the LTTE.
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August - 30 
A Bill to amend the Constitution, known as the Constitution 19th Amendment would be tabled in Parliament on September 11. The Cabinet, on August 30, consented to the Bill that seeks to curtail the powers of the President to dissolve the House within a year of it being constituted. Constitutional Aff
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A Bill to amend the Constitution, known as the Constitution 19th Amendment would be tabled in Parliament on September 11. The Cabinet, on August 30, consented to the Bill that seeks to curtail the powers of the President to dissolve the House within a year of it being constituted. Constitutional Affairs Minister and Cabinet spokesperson G L Peiris said, on August 30, after a Cabinet meeting that a gazette notification of the Bill would be made on September 3, and that the President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, "can make any statement regarding the amendment on or before September 3." Elaborating, Peiris said, "The proposed nineteenth constitutional amendment restricts Presidential powers in dissolving parliament as long as it has the confidence of majority members. The amendment further guarantees the parliamentary seats of the members who vote in favour of it."
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August - 30 
Cabinet spokesperson and Constitutional Affairs Minister G L Peiris was quoted as saying that the delay was "due to technical snag" as charges have been filed against some of the LTTE detainees who are to be exchanged. Now, therefore, the Supreme Court needs approve their release. Peiris, however, a
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Cabinet spokesperson and Constitutional Affairs Minister G L Peiris was quoted as saying that the delay was "due to technical snag" as charges have been filed against some of the LTTE detainees who are to be exchanged. Now, therefore, the Supreme Court needs approve their release. Peiris, however, assured the formal exchange will not be stopped though it is being delayed, as it is being considered as a goodwill measure.
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September - 1 
Presidential Secretariat media unit chief Janadasa Peiris said in a statement, on September 1, President Chandrika Kumaratunge told a group of Budhdhist monks that she was opposed to de-proscribing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ahead of the commencement of the peace talks. Besides, she
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Presidential Secretariat media unit chief Janadasa Peiris said in a statement, on September 1, President Chandrika Kumaratunge told a group of Budhdhist monks that she was opposed to de-proscribing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ahead of the commencement of the peace talks. Besides, she was of the opinion that the life of the proposed interim administration should be co-terminus with the time taken to implement decisions on which there is a consensus. She reportedly said, "I will oppose de-proscribing the LTTE before the commencement of direct peace talks. I will also oppose the setting up of interim administration in the northeast before reaching an agreement with the LTTE by the government on the core issues related to the conflict."
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September - 1 
Reports said, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on September 1, complained to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) of low flying unmanned aerial vehicles of the Air Force in the areas under its control. Reports further said the Air Force contended that the ‘permanent cease-fire agreeme
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Reports said, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on September 1, complained to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) of low flying unmanned aerial vehicles of the Air Force in the areas under its control. Reports further said the Air Force contended that the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ permits the security forces to continue to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Quoting SLMM deputy chief Hagrup Haukland, the state-run Daily News said, on September 2, "The LTTE complained that unmanned Air Force aircraft have hovered over Pallai during the weekend." Haukland also said the SLMM was investigating a complaint by the Army that an estimated 60 armed LTTE cadres crossed the Main Supply Route (MSR) in the East, on August 27, in violation of the cease-fire agreement. If there was truth in the complaint, then it is a "serious breach of the cease-fire agreement", he said.
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September - 2 
Reports from Sri Lanka said President Chandrika Kumaratunga, at a meeting with representatives of the Island Muslim Moulavis Organization (an association of Muslim clerics), on September 2, assured them of protection to Muslims in the North and East. The clerics reportedly apprised the President of
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Reports from Sri Lanka said President Chandrika Kumaratunga, at a meeting with representatives of the Island Muslim Moulavis Organization (an association of Muslim clerics), on September 2, assured them of protection to Muslims in the North and East. The clerics reportedly apprised the President of the difficulties that Muslims there were facing due to Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) activities. They had alleged that the LTTE was indulging in extortion and abductions. The President assured the clerics that, if lapses by security forces in dealing with the complaints recurred, she would notify Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and Chiefs of the Armed Forces for immediate action.
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September - 3 
The Opposition People's Alliance (PA), on September 3, reportedly demanded of the government to announce the agenda of the proposed direct peace talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The demand was made at a press conference and the PA had wanted the agenda to
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The Opposition People's Alliance (PA), on September 3, reportedly demanded of the government to announce the agenda of the proposed direct peace talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The demand was made at a press conference and the PA had wanted the agenda to be made public ahead of the talks due in Thailand, on September 16. Besides, the PA has decided to oppose the proposed 19th Constitution amendment that seeks to restrict the powers of the President on dissolving Parliament. "To instill confidence in the masses about the outcome of peace talks the agenda should be made known in advance. Otherwise people will lose confidence," PA general secretary D.M.Jayaratne said.
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September - 4 
According to another report, Minister for Water Resources Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar said a decision whether to extend the Emergency would be taken after receiving the recommendation of the security forces. He, however, Emergency would not be in force during the run-up to the general elections due on No
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According to another report, Minister for Water Resources Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar said a decision whether to extend the Emergency would be taken after receiving the recommendation of the security forces. He, however, Emergency would not be in force during the run-up to the general elections due on November 13.
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September - 4 
Ahead of the government’s announcement, the Presidential Secretariat said, "We want the peace process to move forward...we want the talks to commence as scheduled… We have said all along that the talks should be up and running before the ban is lifted...The LTTE should not be dogmatic and come for t
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Ahead of the government’s announcement, the Presidential Secretariat said, "We want the peace process to move forward...we want the talks to commence as scheduled… We have said all along that the talks should be up and running before the ban is lifted...The LTTE should not be dogmatic and come for the talks."
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September - 4 
Earlier in the night, Defence Minister Tilak Marapana told a weekly Cabinet meeting that the ban was being lifted, the state-run Daily News said, quoting unnamed authoritative sources. President Chnadrika Kumaratunga was not present at the Cabinet meeting. The LTTE was banned on January 26, 1998.
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Earlier in the night, Defence Minister Tilak Marapana told a weekly Cabinet meeting that the ban was being lifted, the state-run Daily News said, quoting unnamed authoritative sources. President Chnadrika Kumaratunga was not present at the Cabinet meeting. The LTTE was banned on January 26, 1998. The LTTE has made it clear to the government that it would participate in peace talks only if the ban was lifted and thus it being granted the status of a legal entity. The peace talks between the government and the LTTE are set to begin in Thailand.
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September - 5 
Democratic Left Front leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara considered the decision as merely the completion of a formality, as the LTTE had already gained legitimacy after the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ was signed between the government and the LTTE in February 2002. He hoped that the peace talks will
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Democratic Left Front leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara considered the decision as merely the completion of a formality, as the LTTE had already gained legitimacy after the ‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ was signed between the government and the LTTE in February 2002. He hoped that the peace talks will now lead to a permanent solution to the protracted ethnic conflict, and requested the government to form a "council of pro-peace activists" to facilitate the peace process.
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September - 5 
Dr. Jehan Perera, Media Director of the National Peace Council, said the de-proscription has given an opportunity to the LTTE to evince political maturity and to convert itself from a large military outfit to a political organisation. He hoped that the LTTE would now use political means to resolve t
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Dr. Jehan Perera, Media Director of the National Peace Council, said the de-proscription has given an opportunity to the LTTE to evince political maturity and to convert itself from a large military outfit to a political organisation. He hoped that the LTTE would now use political means to resolve the conflict. Separately, Rohan Edrisinha, Centre for Policy Alternatives Legal Unit head, expected the de-proscription to have a vital impact on mutual (government––LTTE) understanding. He advised the LTTE to behave like a political organisation with responsibility.
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September - 5 
The Unite Kingdom (UK) said it would not lift the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE has to demonstrate completely and convincingly that it has renounced terrorism, if it were to be de-proscribed in the UK, the High Commission in Colombo said, quoting its Foreign Office. Th
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The Unite Kingdom (UK) said it would not lift the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE has to demonstrate completely and convincingly that it has renounced terrorism, if it were to be de-proscribed in the UK, the High Commission in Colombo said, quoting its Foreign Office. The statement said, "We hope that the LTTE will indeed conclude that violence no longer has a part to play in resolving Sri Lanka's problems and that they will renounce terrorism."
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September - 6 
Opposition People’s Alliance (PA) spokesperson Sarath Amunugama said, on September 6, his formation is considering approaching the Supreme Court to secure the proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The United National Front (UNF) government has lifted the ban on the LTTE with e
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Opposition People’s Alliance (PA) spokesperson Sarath Amunugama said, on September 6, his formation is considering approaching the Supreme Court to secure the proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The United National Front (UNF) government has lifted the ban on the LTTE with effect from midnight September 5. The ban was lifted even as the Opposition PA and the Sinhala chauvinist Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) were planning to apply pressure against the move through mass agitation. The LTTE was banned under the Prevention of Terrorism Act in 1998. The Defence Minister is empowered to sign the order on banning an organisation or lifting the same. However, according to the provisions of Sixth Amendment to Sri Lanka’s Constitution, the Supreme Court can proscribe an organisation espousing separatism. The PA is now consulting legal luminaries on approaching the Supreme Court.
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September - 7 
Defence Secretary Austin Fernando said, on September 7, the roads leading to Hartley College and Methodist Girls High School in Point Pedro, Jaffna district, would remain out of bounds for the public. He said the two institutions fall within the high security zone encompassing the harbour, courthou
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Defence Secretary Austin Fernando said, on September 7, the roads leading to Hartley College and Methodist Girls High School in Point Pedro, Jaffna district, would remain out of bounds for the public. He said the two institutions fall within the high security zone encompassing the harbour, courthouse, rest house and some other public offices. "As such only principals, students and teachers will be allowed to use the roads that leads to these schools without any checking," he announced at a conference held at the Sri Lankan Army’s 52-4 Brigade headquarters in Point Pedro. "The members of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) in Jaffna will be allowed to monitor to ensure the freedom of movement of students through the college road," he added. Pupils of the two institutions clashed with the security forces on September 2 and forced open the roads. The two institutions were shut down, following the incident, and they would re-opened tomorrow, September 9.
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September - 7 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) hailed the government's decision to de-proscribe the organisation. The LTTE, in a statement issued, on September 7, from its headquarters in the Wanni, praised the act of "courage and strength of will demonstrated by the government of Prime Minister Ranil
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) hailed the government's decision to de-proscribe the organisation. The LTTE, in a statement issued, on September 7, from its headquarters in the Wanni, praised the act of "courage and strength of will demonstrated by the government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe" towards taking the peace process forward. Stating that the biggest impediment to the forthcoming September 16-peace talks, in Thailand, has been removed, LTTE political-wing chief S. Thamilselvan added that the group was hopeful and positive towards the talks. Thamilselvan also said the LTTE was now witnessing a marked difference in the attitude of the Sri Lankan government towards negotiations.
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September - 7 
The Presidential Secretariat, on September 7, said President Chandrika Kumaratunga has asked the government, on September 5, to provide her with a copy of the agreement signed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on the latter’s sea movements. She had, earlier, on August 16, requested a
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The Presidential Secretariat, on September 7, said President Chandrika Kumaratunga has asked the government, on September 5, to provide her with a copy of the agreement signed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on the latter’s sea movements. She had, earlier, on August 16, requested a copy of the instructions issued to the Sri Lanka Navy Commander on the sea movement of LTTE cadres. In her letter the President drew attention of the government to the reports claiming that the LTTE has been permitted to mount weapons on its seafaring vessels. She wrote, "I now understand that the LTTE has been permitted to have weapons fitted to their vessels during their movements in the sea." Strongly disapproving of the permission, the President further said, "…I consider it highly dangerous considering the track record of the LTTE, which has violated several fundamental conditions of the present MoU [Memorandum of Understanding on Permanent Cessation of Hostilities––signed in February 2002] and other previous cease-fire agreements".
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September - 9 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe came down heavily on the opponents to the ongoing peace process and said ‘only some disillusioned and disgruntled politicians who thrive on communal politics have refrained from providing support to the peace process'. He was speaking at a massive pro-government a
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe came down heavily on the opponents to the ongoing peace process and said ‘only some disillusioned and disgruntled politicians who thrive on communal politics have refrained from providing support to the peace process'. He was speaking at a massive pro-government and pro-peace process rally––"People’s Power Rally"––organised by his United National Front coalition in the capital Colombo, on September 9. He further said his involving Norway and suggesting an interim administration in the North and the East were merely a continuation and extension of the steps initiated by President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who has reportedly not lent complete support to the ongoing peace process.
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September - 10 
Defence Minister Tilak Marapone said, on September 10, Army camps removed from certain locations in the Northeast province had been relocated close to their original places. He denied that troops’ strength in Tamil areas had been reduced. "The number of army camps in the northeast province is at pre
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Defence Minister Tilak Marapone said, on September 10, Army camps removed from certain locations in the Northeast province had been relocated close to their original places. He denied that troops’ strength in Tamil areas had been reduced. "The number of army camps in the northeast province is at present 486. Of this only 120 camps have been removed", the Defence Minister said. It was agreed by the terms of the February 2002-‘permanent cease-fire agreement’ signed between the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) that some of the camps would be removed from their then existing locations. He also said "The army occupies sixty one public buildings in the northeast province. 6197 soldiers are stationed in these camps." The Minister was answering a question raised in Parliament by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) parliamentarian Sunil Handunetti.
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