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ASSESSMENTS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
BACKGROUNDER
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Sri Lanka
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Pakistan
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TIMELINES
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BOOKS
The Knights of Falsehood
The Global Threat of Terror
Book Store
TERRORISM UPDATE
VIDEOS
FREEDOM FROM FEAR
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SECOND SIGHT
ICM IN MEDIA
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
RISK ALERT
ISLAMIST EXTREMISM & TERRORISM IN SOUTH ASIA
SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS/PROJECTS/REPORTS
NA
Statement:2006
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Date
Incidents
January - 5 
Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister, Mangala Samaraweera, in an interview in Washington on January 5, stated that his Government did not want a war with the LTTE and appealed to the rebels to be flexible, return to the negotiating table and jointly strengthen the Norwegian-backed ceasefire.
Read more...
Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister, Mangala Samaraweera, in an interview in Washington on January 5, stated that his Government did not want a war with the LTTE and appealed to the rebels to be flexible, return to the negotiating table and jointly strengthen the Norwegian-backed ceasefire.
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January - 8 
The Sri Lankan Government has urged the United States to ban operations of the LTTE's front organization, the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization, within the US.
Read more...
The Sri Lankan Government has urged the United States to ban operations of the LTTE's front organization, the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization, within the US.
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January - 9 
President Mahinda Rajapakse said on January 9 during a meeting with Ambassadors of the Co-chairs of the international donors that his Government "will continue to act with restraint" but would take "all necessary measures" to check "further terrorist attacks." In his first official response to the J
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President Mahinda Rajapakse said on January 9 during a meeting with Ambassadors of the Co-chairs of the international donors that his Government "will continue to act with restraint" but would take "all necessary measures" to check "further terrorist attacks." In his first official response to the January 7-attack by suspected LTTE cadres on a naval craft, Rajapakse also said the Government "was committed to upholding the obligations of the ceasefire agreement." The LTTE, he said, "was abusing" Colombo's "restraint" and had "progressively escalated offensive terror operation even as the Government is awaiting a positive response from the LTTE to resume talks."
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January - 10 
The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Jeffrey Lunstead, at a meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka warned the LTTE against re-igniting a civil war. "If the LTTE chooses to abandon peace, however, we want it to be clear, they will face a stronger, more capable and more determined Sri L
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The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Jeffrey Lunstead, at a meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka warned the LTTE against re-igniting a civil war. "If the LTTE chooses to abandon peace, however, we want it to be clear, they will face a stronger, more capable and more determined Sri Lankan military", the Ambassador said.
Read less...
January - 11 
Addressing villagers in Batticaloa at a rural self-defence training and drill programme, the LTTE’s 'special commander for Ampara-Batticaloa', Bhanu, warned that its Air Force is ready to launch attacks on the Sri Lanka Government's armed forces if war breaks out. "Not only the Black Tigers but also
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Addressing villagers in Batticaloa at a rural self-defence training and drill programme, the LTTE’s 'special commander for Ampara-Batticaloa', Bhanu, warned that its Air Force is ready to launch attacks on the Sri Lanka Government's armed forces if war breaks out. "Not only the Black Tigers but also the Tamil Tigers’ Air Force too is ready to fight against the Sri Lanka Armed Force," Bhanu declared. He added that the LTTE has now grown to the extent that it can provide weapons to 25,000 people in Batticaloa alone.
Read less...
January - 12 
The European Commission has pledged aid for Sri Lanka if the peaceful environment in the country continues. Issuing a statement, Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said, "Above and beyond the next Euro 50 million planned in 2006 for tsunami reconstruction, the Commission is ready to make a substant
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The European Commission has pledged aid for Sri Lanka if the peaceful environment in the country continues. Issuing a statement, Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said, "Above and beyond the next Euro 50 million planned in 2006 for tsunami reconstruction, the Commission is ready to make a substantial multi-year pledge of grant aid for the conflict-affected areas for a further seven years up to 2013, if the conditions locally permit us."
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January - 13 
Issuing a statement on January 13, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) said that it strongly condemns the latest attack on Navy personnel in Chettikulam on January 12 and extended its sympathies to the families affected by the brutal murder. "Over 100 people were killed last month, half of which
Read more...
Issuing a statement on January 13, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) said that it strongly condemns the latest attack on Navy personnel in Chettikulam on January 12 and extended its sympathies to the families affected by the brutal murder. "Over 100 people were killed last month, half of which were civilians. Killings and serious attacks continue and the situation is getting worse. It is our assessment that if the parties don't react immediately they risk going back to war," the SLMM release stated. It added, "various actors in the international community have blamed the LTTE for attacking Government troops but the LTTE has continuously denied any involvement. The LTTE claims that 'the People' are behind the attacks on the military. The SLMM finds this explanation unacceptable. It is safe to say that LTTE involvement cannot be ruled out and we find the LTTE's indifference to these attacks worrying."
Read less...
January - 15 
Norwegian truce monitors on January 15 strongly condemned the latest attack, which claimed the lives of 10 Navy personnel on January 12. Issuing a statement, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) said that it strongly condemns the latest attack on Navy personnel in Chettikulam and extended its sym
Read more...
Norwegian truce monitors on January 15 strongly condemned the latest attack, which claimed the lives of 10 Navy personnel on January 12. Issuing a statement, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) said that it strongly condemns the latest attack on Navy personnel in Chettikulam and extended its sympathies to the families affected by the brutal murder. "This attack is yet another serious blow to the Ceasefire Agreement and the SLMM believes that if such attacks or retaliation of such attacks continue the Ceasefire Agreement will be over."
Read less...
January - 17 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) on January 17 decided to temporarily suspend their monitoring activities in Trincomalee due to the recent escalation of violence in the district. "Following the recent escalation of violence in Trincomalee, culminating in the bomb attack against a Sri Lanka Na
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) on January 17 decided to temporarily suspend their monitoring activities in Trincomalee due to the recent escalation of violence in the district. "Following the recent escalation of violence in Trincomalee, culminating in the bomb attack against a Sri Lanka Navy bus earlier today, the SLMM has decided to suspend the operational activities in Trincomalee until further notice", a press release from the SLMM stated. "It is important to underline that the suspension is limited to Trincomalee district only and we plan to resume normal monitoring activities as soon as the situation calms down", the release added. The SLMM runs a district office in Trincomalee and a contact point in Muttur.
Read less...
January - 18 
According to Daily News, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) will continue operational activities in the seas off Trincomalee despite its earlier decision to suspend operations in the entire district. The SLMM had agreed to commence truce monitoring in the seas of Trincomalee from January 18 fol
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According to Daily News, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) will continue operational activities in the seas off Trincomalee despite its earlier decision to suspend operations in the entire district. The SLMM had agreed to commence truce monitoring in the seas of Trincomalee from January 18 following an assurance from the Navy to provide them additional security on board Navy vessels. SLMM spokesperson Helen Olafsdottir said they had decided to restrict operational activities to the seas off Trincomalee, but cease to monitor the ceasefire on the ground for the time being. "Our (SLMM) team in Trinco cannot go out or patrol the area because the land is not safe or and conducive for monitoring," Olafsdottir said.
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January - 22 
Hindustan Times reports that Geneva is likely to emerge as a compromise venue for the first round of talks between the Government and LTTE. President Rajapakse had informally said that he was ready to accept Geneva as the venue to break the deadlock on the issue. Norwegian Peace Envoy and Internatio
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Hindustan Times reports that Geneva is likely to emerge as a compromise venue for the first round of talks between the Government and LTTE. President Rajapakse had informally said that he was ready to accept Geneva as the venue to break the deadlock on the issue. Norwegian Peace Envoy and International Development Minister Erik Solheim is expected convey this new proposal to the LTTE when he meets their chief Velupillai Prabhakaran at Kilinochchi on January 25.
Read less...
January - 22 
In an interview to Associated Press on January 22, President Mahinda Rajapakse called for immediate talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to halt the increasing violence. He, however, warned that the wish for peace is not a sign that the Government was unable to counter the LTTE. "D
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In an interview to Associated Press on January 22, President Mahinda Rajapakse called for immediate talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to halt the increasing violence. He, however, warned that the wish for peace is not a sign that the Government was unable to counter the LTTE. "Don’t take my patience as my weakness," he said.
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January - 23 
U.S. Under-Secretary of State Nicholas Burns on January 23 described the LTTE as a "reprehensive terrorist group," which was "keeping the country on the edge of war." Burns, who met President Mahinda Rajapakse, political leaders and visiting Norwegian Minister for International Development Erik Solh
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U.S. Under-Secretary of State Nicholas Burns on January 23 described the LTTE as a "reprehensive terrorist group," which was "keeping the country on the edge of war." Burns, who met President Mahinda Rajapakse, political leaders and visiting Norwegian Minister for International Development Erik Solheim in Colombo, said while the Tamils had "legitimate grievances," the LTTE bore the "full responsibility" to either choose peace or to continue with its "repugnant policies of the past decade and a half."
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January - 24 
President Mahinda Rajapakse on January 24 discussed with the Norwegian Minister for International Development and key facilitator Erik Solheim issues relating to the "possibility of resuming negotiations" with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The two-hour talks were held a day ahead of S
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President Mahinda Rajapakse on January 24 discussed with the Norwegian Minister for International Development and key facilitator Erik Solheim issues relating to the "possibility of resuming negotiations" with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The two-hour talks were held a day ahead of Solheim's visit to Kilinochchi to meet with LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran.
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January - 25 
The LTTE assured on January 25 not to attack the army. “On our part, we have given our assurance there will be no acts of violence by the LTTE against government forces,” LTTE leader Anton Balasingham – flown in from London for the meeting – told reporters after Solheim left. “There has been some LT
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The LTTE assured on January 25 not to attack the army. “On our part, we have given our assurance there will be no acts of violence by the LTTE against government forces,” LTTE leader Anton Balasingham – flown in from London for the meeting – told reporters after Solheim left. “There has been some LTTE military action, but most of these incidents are by the peoples’ militias,” Balasingham informed.
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January - 26 
77 security force (SF) personnel were killed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) either by firing at them or in explosions after December 1, 2005 to-date, a statement of the Ministry of Defence informed on January 26. It said: "Fifteen more naval troops are believed killed after they went
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77 security force (SF) personnel were killed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) either by firing at them or in explosions after December 1, 2005 to-date, a statement of the Ministry of Defence informed on January 26. It said: "Fifteen more naval troops are believed killed after they went missing in the sea following two LTTE attacks in Trincomalee and Mannar districts. In addition 182 Security Forces and Police personnel received serious injuries in LTTE attacks during this period ending January 26, 2006. The LTTE was also responsible for the murder of 42 civilians who opposed their views and continuing violence during these two months. Twenty-three LTTE claymore mines, 22 hand grenades, eight T-56 weapons, two pistols, one light machine gun and one mini uzi gun were recovered up to-date by the troops during search operations in the North and East after the LTTE intensified their violence on the Security Forces and the Police in December 2005."
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January - 26 
Switzerland announced that it is ready to host the forthcoming peace talks between the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE in February 2006. While welcoming the breakthrough in the peace process, the Swiss embassy in Colombo stated, "Switzerland supports the peace process under Norwegian facilitation. Th
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Switzerland announced that it is ready to host the forthcoming peace talks between the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE in February 2006. While welcoming the breakthrough in the peace process, the Swiss embassy in Colombo stated, "Switzerland supports the peace process under Norwegian facilitation. Therefore, it has declared itself ready that talks between the conflict parties can take place in Switzerland."
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January - 29 
The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) on January 29 said that the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) is far from making any meaningful strides to promote peace in the country, reports Daily News. Referring to the recent SLMM efforts to bring the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (L
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The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) on January 29 said that the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) is far from making any meaningful strides to promote peace in the country, reports Daily News. Referring to the recent SLMM efforts to bring the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to an agreement to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement (CFA) in Geneva, SLMC General Secretary Hassen Ali said, “The Muslim representation in the talks had apparently been denied because these talks will focus on implementing the CFA. It appears the facilitators had forgotten that Muslim people are a part and parcel of the North-East.” He further said, “The CFA stipulates that no groups should cross villages with weapons. But all groups cross Muslim villages with weapons. Do not these concern the CFA and facilitators?”
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January - 30 
Leader of the LTTE's breakaway Eastern faction, V. Muralitharan alias Karuna, has welcomed the proposed ceasefire talks to be held in Geneva. In a statement issued to the media, Karuna said his group would unilaterally stop all “self-defence military campaigns” to give an opportunity to President Ma
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Leader of the LTTE's breakaway Eastern faction, V. Muralitharan alias Karuna, has welcomed the proposed ceasefire talks to be held in Geneva. In a statement issued to the media, Karuna said his group would unilaterally stop all “self-defence military campaigns” to give an opportunity to President Mahinda Rajapakse to continue with his peace effort. "President Rajapakse has shown a willingness to re-draw the road map to peace in a pragmatic way," Karuna said.
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January - 31 
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse stated that representatives from the Muslim community will be included in the future peace talks. Speaking to a group of the All Ceylon Muslim Congress representatives at Temple Trees on January 31, he emphasised that the prime objective of the 'Mahinda Chintan
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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse stated that representatives from the Muslim community will be included in the future peace talks. Speaking to a group of the All Ceylon Muslim Congress representatives at Temple Trees on January 31, he emphasised that the prime objective of the 'Mahinda Chintana' was the concept of protecting the rights of all ethnic groups including the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher people and that he would act in a manner that would not harm any citizen of this country.
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February - 2 
The Sri Lankan Government announced that senior Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva, would head the Government team at the forthcoming peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE has already announced its delegation, which will be led by the London-based chief negotiator, An
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The Sri Lankan Government announced that senior Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva, would head the Government team at the forthcoming peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE has already announced its delegation, which will be led by the London-based chief negotiator, Anton Balasingham.
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February - 3 
According to Reuters, the Sri Lanka Government would hold talks with the LTTE in Switzerland from February 15. "The President has informed me that peace talks are on the 15th," said Trade and Commerce Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. However, denying these reports, head of the LTTE peace secretariat,
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According to Reuters, the Sri Lanka Government would hold talks with the LTTE in Switzerland from February 15. "The President has informed me that peace talks are on the 15th," said Trade and Commerce Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. However, denying these reports, head of the LTTE peace secretariat, S. Puleedevan, stated that "the LTTE chief negotiator is discussing this issue with the facilitators and we are in regular contact, but there are no firm dates at the moment."
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February - 8 
According to Hindu, the LTTE has ruled out the possibility of any "modifications" to the cease-fire agreement (CFA) as well as discussions on a political solution to the conflict at the talks to be held on February 22 and 23 in Geneva. The outfit’s official organ said: "At Geneva, the LTTE is only p
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According to Hindu, the LTTE has ruled out the possibility of any "modifications" to the cease-fire agreement (CFA) as well as discussions on a political solution to the conflict at the talks to be held on February 22 and 23 in Geneva. The outfit’s official organ said: "At Geneva, the LTTE is only prepared to discuss the full and speedy implementation of the CFA," and that its leader, V. Prabhakaran, had "emphasised this to the Norwegian peace envoy, Erik Solheim."
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February - 9 
The Sri Lanka Information Minister, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, revealed on February 9 that there had been 5,464 cases of cease-fire violations committed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from February 22, 2002 to February 4, 2006. According to details revealed by the Minister at the wee
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The Sri Lanka Information Minister, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, revealed on February 9 that there had been 5,464 cases of cease-fire violations committed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from February 22, 2002 to February 4, 2006. According to details revealed by the Minister at the weekly Cabinet press briefing, 562 killings have been reported during this period. There had been reports of 117 attempted murders and 2,199 cases of conscriptions during this period. The list of violations also includes injuries to 433 soldiers and 442 civilians. The number of extortion cases reported within this period is 106. The Minister further added that the Government will press for a meaningful cease-fire during the February 22-23 talks in Geneva and said that the Government has prepared its agenda for the talks and appointed a Steering Committee on Peace Building (SCPB), headed by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera. The SCPB will consist of six Cabinet Ministers, a Deputy Minister, Members of Parliament, alliance partners of the Government, six Permanent Secretaries and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry and the Peace Secretariat.
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February - 10 
The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader, Rauf Hakeem, stated that there should be a separate Muslim delegation at the peace talks as per the Oslo agreement and also condemned the LTTE stand that no separate Muslim representation should take part in the talks.
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The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader, Rauf Hakeem, stated that there should be a separate Muslim delegation at the peace talks as per the Oslo agreement and also condemned the LTTE stand that no separate Muslim representation should take part in the talks.
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February - 11 
A fishing boat laden with explosives blew up on February 11 off the northwest coast of Sri Lanka after a naval vessel tried to intercept and search it, the Sri Lankan Navy said. A Government statement said it was believed that the boat was carrying weapons to territory controlled by the Liberation T
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A fishing boat laden with explosives blew up on February 11 off the northwest coast of Sri Lanka after a naval vessel tried to intercept and search it, the Sri Lankan Navy said. A Government statement said it was believed that the boat was carrying weapons to territory controlled by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), according to New York Times. A Navy spokesperson, D. Dassanayake, said the patrol craft's crew saw four men on the boat before it exploded. "The LTTE must have tried to avoid an arms detection and caused the huge explosion," he said. He added that a sailor had been seriously wounded in the blast. "Initial reports from the LTTE indicated one of their vessels were involved in an incident at sea, but they later said they had no involvement," said Helen Olafsdottir, spokeswoman for a team of European monitors overseeing the truce.
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February - 13 
A combined Police and Army search operation recently has confirmed that no paramilitary groups were operating in areas under Government control, Operational Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence said. Military spokesperson, Brigadier S.A.P.P. Samarasinghe, informed in a statement: "A recent combin
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A combined Police and Army search operation recently has confirmed that no paramilitary groups were operating in areas under Government control, Operational Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence said. Military spokesperson, Brigadier S.A.P.P. Samarasinghe, informed in a statement: "A recent combined police and army search and clear operation covering Karapola, Mutugala, Wadumunai and Thiruchchena in Northeast and East of Welikanda under Government control confirmed once again that no infiltrators or any other alleged paramilitaries have sought entry into those areas either for settlement or otherwise. Nor has there been any existence of safe houses or hideouts found as alleged by a section of the pro-LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] media."
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February - 14 
President Mahinda Rajapakse stressed that he will not hesitate to defend the country and the nation's armed forces are ready to face any situation. Speaking to Time Asia, he stated, "…The LTTE is trying to force us into war. They have killed over 70 soldiers, and destroyed one of our ships… But we’r
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President Mahinda Rajapakse stressed that he will not hesitate to defend the country and the nation's armed forces are ready to face any situation. Speaking to Time Asia, he stated, "…The LTTE is trying to force us into war. They have killed over 70 soldiers, and destroyed one of our ships… But we’re very patient. We're still ready for talks," and added, "let's sit and discuss what they want and what we can give… We will give them maximum devolution."
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February - 16 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) said that the forthcoming talks in Geneva would decide "if there is peace or war." S.P.Thamilchelvan, political wing leader of the outfit, told Reuters that the future was "totally dependent on the outcome of this meeting. He added, "Any solution to the Ta
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) said that the forthcoming talks in Geneva would decide "if there is peace or war." S.P.Thamilchelvan, political wing leader of the outfit, told Reuters that the future was "totally dependent on the outcome of this meeting. He added, "Any solution to the Tamil national problem should involve the concept of a Tamil homeland, nationhood and the right of self-determination and provide the people with a dignified solution."
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February - 19 
President Mahinda Rajapakse stated during an all-party meeting that the Government has decided to approach the Geneva peace talks on a multi-party basis, though the two main parties that will participate in the discussions are the Government and LTTE, reports ColomboPage. All earlier discussions wer
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President Mahinda Rajapakse stated during an all-party meeting that the Government has decided to approach the Geneva peace talks on a multi-party basis, though the two main parties that will participate in the discussions are the Government and LTTE, reports ColomboPage. All earlier discussions were conducted as bi-party affairs and all of them were unsuccessful and that’s why a new approach for the talks was necessary, added Rajapakse.
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February - 21 
According to media reports, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ruled out the possibility of discussing an expansion in the mandate of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) at the Geneva talks to be held on February 22-23. Sudar Oli, quoting "highly-placed LTTE sources”, reported, "While t
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According to media reports, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ruled out the possibility of discussing an expansion in the mandate of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) at the Geneva talks to be held on February 22-23. Sudar Oli, quoting "highly-placed LTTE sources”, reported, "While the LTTE is willing to consider the need to discuss a larger role for the SLMM, it is not prepared to discuss it at the Geneva talks."
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February - 21 
Sidonia Gabriel, Programme Officer, Human Security and Peace Policy of the Swiss Foreign Ministry, told Daily News that the Swiss Government would not allow the LTTE to carry out fundraising campaigns in the country. He was responding to several media reports that the LTTE delegation was planning to
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Sidonia Gabriel, Programme Officer, Human Security and Peace Policy of the Swiss Foreign Ministry, told Daily News that the Swiss Government would not allow the LTTE to carry out fundraising campaigns in the country. He was responding to several media reports that the LTTE delegation was planning to carry out fundraising campaigns in the country immediately after the cease-fire talks.
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February - 23 
Cabinet spokesperson, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, expressed the Government's satisfaction with the peace talks. The LTTE chief negotiator Anton Balasingham said, "We are deeply pleased that the government has agreed to the smooth implementation of the cease-fire agreement."
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Cabinet spokesperson, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, expressed the Government's satisfaction with the peace talks. The LTTE chief negotiator Anton Balasingham said, "We are deeply pleased that the government has agreed to the smooth implementation of the cease-fire agreement."
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February - 26 
Government sources stated that the cease-fire agreement (CFA) of 2002 has been "amended" at the talks held in Geneva on February 22 and 23, according to Hindustan Times. Nimal Sripala de Silva, Government chief negotiator, told a media briefing in Colombo on February 26 that the "new obligations" me
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Government sources stated that the cease-fire agreement (CFA) of 2002 has been "amended" at the talks held in Geneva on February 22 and 23, according to Hindustan Times. Nimal Sripala de Silva, Government chief negotiator, told a media briefing in Colombo on February 26 that the "new obligations" mentioned in the ‘Geneva Agreement’ of February 23, could be "construed as amendments to the CFA." As reported earlier, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had come to the negotiating table on the express understanding that the existing CFA would not be amended and that the talks would be only on the "smooth implementation of the existing CFA."
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February - 27 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) chief negotiator, Anton Balasingham, rejected the Government's claim that the joint statement at the end of the Geneva talks amounted to an amendment to the original Cease-fire Agreement (CFA), according to ColomboPage. "This bizarre interpretation given
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) chief negotiator, Anton Balasingham, rejected the Government's claim that the joint statement at the end of the Geneva talks amounted to an amendment to the original Cease-fire Agreement (CFA), according to ColomboPage. "This bizarre interpretation given by the President’s counsel, Mr. H.L. de Silva, is ridiculous and preposterous and totally unacceptable to the LTTE… What was agreed by the parties and enunciated in the joint statement falls within the framework of the Ceasefire Agreement," stated Balasingham. He added," The LTTE was totally against any amendments or revision of the original Ceasefire Agreement. Our delegation even threatened to walk out of the peace talks if the Sri Lankan government attempted to bring any changes in the original document. We have also out-rightly rejected H.L. de Silva’s contention that the Ceasefire Agreement is illegal and constitutionally invalid."
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March - 1 
Further, the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), which had pledged its support to Rajapakse during the 2005 Presidential poll, has threatened to withdraw support from the Government over the peace process. JHU leader Champaka Ranawaka stated that the President "should fulfill a pre-election pledge he made t
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Further, the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), which had pledged its support to Rajapakse during the 2005 Presidential poll, has threatened to withdraw support from the Government over the peace process. JHU leader Champaka Ranawaka stated that the President "should fulfill a pre-election pledge he made to subdue the LTTE" and added that the Government should disarm other militant groups, but should start with the LTTE. "If the government moves to neutralise the other armed groups as they have agreed, then there will be very serious implications for security of this country," he warned.
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March - 1 
LTTE has warned that the Government's claim that the 2002 cease-fire agreement (CFA) was amended at the recent Geneva talks will "seriously undermine" the peace process, reports Hindustan Times. Speaking to Tamil Net, the LTTE chief negotiator Anton Balasingham told, "These attempts to distort and m
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LTTE has warned that the Government's claim that the 2002 cease-fire agreement (CFA) was amended at the recent Geneva talks will "seriously undermine" the peace process, reports Hindustan Times. Speaking to Tamil Net, the LTTE chief negotiator Anton Balasingham told, "These attempts to distort and misinterpret the joint statement issued by the parties after the Geneva talks, will damage mutual trust and seriously undermine the peace process." He added that Government contentions were "untenable, ludicrous and seriously flawed" besides breaking "mutual trust" which was essential to keep the peace process going. Balasingham further added, "Amending the clauses of the CFA is a very serious matter, which needs the approval of the parties in conflict, the facilitating government (Norway) and the signatures of the President of Sri Lanka, the leader of the LTTE, and the Norwegian Foreign Minister."
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March - 1 
Meanwhile, welcoming the outcome of the Geneva talks, the Co-chairs of the Sri Lanka donor group - Japan, Norway, the United States and the European Union - urged the Government and the LTTE to respect and uphold the cease-fire agreement, as well as the reconfirmation of their commitment to cooperat
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Meanwhile, welcoming the outcome of the Geneva talks, the Co-chairs of the Sri Lanka donor group - Japan, Norway, the United States and the European Union - urged the Government and the LTTE to respect and uphold the cease-fire agreement, as well as the reconfirmation of their commitment to cooperate fully with and respect the rulings of the SLMM.
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March - 1 
President Mahinda Rajapakse stressed that the future discussions with the LTTE would be held with 'transparency' and added, "From this moment we should unite without trying to gain petit political advantage." He urged every party and individual to contribute to achieve a lasting peace in the country
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President Mahinda Rajapakse stressed that the future discussions with the LTTE would be held with 'transparency' and added, "From this moment we should unite without trying to gain petit political advantage." He urged every party and individual to contribute to achieve a lasting peace in the country.
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March - 1 
Separately, on March 1, the LTTE is reported to have released 20 cadres who had lied about their ages in order to join the insurgency. The LTTE spokesperson Daya Master told Associated Press, "This release is part of a process taken up by us to ensure that underage youths who voluntarily join the LT
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Separately, on March 1, the LTTE is reported to have released 20 cadres who had lied about their ages in order to join the insurgency. The LTTE spokesperson Daya Master told Associated Press, "This release is part of a process taken up by us to ensure that underage youths who voluntarily join the LTTE are sent back to their parents… Now we have evolved a system under which we take down details from parents who believe their children are with us."
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March - 1 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has urged the military to be truthful on the issue of armed groups operating in the east. Hagrup Haukland, the outgoing SLMM head, stated, "There is no doubt that such groups do exist. The army should be truthful about this issue."
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has urged the military to be truthful on the issue of armed groups operating in the east. Hagrup Haukland, the outgoing SLMM head, stated, "There is no doubt that such groups do exist. The army should be truthful about this issue."
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March - 3 
Daily Mirror adds that the LTTE delegation which took part in the Geneva talks with the Government will meet Norway’s Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støere in Oslo, on March 3, today, to discuss the outcome of the talks on the implementation of the CFA.
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Daily Mirror adds that the LTTE delegation which took part in the Geneva talks with the Government will meet Norway’s Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støere in Oslo, on March 3, today, to discuss the outcome of the talks on the implementation of the CFA.
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March - 4 
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) warned that Sri Lanka's peace process is in 'danger' following the killing of two LTTE cadres in an un-cleared area (area not under Government control) in the East on March 4. The outgoing SLMM chief, Hagrup Haukland, stated, "If such attacks and killings should r
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Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) warned that Sri Lanka's peace process is in 'danger' following the killing of two LTTE cadres in an un-cleared area (area not under Government control) in the East on March 4. The outgoing SLMM chief, Hagrup Haukland, stated, "If such attacks and killings should reoccur, the SLMM fears that the next round of talks is put at stake."
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March - 4 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) accused the army of killing two of their cadres in an attack on March 4, the first significant incident of violence since talks in February, but the military denied involvement, according to Reuters. The outfit’s ‘Peace Secretariat Web site’ said men in mi
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) accused the army of killing two of their cadres in an attack on March 4, the first significant incident of violence since talks in February, but the military denied involvement, according to Reuters. The outfit’s ‘Peace Secretariat Web site’ said men in military fatigues had come from an army checkpoint and camp near the eastern town of Batticaloa to attack a LTTE position, killing two cadres. However, a military spokesperson denied any knowledge of the attack, saying that the armed forces had not crossed into LTTE territory since the cease-fire.
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March - 5 
On March 5, Presidential Advisor, Nivard Ajith Cabraal, said that the next round of peace talks between the Government and LTTE, to be held at Geneva in April 2006, will focus on humanitarian issues to provide relief to the people in the Northeast before attention is focused on issues such as power-
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On March 5, Presidential Advisor, Nivard Ajith Cabraal, said that the next round of peace talks between the Government and LTTE, to be held at Geneva in April 2006, will focus on humanitarian issues to provide relief to the people in the Northeast before attention is focused on issues such as power-sharing.
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March - 5 
Tamil United Liberation Front President, V. Anandasangaree, reportedly criticised Norway, stating that the country should not mar its neutral role as a facilitator by entertaining the LTTE team in Oslo after their presence in Geneva, reports Daily News. He said that the visit of the LTTE team to Osl
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Tamil United Liberation Front President, V. Anandasangaree, reportedly criticised Norway, stating that the country should not mar its neutral role as a facilitator by entertaining the LTTE team in Oslo after their presence in Geneva, reports Daily News. He said that the visit of the LTTE team to Oslo after talks in Geneva creates a lot of suspicion in the minds of the people and added, "This act amounts to be a challenge for both the Government of Sri Lanka and to the 25 member countries of the European Union, which imposed a travel ban and decided not to receive any LTTE delegation officially. The Government also will take it as a betrayal of the trust it placed on the Norwegian facilitators."
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March - 6 
According to Sudar Oli, President Mahinda Rajapakse has described the Geneva talks as a "victory for the entire nation," and promised to continue with his peace efforts despite opposition from his unitary and hard-line electoral allies. He described the current situation as an opportune moment to en
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According to Sudar Oli, President Mahinda Rajapakse has described the Geneva talks as a "victory for the entire nation," and promised to continue with his peace efforts despite opposition from his unitary and hard-line electoral allies. He described the current situation as an opportune moment to end the separatist conflict and stated, "I now have the good opportunity to find a solution to the problems faced by Tamils for two decades and the establish peace among all three ethnicities [Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims]. In the welfare of the country, I will never abandon opportunity." Earlier, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief negotiator, Anton Balasingham, described the Geneva talks as a "victory" for the LTTE and said, "We had gone with a specific purpose and we have achieved what we set out to do."
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March - 7 
According to Press Trust Of India, voicing concern over 'conflicting signals' coming from the Government after the Geneva talks, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) warned on March 7 that they were ready to resist if a war was "thrust" on them. The LTTE political wing leader, S. P. Thamilsel
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According to Press Trust Of India, voicing concern over 'conflicting signals' coming from the Government after the Geneva talks, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) warned on March 7 that they were ready to resist if a war was "thrust" on them. The LTTE political wing leader, S. P. Thamilselvan, stated in Colombo, "We ourselves have no faith in the talks," and added, "If they thrust war on us, our organisation, our leader and our people will face it unitedly." LTTE leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, will take decision on the participation of the outfit at the next round of peace talks at Geneva scheduled for April 19, said Thamilselvan.
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March - 7 
Sri Lanka has cleared more than half of the country's estimated 1-million land mines, planted during two decades of civil war, and should be able to complete the task within two years. M.S. Jayasinghe, Secretary in charge of reconstruction and development in conflict-affected areas, stated in Colomb
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Sri Lanka has cleared more than half of the country's estimated 1-million land mines, planted during two decades of civil war, and should be able to complete the task within two years. M.S. Jayasinghe, Secretary in charge of reconstruction and development in conflict-affected areas, stated in Colombo on March 7, "Almost 55 percent of land mines have been cleared so far. All the land mines in Sri Lanka will be cleared by 2008 at the latest, according to our current de-mining programs." The de-mining program began after a Norwegian-brokered cease-fire agreement was signed in 2002.
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March - 8 
Meanwhile, Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front General Secretary, T. Sritharan, in a statement released on March 8, demanded that LTTE’s chief negotiator, Anton Balasingham, should be charged for glorifying suicide bombers and issuing death threats from London.
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Meanwhile, Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front General Secretary, T. Sritharan, in a statement released on March 8, demanded that LTTE’s chief negotiator, Anton Balasingham, should be charged for glorifying suicide bombers and issuing death threats from London.
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March - 8 
Sri Lanka’s chief Muslim party, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), accused the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) of carrying out a ‘sinister operation’ to link Sri Lankan Muslims with extremist Muslim groups such as Al Qaeda and vehemently denied accusations by the outfit that a Muslim ‘Jih
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Sri Lanka’s chief Muslim party, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), accused the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) of carrying out a ‘sinister operation’ to link Sri Lankan Muslims with extremist Muslim groups such as Al Qaeda and vehemently denied accusations by the outfit that a Muslim ‘Jihadi’ group was operating in the east of the country. SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem described as ‘preposterous’ the claims made by the LTTE who maintain that several killings of Muslims as well as Tamils were carried out by an emerging ‘Jihad’ movement and added, "This is absolute nonsense. We will be the first to know if there is a Muslim militant group operating in the east. Sixty seven Muslims have been killed by the LTTE in the past few months. Are the Tigers now trying to say that Muslims are killing Muslims?"
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March - 10 
According to ColomboPage, former United National Party Minister, S.B. Dissanayake, warned that if the Government insists on a solution to the ethnic conflict within the framework of a unitary state, war will be inevitable. Addressing his first press conference after release from prison last month, D
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According to ColomboPage, former United National Party Minister, S.B. Dissanayake, warned that if the Government insists on a solution to the ethnic conflict within the framework of a unitary state, war will be inevitable. Addressing his first press conference after release from prison last month, Dissanayake stated, "The country had already lost its unitary status with the devolution of power under the 13th Amendment which provides for the Provincial Councils" and added, "If the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) does not agree to power devolution within a united country, there is no need to kneel down before it." Meanwhile, Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa stated on March 10, "There was no change in its (Government) stand on Norway functioning as facilitator in the country's peace effort. Norway continues as peace facilitator in Sri Lanka."
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March - 10 
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has informed that the LTTE still holds as many as 1,358 child soldiers, despite its pledges to free all underage combatants. The UNICEF added that the outfit has recruited 5,368 child soldiers since the cease-fire agreement was signed in 2002.
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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has informed that the LTTE still holds as many as 1,358 child soldiers, despite its pledges to free all underage combatants. The UNICEF added that the outfit has recruited 5,368 child soldiers since the cease-fire agreement was signed in 2002.
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March - 11 
According to ColomboPage, Thuiyavan, a ‘political leader’ of the ‘Colonel’ Karuna faction told the Lankadeepa that his group is not a gang but an organisation. He stated, "Nobody can disarm us. We have our own arms. They are not given by the government or anybody else. We will hand over our arms on
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According to ColomboPage, Thuiyavan, a ‘political leader’ of the ‘Colonel’ Karuna faction told the Lankadeepa that his group is not a gang but an organisation. He stated, "Nobody can disarm us. We have our own arms. They are not given by the government or anybody else. We will hand over our arms on the day Prabhakaran hands over his. Until then we will not put down arms." He also said that they fear the Sri Lanka Army and Police, but bear arms to protect themselves from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
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March - 13 
According to the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) website Tamilnet, paramilitary cadres have abducted two 15-years old boys from the Valaichenai area of Batticaloa district on March 13. The website further quoted Anton Balasingham, the LTTE’s chief negotiator, as stating, "The Geneva p
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According to the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) website Tamilnet, paramilitary cadres have abducted two 15-years old boys from the Valaichenai area of Batticaloa district on March 13. The website further quoted Anton Balasingham, the LTTE’s chief negotiator, as stating, "The Geneva peace talks will face grave danger if the Sri Lanka government refuses to disarm Tamil paramilitary organisations and continues allowing them to launch offensive military operations against our military positions in Batticaloa district." He further told that the LTTE leadership would be compelled to review its decision to participate in the next round of talks, scheduled to be held in Geneva on April 19, if Colombo fails to fulfil the pledges agreed in the joint statement issued after the first session of talks in Geneva.
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March - 15 
Meanwhile, according to the latest Human Rights Watch (HRW) report, members of Canada's Tamil community are being aggressively pursued and extorted by the LTTE. The HRW report said Canada's Tamil population are pressurized to lend money, re-mortgage their homes or even skip meals to help fund the fi
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Meanwhile, according to the latest Human Rights Watch (HRW) report, members of Canada's Tamil community are being aggressively pursued and extorted by the LTTE. The HRW report said Canada's Tamil population are pressurized to lend money, re-mortgage their homes or even skip meals to help fund the fight for a separate Tamil state. Reacting to similar reports and on the issue of declaring a ban on the LTTE, the Canadian Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day said, "We are waiting for some more assessments. Some of our investigative and intelligence information is still yet to come, and we should be able to make a decision pretty soon on this."
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March - 15 
United States has said it is taking seriously a Human Rights Watch (HRW) latest report that documents the LTTE' fundraising outside Sri Lanka and also methods involved in the "collection". A senior US administration official reportedly stated, "We have designated the LTTE a long time ago as a foreig
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United States has said it is taking seriously a Human Rights Watch (HRW) latest report that documents the LTTE' fundraising outside Sri Lanka and also methods involved in the "collection". A senior US administration official reportedly stated, "We have designated the LTTE a long time ago as a foreign terrorist organisation and this was in part because of its activities outside of Sri Lanka raising funds…US law prohibits the LTTE from collecting money in the United States and it is illegal for American citizens to provide money to the LTTE." He said, "Our law enforcement agencies are aware of this and are on the lookout for these kinds of activity" and added further that the US has called upon the LTTE to renounce "terrorist methods" in word and deed and stop practices such as recruiting child soldiers.
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March - 16 
President Mahinda Rajapakse expressed confidence that the peace process would hold and that the LTTE would attend the second round of talks, scheduled to be held on April 19. On the issue of disarming rival armed groups, which is a key condition laid by the LTTE for the next round of talks to take p
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President Mahinda Rajapakse expressed confidence that the peace process would hold and that the LTTE would attend the second round of talks, scheduled to be held on April 19. On the issue of disarming rival armed groups, which is a key condition laid by the LTTE for the next round of talks to take place, the President said that the normal law of the country applies to those who engage in violence and he preferred the Police to deal with the matter instead of the Army.
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March - 16 
The LTTE has reportedly warned that Sri Lanka could face violence if the Government breaks promises to disarm paramilitary groups. During the talks with Norwegian Ambassador, Hans Brattskar, in Kilinochchi on March 16, S.P. Thamilselvan, political wing leader of the outfit, stated, “There is a consp
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The LTTE has reportedly warned that Sri Lanka could face violence if the Government breaks promises to disarm paramilitary groups. During the talks with Norwegian Ambassador, Hans Brattskar, in Kilinochchi on March 16, S.P. Thamilselvan, political wing leader of the outfit, stated, “There is a conspicuous absence of action and this only tends to aggravate the situation and lead back to the status quo of December-January. The understanding reached in Geneva should not be allowed to go into lapse, for it would have serious impacts in the progress of the process and not at all (be) conducive to build confidence and mutual trust between the parties.”
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March - 19 
Meanwhile, according to Tamilnet, S.Elilan, Trincomalee district 'political head' of the LTTE, has said that a Dvora and two water jets of the Sri Lanka Navy have been firing towards the coastal villages Sampoor, Soodaikuda, Koonitivu and Kadatkaraichchenai in the Muttur east area of Trincomalee dis
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Meanwhile, according to Tamilnet, S.Elilan, Trincomalee district 'political head' of the LTTE, has said that a Dvora and two water jets of the Sri Lanka Navy have been firing towards the coastal villages Sampoor, Soodaikuda, Koonitivu and Kadatkaraichchenai in the Muttur east area of Trincomalee district. "Firing is still going on with interruptions and several civilian houses have been damaged. Casualties are not known as it was early to assess the loss of lives and other damages," said S.Elilan.
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March - 22 
According to ColomboPage, the LTTE on March 22 rejected 'new preconditions' for the re-entry of their political cadres into Government-controlled areas in the Northeast. In a letter addressed to the head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, it said, "We reject the concept of anybody laying condition
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According to ColomboPage, the LTTE on March 22 rejected 'new preconditions' for the re-entry of their political cadres into Government-controlled areas in the Northeast. In a letter addressed to the head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, it said, "We reject the concept of anybody laying conditions for our members doing political work with our people. Geneva talks and the understanding ensued therein is totally nullified by this stance of the Sri Lankan government. If delivery of the peace dividend, normalcy and confidence building are the noble goals of all those who worked hard to make Geneva talks a reality, we are afraid that this posturing of the [Sri Lankan government] and its military is not going to be a step in the right direction."
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March - 22 
According to Reuters, LTTE chief negotiator Anton Balasingham has said that the outfit will view any further attacks by ‘military-backed renegades’ as an act of war and may postpone peace talks unless the State disarms them. Balasingham said, "If the paramilitaries continue to launch military offens
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According to Reuters, LTTE chief negotiator Anton Balasingham has said that the outfit will view any further attacks by ‘military-backed renegades’ as an act of war and may postpone peace talks unless the State disarms them. Balasingham said, "If the paramilitaries continue to launch military offensive operations against the LTTE with the backing of the Sri Lankan armed forces, it will certainly be construed as an act of war against the LTTE. It will lead to conditions of war and violence and it will block any forward movement of the peace talks and lead to the collapse of the peace process itself." He added, "the LTTE leadership will consider postponing the second round (of talks), or they might even think of attending the talks and continue to insist on the same (disarmament) theme that was taken up at the first round. He further said, "Unless Rajapakse... accepts the demand of the Tamils for regional autonomy, there won't be any prospect for a political solution. If internal self-determination is rejected, then only we will invoke the right to external self-determination - that is the right to form an independent state."
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March - 22 
Donald Camp, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Affairs in the United States (US) State Department's South and Central Asian Affairs Bureau, stated that the US recognises the Sri Lankan Government as a sovereign Government and considers the LTTE a terrorist organization
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Donald Camp, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Affairs in the United States (US) State Department's South and Central Asian Affairs Bureau, stated that the US recognises the Sri Lankan Government as a sovereign Government and considers the LTTE a terrorist organization, reports ColomboPage. It also supports the Government and its territorial integrity. He said, "The LTTE has engaged in a whole host of abuses -- politically motivating killings, disappearances, torture and much more. We are particularly concerned about ongoing LTTE recruitment of child soldiers, in spite of its pledge to end such activity." He added, "There's outside support for the LTTE in terms of outside fundraising, active involvement in the Tamil diaspora around the world."
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March - 22 
Sri Lankan military is reported to have said that they are still negotiating with the LTTE through the cease-fire monitors on the opening of outfit’s offices in Government-held areas. A senior defense official said, "Discussions are underway regarding the matter, but LTTE offices are not allowed to
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Sri Lankan military is reported to have said that they are still negotiating with the LTTE through the cease-fire monitors on the opening of outfit’s offices in Government-held areas. A senior defense official said, "Discussions are underway regarding the matter, but LTTE offices are not allowed to be opened, as parties have not come to an agreement in this regard…Both the military and the LTTE have not come to an agreement with the [LTTE’s] request for the security for the political officers."
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March - 23 
According to ColomboPage, Pillatyan, a ‘special commander’ of the ‘Colonel’ Karuna faction, has claimed that Norway is backing the LTTE's plans to attack the Sri Lanka military. "LTTE is preparing to launch a surprise attack on their formations in the East and simultaneously planning to attack the S
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According to ColomboPage, Pillatyan, a ‘special commander’ of the ‘Colonel’ Karuna faction, has claimed that Norway is backing the LTTE's plans to attack the Sri Lanka military. "LTTE is preparing to launch a surprise attack on their formations in the East and simultaneously planning to attack the Sri Lanka security forces in the North," stated Pillatyan. He added, "The blueprint for this has been prepared by the Norwegians. After launching the attack, the LTTE will blame the Sri Lankan government for breaching the Ceasefire Agreement and this will be backed by the Norwegians. The main objective of the planned attack is to force the hands of President Rajapaksa, with pressures from the international community, to wage a war against us. This is the reason why the LTTE has suddenly come up with demand to clear the areas for the LTTE to open up the political offices in the North and East."
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March - 23 
Daily News quoted Cabinet spokesperson, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, as saying that the LTTE has violated the cease-fire agreement on 31 occasions following the February 22-23 Geneva talks. "We hope that the LTTE will also stop recruitment of child soldiers and other human rights violations," he added.
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Daily News quoted Cabinet spokesperson, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, as saying that the LTTE has violated the cease-fire agreement on 31 occasions following the February 22-23 Geneva talks. "We hope that the LTTE will also stop recruitment of child soldiers and other human rights violations," he added.
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March - 23 
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that children are still being kidnapped by the LTTE to train as fighters, but the abductions appear to be less frequent since the cease-fire in 2002. UNICEF senior programme co-ordinator, Yasmin Ali Haque, stated, "Most of them are forcible… Some
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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that children are still being kidnapped by the LTTE to train as fighters, but the abductions appear to be less frequent since the cease-fire in 2002. UNICEF senior programme co-ordinator, Yasmin Ali Haque, stated, "Most of them are forcible… Some of them also believe in the nation... the lure of the cause. Some of them are running away for whatever reason, be it poverty or abuse. The responsibility still lies with the LTTE." She added, "There is no such thing as a voluntary recruitment of a child." The UNICEF recorded 1,280 cases of children being kidnapped by the outfit in 2003, falling to 675 in 2005, 155 in July only. In January 2006, it logged 29 cases and 14 were reported for February.
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March - 24 
LTTE Peace Secretariat announced on March 24 that to honour the Government's condition made at the recently concluded Geneva talks, it has decided to stop the opening of all political offices in Government-controlled areas and added, "We hope the government too will respond [to] us positively."
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LTTE Peace Secretariat announced on March 24 that to honour the Government's condition made at the recently concluded Geneva talks, it has decided to stop the opening of all political offices in Government-controlled areas and added, "We hope the government too will respond [to] us positively."
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March - 24 
On March 24, the troops allegedly attacked students, injuring five of them, in the Jaffna town after they hoisted a LTTE flag in defiance of a provision of the 2002 cease-fire. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission spokesperson, Helen Olafsdottir, stated that the troops took down the flag, but
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On March 24, the troops allegedly attacked students, injuring five of them, in the Jaffna town after they hoisted a LTTE flag in defiance of a provision of the 2002 cease-fire. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission spokesperson, Helen Olafsdottir, stated that the troops took down the flag, but said she was unaware of any physical assault.
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March - 25 
On March 25, the Sri Lanka Army chief, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, stated that both the military and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are re-arming even as they prepare for a new round of peace talks in Geneva and added that the 2002 cease-fire has too many loopholes, reports Reuters.
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On March 25, the Sri Lanka Army chief, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, stated that both the military and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are re-arming even as they prepare for a new round of peace talks in Geneva and added that the 2002 cease-fire has too many loopholes, reports Reuters. He said, "I know they are building up the capacity of their (LTTE) military. I don't know that they can build up their forces and be serious about peace. We also are building our forces. But building up a legitimate army is very different from building up a terrorist force." He also informed that the military has redesigned its website to counter an online disinformation campaign by the LTTE.
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March - 25 
Daily Mirror quoted the Tamil National Alliance Member of Parliament, Gajendran Ponnambalam, stating that the LTTE was preparing for another war since there was little or no progress in the peace process. "Since there has been no meaningful effort made to make a sensitive approach towards the issues
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Daily Mirror quoted the Tamil National Alliance Member of Parliament, Gajendran Ponnambalam, stating that the LTTE was preparing for another war since there was little or no progress in the peace process. "Since there has been no meaningful effort made to make a sensitive approach towards the issues of the civilians over the last 4 years it is pretty obvious that the LTTE is preparing for war," claimed Ponnambalam.
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March - 26 
SLMM condemning the attack on Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) vessel on March 25, in which eight Navy personnel and six LTTE cadres were reportedly killed, said that it is hard to rule out LTTE involvement in the incident. The SLMM statement issued on March 26 stated, "Based on SLMM’s previous experience durin
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SLMM condemning the attack on Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) vessel on March 25, in which eight Navy personnel and six LTTE cadres were reportedly killed, said that it is hard to rule out LTTE involvement in the incident. The SLMM statement issued on March 26 stated, "Based on SLMM’s previous experience during the period of the case-fire agreement we feel that we cannot at this stage rule out their involvement." The Military and LTTE both lack commitment to 2002 cease-fire agreement and further provocation could rekindle a rash of deadly attacks, the statement added.
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March - 26 
Tamil Net quoting sources has reported that the Eastern Province Mosques Federation in a statement issued on March 26 demanded that a separate Muslim delegation should be included in any future peace talks between the Government and LTTE. The statement added that Muslim community should have the com
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Tamil Net quoting sources has reported that the Eastern Province Mosques Federation in a statement issued on March 26 demanded that a separate Muslim delegation should be included in any future peace talks between the Government and LTTE. The statement added that Muslim community should have the complete freedom to decide on the composition of such delegation.
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March - 27 
According to Reuters, on March 27, a suspected LTTE front, Upsurging Peoples Brigade, has claimed responsibility for attacks on the military that killed dozens of SF personnel in December 2005 and January 2006 and also threatened that they would resume attacks.
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According to Reuters, on March 27, a suspected LTTE front, Upsurging Peoples Brigade, has claimed responsibility for attacks on the military that killed dozens of SF personnel in December 2005 and January 2006 and also threatened that they would resume attacks.
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March - 29 
The Sri Lanka Government said that it would continue peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) despite the deaths of eight sailors in a suicide blast on March 25. Cabinet spokesperson Nimal Siripala de Silva stated on March 29, "The government is committed towards a negotiated set
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The Sri Lanka Government said that it would continue peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) despite the deaths of eight sailors in a suicide blast on March 25. Cabinet spokesperson Nimal Siripala de Silva stated on March 29, "The government is committed towards a negotiated settlement despite the recent provocative action."
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April - 3 
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) stated that the number of people affected by landmines in Sri Lanka has fallen 75 percent since the signing of the 2002 cease-fire agreement between the Government and LTTE. UNICEF in a statement issued on April 3 said, "The total number of victims either
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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) stated that the number of people affected by landmines in Sri Lanka has fallen 75 percent since the signing of the 2002 cease-fire agreement between the Government and LTTE. UNICEF in a statement issued on April 3 said, "The total number of victims either killed or injured from mines dropped from 152 in 2002 when the ceasefire began to 38 last year."
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April - 5 
The spokesperson of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, Helen Olafsdottir, stated that there is a marked increase in the recruitment of children in the East for combat training presumably by the LTTE. She said: "these incidents still remain open for inquiry. There is no ruling that the LTTE had recrui
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The spokesperson of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, Helen Olafsdottir, stated that there is a marked increase in the recruitment of children in the East for combat training presumably by the LTTE. She said: "these incidents still remain open for inquiry. There is no ruling that the LTTE had recruited child soldiers so as to be charged with violation of the CFA for the recruitments."
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April - 6 
Norway's International Development Minister Erik Solheim after his meeting with the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse informed that the President has assured safe passage to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) delegation traveling to Switzerland for peace talks scheduled to be held on A
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Norway's International Development Minister Erik Solheim after his meeting with the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse informed that the President has assured safe passage to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) delegation traveling to Switzerland for peace talks scheduled to be held on April 19-21 at Geneva. Solheim accused both the Government and LTTE of violating the cease-fire agreement since Geneva talks and said that if both parties did not abide by the Geneva pledges, the talks would only be mere meetings.
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April - 6 
Police chief Chandra Fernando told BBC Sandesaya that he has not clearly identified who the paramilitary armed groups are, but said the Special Task Force is operating under Police as a paramilitary. He added that Police would take legal action against those who carry unauthorised arms and also crim
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Police chief Chandra Fernando told BBC Sandesaya that he has not clearly identified who the paramilitary armed groups are, but said the Special Task Force is operating under Police as a paramilitary. He added that Police would take legal action against those who carry unauthorised arms and also criminals.
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April - 6 
The University Teachers for Human Rights- Jaffna (UTHR-J) has alleged that the LTTE faked the alleged abduction of seven Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO) personnel at Welikande on the Batticaloa-Polonnaruwa border in two separate incidents on January 29-30. The UTHR (J) in the special report
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The University Teachers for Human Rights- Jaffna (UTHR-J) has alleged that the LTTE faked the alleged abduction of seven Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO) personnel at Welikande on the Batticaloa-Polonnaruwa border in two separate incidents on January 29-30. The UTHR (J) in the special report Number 20 released on April 2 titled "Terrorism, Counter terrorism and Challenges to Human Rights Advocacy" cited sources close to family members of one abducted person saying that the LTTE has told them not to worry, as the missing persons were safe with the outfit.
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April - 7 
S. Elilan, Trincomalee 'district political head' of the LTTE, accused the Sri Lankan Army and its intelligence operatives for the killing. The Government has ordered a probe into the incident.
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S. Elilan, Trincomalee 'district political head' of the LTTE, accused the Sri Lankan Army and its intelligence operatives for the killing. The Government has ordered a probe into the incident.
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April - 8 
Suspected cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) killed one soldier on April 8 and injured two others, the army said. The army said one soldier had been killed and one wounded after the LTTE fired on an observation post, while another soldier and civilian were wounded in a fragmentati
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Suspected cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) killed one soldier on April 8 and injured two others, the army said. The army said one soldier had been killed and one wounded after the LTTE fired on an observation post, while another soldier and civilian were wounded in a fragmentation mine attack on an army lorry in the north, according to Reuters. "In the last two days, we've seen a dramatic escalation in violence… This could end up jeopardising not only the talks but also the cease-fire itself," said Helen Olafsdottir, spokeswoman for the Nordic mission overseeing the 2002 cease-fire.
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April - 9 
The Government has assured secure transport facilities to the LTTE delegation to attend the peace talks in Geneva. The Government’s Chief negotiator, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, stated that the Government did not want the LTTE to opt out of talks quoting security concerns. He told BBC Sandesha
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The Government has assured secure transport facilities to the LTTE delegation to attend the peace talks in Geneva. The Government’s Chief negotiator, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, stated that the Government did not want the LTTE to opt out of talks quoting security concerns. He told BBC Sandeshaya, "We will provide all the security for the LTTE to and from Vanni to Colombo to attend the Talks. As a government we are bound to provide security to every citizen of the country…President Mahinda Rajapaksa has assured him (Bauer) that we will provide the necessary security."
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April - 9 
The LTTE political wing leader, S.P Thamilselvan, in a letter written to the Norway’s ambassador Hans Brattskar, reportedly stated the outfit will use its own boats to transport its field commanders, after the Government refusal to airlift them to their main base for a crucial meeting with the outfi
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The LTTE political wing leader, S.P Thamilselvan, in a letter written to the Norway’s ambassador Hans Brattskar, reportedly stated the outfit will use its own boats to transport its field commanders, after the Government refusal to airlift them to their main base for a crucial meeting with the outfit’s leadership before the Geneva peace talks scheduled to be held on April 19-21. He added that the ‘LTTE leadership’s meeting with the field commanders is an absolute necessity to maintain the integrity of the ceasefire agreement.’ He said, "We are now left with the alternative of making our own sea transport, conscious of the risks that would ensue in any possible confrontations with the Sri Lanka navy that would put the ceasefire agreement into grave risk."
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April - 9 
The LTTE’S chief negotiator, Anton Balasingham, reportedly stated the Tamils of Sri Lanka consider "Tamil Eelam" in the North East of their island, as their "motherland", and India as their "fatherland." In an interview to Chennai-based weekly Ananda Vikatan, Balasingham said, "We expect good relati
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The LTTE’S chief negotiator, Anton Balasingham, reportedly stated the Tamils of Sri Lanka consider "Tamil Eelam" in the North East of their island, as their "motherland", and India as their "fatherland." In an interview to Chennai-based weekly Ananda Vikatan, Balasingham said, "We expect good relations to develop between India and the LTTE. I feel that such a situation will arise in the near future."
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April - 10 
Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka told Daily News that the Army has sent a strong warning to the LTTE through the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission in Jaffna calling for an immediate cessation of violence against security forces and to abide by their commitment made in Geneva.
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Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka told Daily News that the Army has sent a strong warning to the LTTE through the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission in Jaffna calling for an immediate cessation of violence against security forces and to abide by their commitment made in Geneva.
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April - 10 
The Canadian Government formally proscribed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist group. Public Safety Minister, Stockwell Day, designating the outfit as a terrorist group announced on April 10 that it will be illegal for anyone in Canada to support or participate in LTTE activi
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The Canadian Government formally proscribed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist group. Public Safety Minister, Stockwell Day, designating the outfit as a terrorist group announced on April 10 that it will be illegal for anyone in Canada to support or participate in LTTE activities. He added, "The decision to list the LTTE is long overdue and something the previous government did not take seriously enough to act upon. Our government is clearly determined to take decisive steps to ensure the safety of Canadians against terrorism."
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April - 10 
The donor co-chair representatives - Netherlands, the European Union delegation, Norway and Japan - urged the LTTE to refrain from all violence and to engage in a discussion on a political outcome, ensuring the democratic rights of all people in Sri Lanka. After a meeting with the LTTE political win
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The donor co-chair representatives - Netherlands, the European Union delegation, Norway and Japan - urged the LTTE to refrain from all violence and to engage in a discussion on a political outcome, ensuring the democratic rights of all people in Sri Lanka. After a meeting with the LTTE political wing leader S.P Thamilchelvan and other representatives of the outfit, the donors in statement said, "The Co-Chairs discussed episodes over the last month. They noted the level of violence has remained lower than the levels seen before the first meeting in Geneva. However, the Co-Chairs condemned most strongly the recent acts of violence over the last days. The Co-Chairs also expressed concern at continued violence in the east. The Co-Chairs await the outcome of the SLMM enquiries."
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April - 11 
Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) Major General Ulf Henricsson, while condemning the claymore mine attack on the Army in Jaffna and the Navy in Trincomalee district has commended the Government for not taking any retaliatory actions and thereby adhering to the cease-fire agreement.
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Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) Major General Ulf Henricsson, while condemning the claymore mine attack on the Army in Jaffna and the Navy in Trincomalee district has commended the Government for not taking any retaliatory actions and thereby adhering to the cease-fire agreement.
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April - 11 
Military spokesperson, Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe, said that the LTTE was directly involved in the claymore mine attacks targeting the security forces though the LTTE was trying to cover it up by putting the responsibility on ‘People's Force’.
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Military spokesperson, Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe, said that the LTTE was directly involved in the claymore mine attacks targeting the security forces though the LTTE was trying to cover it up by putting the responsibility on ‘People's Force’.
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April - 11 
The Secretary General of the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process, Dr. Palitha Kohona, however, has stated that the Government will not be sidetracked into jettisoning the current peace process by provocative acts of the LTTE, "On the contrary we will take additional steps to exercise grea
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The Secretary General of the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process, Dr. Palitha Kohona, however, has stated that the Government will not be sidetracked into jettisoning the current peace process by provocative acts of the LTTE, "On the contrary we will take additional steps to exercise great restraint and forbearance in the face of major provocations to keep up with the peace process."
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April - 13 
Sri Lanka Army sources said that two LTTE cadres were killed and four others were wounded in an ambush by the cadres belonging to the ‘Colonel’ Karuna faction inside the LTTE controlled Vakaneri village of Batticaloa district.
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Sri Lanka Army sources said that two LTTE cadres were killed and four others were wounded in an ambush by the cadres belonging to the ‘Colonel’ Karuna faction inside the LTTE controlled Vakaneri village of Batticaloa district.
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April - 13 
The Government spokesperson Rohitha Bogallagama accusing the LTTE of masterminding a huge disaster by the bomb blast said that the plan was to bring down the entire roof of the market inflicting maximum casualties. He added, "The final idea of directing attacks towards civilians is to have a backlas
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The Government spokesperson Rohitha Bogallagama accusing the LTTE of masterminding a huge disaster by the bomb blast said that the plan was to bring down the entire roof of the market inflicting maximum casualties. He added, "The final idea of directing attacks towards civilians is to have a backlash.”
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April - 13 
The LTTE said that they would not be able to attend the peace talks on April 19-21 at Geneva. The LTTE spokesperson Dayamaster told that the outfit’s leadership would be meeting their commanders from the east from April 15 to 22 and then will decide on a date for talks. He added, that the Sri Lanka
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The LTTE said that they would not be able to attend the peace talks on April 19-21 at Geneva. The LTTE spokesperson Dayamaster told that the outfit’s leadership would be meeting their commanders from the east from April 15 to 22 and then will decide on a date for talks. He added, that the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission had offered transport to enable the commanders from the east to travel to the north.
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April - 13 
The Norwegian peace facilitators stated that they have agreed to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) call for a postponement of cease-fire talks scheduled to be held on April 19-21 at Geneva. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Rune Djastad, on April 13 told the BBC "We are in touch
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The Norwegian peace facilitators stated that they have agreed to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) call for a postponement of cease-fire talks scheduled to be held on April 19-21 at Geneva. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Rune Djastad, on April 13 told the BBC "We are in touch with both parties and Switzerland to solve the practical issues." He added that they are aware of "the LTTE's need for new date change in the meeting" and said that they are "working on it".
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April - 14 
On April 14 the Sri Lanka Government agreed on a new date for peace talks with the LTTE at Geneva. The head of the Government peace secretariat, Palitha Kohona, told Reuters, "The dates decided upon are the 24th and 25th of April." He added, “There had been a suggestion from the LTTE that the talks
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On April 14 the Sri Lanka Government agreed on a new date for peace talks with the LTTE at Geneva. The head of the Government peace secretariat, Palitha Kohona, told Reuters, "The dates decided upon are the 24th and 25th of April." He added, “There had been a suggestion from the LTTE that the talks be postponed until May but the government was keen for the meeting to take place as soon as possible."
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April - 16 
According to Hindu, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on April 16 announced suspending participation in the second round of Geneva peace talks "until hurdles" placed before it by the Sri Lankan Government were removed and "a more conducive environment" was created for the negotiations. The
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According to Hindu, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on April 16 announced suspending participation in the second round of Geneva peace talks "until hurdles" placed before it by the Sri Lankan Government were removed and "a more conducive environment" was created for the negotiations. The LTTE's political wing leader, S. P. Tamilselvan, referring to the stand off between the two sides over sea transport informed Norway, "Until the hurdles in front of us to attend the Geneva talks are removed and a more conducive environment is created, our team is unable to come to the talks." As reported earlier, the second round of Geneva talks were originally scheduled for April 19-21, but were later postponed to April 24-25, following a stand off between the Government and LTTE.
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April - 16 
According to Hindustan Times, General Secretary of Akhila Ilankai Tamil United Front, K. Vigneswaran, reportedly stated that by not providing adequate relief to the Tamils hit by the recent ethnic riots in Trincomalee, the Sri Lankan Government is driving them into the waiting arms of the LTTE. In a
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According to Hindustan Times, General Secretary of Akhila Ilankai Tamil United Front, K. Vigneswaran, reportedly stated that by not providing adequate relief to the Tamils hit by the recent ethnic riots in Trincomalee, the Sri Lankan Government is driving them into the waiting arms of the LTTE. In a letter to the Government's Peace Secretariat on April 16, he said: "The incidents of 12th, 14th, and 15th April 2006, are being described by the Tamils of Trincomalee as a re-enactment of the pre-July 1983 saga. The state is getting provoked by the LTTE and is playing into the hands of the LTTE." He claimed, "instead of winning over the Tamils, it is driving them into the bosom of the LTTE."
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April - 16 
Daily News reports that Government Peace Secretariat official Palitha Kohona stated that the Government displayed extreme flexibility to facilitate the sea movement of 32 LTTE leaders in the face of provocations by the outfit, in order to encourage the LTTE to attend the peace talks at Geneva. He sa
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Daily News reports that Government Peace Secretariat official Palitha Kohona stated that the Government displayed extreme flexibility to facilitate the sea movement of 32 LTTE leaders in the face of provocations by the outfit, in order to encourage the LTTE to attend the peace talks at Geneva. He said, "It is hoped that the LTTE will respond positively by attending the talks as scheduled." He added, "They have stepped up their attacks because they are not serious about attending planned talks in Switzerland."
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April - 16 
S. Elilan, the Trincomalee district political head of the LTTE, reportedly accused the Government of being behind ethnic riots in Trincomalee. He said, "If the genocide attacks by State armed forces with the connivance of Sinhalese hoodlums continue in the Trincomalee district, we would be forced to
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S. Elilan, the Trincomalee district political head of the LTTE, reportedly accused the Government of being behind ethnic riots in Trincomalee. He said, "If the genocide attacks by State armed forces with the connivance of Sinhalese hoodlums continue in the Trincomalee district, we would be forced to take steps to safeguard the lives and properties of innocent Tamil people and that would lead to undesirable serious consequence on the current peace process."
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April - 17 
According to Daily News, the Government has agreed to permit Norwegian facilitators to engage a private helicopter operating in Sri Lanka to transport the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) eastern leaders to Kilinochchi for consultation in preparation for the peace talks, scheduled to be held
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According to Daily News, the Government has agreed to permit Norwegian facilitators to engage a private helicopter operating in Sri Lanka to transport the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) eastern leaders to Kilinochchi for consultation in preparation for the peace talks, scheduled to be held at Geneva on April 24-25. Earlier, the outfit insisted on the sea transport of its Eastern commanders to Wanni for a meeting with the LTTE leadership, making it a pre-condition for its participation at the peace talks, following which the Government provided the outfit with a civilian ferry to transport their Eastern leaders from Vakarai to Mullaitivu with a Navy escort. The LTTE later rejected the offer and pulled out from the scheduled sea movement, after Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) Sea monitors overruled an LTTE demand for an escort of armed sea -tiger vessels.
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April - 17 
Daily News quoting Army sources reports that the total number of members of the SFs injured due to attacks in the North and East since February 22-23 Geneva peace talks had risen to 45 with the attacks on April 17-morning. They comprise 25 Sri Lanka Army officers, 13 Navy officers, five SLAF officer
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Daily News quoting Army sources reports that the total number of members of the SFs injured due to attacks in the North and East since February 22-23 Geneva peace talks had risen to 45 with the attacks on April 17-morning. They comprise 25 Sri Lanka Army officers, 13 Navy officers, five SLAF officers and two Police officers. The number of civilians injured since the Geneva peace talks were 61.
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April - 17 
The SLMM hoped that the peace talks in Geneva could still be held. SLMM chief, Major General Ulf Henricsson, told a news agency, "I think it’s at its peak now. I'm not so afraid of a full-scale war. If there was a military solution for one of the parties, we would have seen that by now. "We are work
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The SLMM hoped that the peace talks in Geneva could still be held. SLMM chief, Major General Ulf Henricsson, told a news agency, "I think it’s at its peak now. I'm not so afraid of a full-scale war. If there was a military solution for one of the parties, we would have seen that by now. "We are working hard to get them to the talks. I hope it will be about a peace agreement and not about details."
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April - 17 
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) called on the LTTE to immediately release all underage recruits within its ranks and to cease recruitment of children. Issuing a statement following an incident in Vavuniya in which a 17-year-old in the LTTE auxiliary was killed on April 13 reportedly by a
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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) called on the LTTE to immediately release all underage recruits within its ranks and to cease recruitment of children. Issuing a statement following an incident in Vavuniya in which a 17-year-old in the LTTE auxiliary was killed on April 13 reportedly by a claymore mine, UNICEF stated, "This incident underlines the risk children are exposed to when used in direct combat or in support roles such as delivery of supplies. Recruitment of children is a direct violation of their right to protection from violence."
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April - 18 
The LTTE has stated that they will not attend the Geneva peace talks "unless violence against ethnic Tamils stops." In an interview, LTTE Peace Secretariat chief S. Puleedevan said, "While our people are being killed and our shops are being looted, we are not going to Geneva."
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The LTTE has stated that they will not attend the Geneva peace talks "unless violence against ethnic Tamils stops." In an interview, LTTE Peace Secretariat chief S. Puleedevan said, "While our people are being killed and our shops are being looted, we are not going to Geneva."
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April - 18 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission has expressed apprehension that if the planned second round of talks in Geneva did not take place, the country will be running out of time. Spokesperson Helen Olafsdottir said, "Already people are dying in large numbers, so the situation is unacceptable and there is
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission has expressed apprehension that if the planned second round of talks in Geneva did not take place, the country will be running out of time. Spokesperson Helen Olafsdottir said, "Already people are dying in large numbers, so the situation is unacceptable and there is no way we can continue like this. The parties need to work their way out of the deadlock instead of speculating and pondering over why and who carried out the attacks."
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April - 19 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission chief, General Ulf Henricsson, accused the LTTE for the recent spate of land mine blasts. In an interview to Associated Press, he stated, "If I look into the pattern and whole series of mine blasts, I would ... rule this as a serious violation by the LTTE. I can't pr
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission chief, General Ulf Henricsson, accused the LTTE for the recent spate of land mine blasts. In an interview to Associated Press, he stated, "If I look into the pattern and whole series of mine blasts, I would ... rule this as a serious violation by the LTTE. I can't prove every explosion to one single party, (but) the blasts directed toward the army, (I'm) quite sure that it could not be launched by any other organization than the LTTE. Of course the LTTE will not admit that they are behind these attacks, and at the same time they have not denied very clearly either," Henricsson said.
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April - 19 
The Sri Lanka Plan Implementation Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, told the media on April 19 that the helicopter ride offered to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) through the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) was not a blank cheque but restricted to a maximum 72-hours and the outfit shou
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The Sri Lanka Plan Implementation Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, told the media on April 19 that the helicopter ride offered to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) through the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) was not a blank cheque but restricted to a maximum 72-hours and the outfit should use it before the Geneva talks scheduled to be held on April 24-25. He said, "The Government has made this offer in the good faith of making the Geneva talks a reality. We have told the SLMM to notify us when they want it. It has to be prior to the Geneva talks. It is restricted to a maximum 72 hours in that context. Therefore it is not a blank cheque. The Government has done every possible thing and gone that extra mile to obtain the result, the peace." He further said that there was no official intimation either by the LTTE or by SLMM whether the outfit is participating in the Geneva talks. However, the Minister said the Government was optimistic that the LTTE would participate.
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April - 20 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) announced on April 20 that it will not attend the Geneva peace talks scheduled to be held on April 24-25. The outfit’s political wing leader S. P. Tamilselvan told the media after his meeting with Norwegian peace envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer at Kilinochchi, tha
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) announced on April 20 that it will not attend the Geneva peace talks scheduled to be held on April 24-25. The outfit’s political wing leader S. P. Tamilselvan told the media after his meeting with Norwegian peace envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer at Kilinochchi, that the LTTE has informed the peace envoy that they cannot "attend the talks on the scheduled dates because of escalating violence in Tamil-majority areas." He also warned that claymore bombs would explode until the Government stops acts of violence. "If the government stops violence in the North and East there would be no need for claymores," said Tamilselvan. He added that they could think of fixing new dates only after meeting their regional ‘commanders’.
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April - 20 
The LTTE media spokesperson Daya Master told Daily News that they were not pulling out from the peace process. He said the outfit was unable to attend the Geneva talks as they do not have enough time to complete their internal preparatory meetings prior to the scheduled date. "We requested the Norwe
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The LTTE media spokesperson Daya Master told Daily News that they were not pulling out from the peace process. He said the outfit was unable to attend the Geneva talks as they do not have enough time to complete their internal preparatory meetings prior to the scheduled date. "We requested the Norwegian facilitators to provide us with safer transport facilities for our Eastern leaders to attend the meeting in Kilinochchi in preparation of the talks. We also want a stop to the violent situation in the North East if we are to attend the Geneva talks," he added.
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April - 21 
The Sri Lanka Government stated on April 21 that it "is deeply concerned about hostile attacks perpetrated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) before and after the first round of Geneva talks." However, it added that they would continue to extend cooperation to the facilitator and the Co-
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The Sri Lanka Government stated on April 21 that it "is deeply concerned about hostile attacks perpetrated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) before and after the first round of Geneva talks." However, it added that they would continue to extend cooperation to the facilitator and the Co-Chairs as well as the international community for a lasting peace. According to a statement: "The Government of Sri Lanka deplores the continued reluctance of the LTTE to participate in the second round of Geneva talks earlier scheduled for April 19-21 and subsequently postponed for April 24-25 on the request of the LTTE. The attitude of the LTTE all the more regrettable coming as it does in the wake of a series of unprovoked bombing attacks on unarmed security forces and civilians. The government remains totally committed to a negotiated political solution and the continuation of talks with the LTTE with Norwegian facilitation."
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April - 22 
One soldier was killed when a mine exploded in Vavuniya town, 210 kilometers north of Colombo, said an officer at the Media Unit of the Defence Ministry.
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One soldier was killed when a mine exploded in Vavuniya town, 210 kilometers north of Colombo, said an officer at the Media Unit of the Defence Ministry.
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April - 23 
The Government agreed to a request from the outfit that it be provided a large helicopter to facilitate passage of its Eastern leaders to meet the Wanni leadership. Following this, Government Chief Negotiator Nimal Siripala de Silva dispatched a letter to the LTTE through Norwegian facilitators. Med
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The Government agreed to a request from the outfit that it be provided a large helicopter to facilitate passage of its Eastern leaders to meet the Wanni leadership. Following this, Government Chief Negotiator Nimal Siripala de Silva dispatched a letter to the LTTE through Norwegian facilitators. Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana later told, "We are informed that Killinochchi has received the letter." Meanwhile, the LTTE announced that it would take its stance on April 24, today, on the Government’s offer of helicopters for transporting cadres for the pre-talks meetings. The outfit’s spokesperson, Daya Master, insisting that they have not pulled out from the talks, claimed they have forwarded two pre-conditions if they were to take part in the earlier scheduled April 24-25 talks. "We want the Government helicopter offer in writing," said the spokesperson, adding that all killings should be stopped before any attempts to be made for revival of talks.
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April - 23 
The Sri Lankan Government on April 23 called upon the international community to exert pressure on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to force it to come to the negotiating table. The head of the Government Peace Secretariat, Palitha Kohona, told the media that the European Union (EU) is co
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The Sri Lankan Government on April 23 called upon the international community to exert pressure on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to force it to come to the negotiating table. The head of the Government Peace Secretariat, Palitha Kohona, told the media that the European Union (EU) is considering imposing a ban on the LTTE. He said, "The EU ban on the Tigers was on the cards for some time." Currently the EU has imposed a travel ban on the LTTE in the EU countries. Meanwhile, the British Government has warned London-based LTTE chief negotiator, Anton Balasingham, that the LTTE would be proscribed in the EU if the 'atrocities' committed in Sri Lanka are not stopped.
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April - 25 
Following the attack, the Air Force launched a series of strikes on the LTTE-held Sampoor area in the Trincomalee district. A Government statement said that hours after the Colombo suicide attack, the "Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) positioned in the Sampoor area in Trincomalee launched an
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Following the attack, the Air Force launched a series of strikes on the LTTE-held Sampoor area in the Trincomalee district. A Government statement said that hours after the Colombo suicide attack, the "Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) positioned in the Sampoor area in Trincomalee launched an attack on the Navy in Trincomalee and the security forces have carried out an operation to deter further attacks by the LTTE." The military attack was continuing till last reports came in. Brigadier Samarasinghe informed that the latest strikes came after the LTTE fired on naval patrol craft off the eastern port of Trincomalee for a second day. He added, "The navy is heavily patrolling the area. They requested air support."
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April - 25 
President Mahinda Rajapakse in his address to the nation in the aftermath of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide attack in Colombo on April 25 stressed that no type of terrorism would frighten him and his Government and that his Government would never be brought to its knees by any s
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President Mahinda Rajapakse in his address to the nation in the aftermath of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide attack in Colombo on April 25 stressed that no type of terrorism would frighten him and his Government and that his Government would never be brought to its knees by any such challenge. He said, "I emphasise and caution that one should avoid mistaking our desire for peace and our responsibility to achieve it, as a weakness." He added that by targeting the Army Commander to a suicide bomb attack, it was patently clear that the LTTE had no desire to settle disputes through negotiations.
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April - 25 
The LTTE called on mediator Norway to pressure the Government to accept its conditions for returning to peace talks and said Colombo was fomenting violence by backing paramilitary groups. In an open letter to Norwegian peace envoy, Jon Hanssen-Bauer, outfit’s political wing leader, S.P. Thamilselvan
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The LTTE called on mediator Norway to pressure the Government to accept its conditions for returning to peace talks and said Colombo was fomenting violence by backing paramilitary groups. In an open letter to Norwegian peace envoy, Jon Hanssen-Bauer, outfit’s political wing leader, S.P. Thamilselvan, said that the Government was to blame for a wave of violence many fear could lead to the breakdown of a 2002 ceasefire and a return to civil war. He added that Norway should call on the Government to "calm the current tense situation and bring to an immediate end the violence let loose by the Sri Lankan armed forces and its paramilitaries."
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April - 26 
At least four civilians were killed and 12 others, including two sailors, were injured when the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) directed mortar fire towards the naval jetty in Muttur on April 26-morning. Military spokesperson Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said, "This unprovoked terrorist fir
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At least four civilians were killed and 12 others, including two sailors, were injured when the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) directed mortar fire towards the naval jetty in Muttur on April 26-morning. Military spokesperson Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said, "This unprovoked terrorist fire originated in the uncleared areas close to Muttur beach [and] caused death to four civilians who were moving about in the area at the time terrorist fire was directed."
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April - 26 
On April 26, Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera called for "tangible and specific international actions against the LTTE and its front organisations if it continues to persist with suicide attacks and other terrorist acts against security forces and civilians."
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On April 26, Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera called for "tangible and specific international actions against the LTTE and its front organisations if it continues to persist with suicide attacks and other terrorist acts against security forces and civilians."
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April - 26 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) spokesperson Helen Olafsdottir has said that there was still hope for the two parties to meet in Geneva. She expressed that the LTTE must immediately stop attacks on the Government Forces if they were to make progress with the peace process. "The LTTE has to s
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) spokesperson Helen Olafsdottir has said that there was still hope for the two parties to meet in Geneva. She expressed that the LTTE must immediately stop attacks on the Government Forces if they were to make progress with the peace process. "The LTTE has to stop attacks. Only then we can move forward," she said. "There is still the ceasefire. They have not formally withdrawn from it," the spokesperson added.
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April - 26 
United States Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher said the State Department was in contact in Washington and abroad "to bring to bear whatever pressure we can on the Tigers to abandon this course of action" and to look for ways to support the Government of Sri Lanka. Boucher called the bomb
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United States Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher said the State Department was in contact in Washington and abroad "to bring to bear whatever pressure we can on the Tigers to abandon this course of action" and to look for ways to support the Government of Sri Lanka. Boucher called the bombing, which targeted the Army Chief, a terrible terrorist attack and said it was "regrettable the Tigers decided to restart the war instead of restarting the peace process".
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April - 27 
Daily News reports that the LTTE accused the Government of carrying out "genocidal" attacks on people in areas under their control in the northeast. In its statement carried by the pro-LTTE website Tamil Net, the outfit said that the Government "has violated gravely and totally the ceasefire agreeme
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Daily News reports that the LTTE accused the Government of carrying out "genocidal" attacks on people in areas under their control in the northeast. In its statement carried by the pro-LTTE website Tamil Net, the outfit said that the Government "has violated gravely and totally the ceasefire agreement". It urged the international community to "strongly condemn the genocidal attempt on the Tamil speaking people, the brutal attacks of state terrorism."
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April - 27 
President Mahinda Rajapakse has reportedly allocated Rupees 100 million for a Task Force to provide essential services in the Trincomalee district. The President's Office said the Task Force, headed by Trincomalee Governor Mohan Wijewickrama, was appointed to "ensure the provision of essential servi
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President Mahinda Rajapakse has reportedly allocated Rupees 100 million for a Task Force to provide essential services in the Trincomalee district. The President's Office said the Task Force, headed by Trincomalee Governor Mohan Wijewickrama, was appointed to "ensure the provision of essential services in the district, including LTTE-controlled areas."
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April - 27 
The Government also dismissed reports that "tens of thousands of persons were displaced" as result of the military strikes as "a canard." Issuing a statement, the Government agent for Trincomalee said the population of the Sampoor area, where the military strikes were conducted, was 16,604 and a "sm
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The Government also dismissed reports that "tens of thousands of persons were displaced" as result of the military strikes as "a canard." Issuing a statement, the Government agent for Trincomalee said the population of the Sampoor area, where the military strikes were conducted, was 16,604 and a "small fraction of the population had left their homes during the operations." They were "temporarily settled in school buildings and places of worship and could return to their homes now as normalcy has been restored."
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April - 27 
The SFs are reportedly instituting thorough security measures in Colombo and suburbs as intelligence sources have warned about further terrorist attacks by the LTTE. Some crucial city roads have been closed for traffic while suspicious vehicles are thoroughly checked at checkpoints.
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The SFs are reportedly instituting thorough security measures in Colombo and suburbs as intelligence sources have warned about further terrorist attacks by the LTTE. Some crucial city roads have been closed for traffic while suspicious vehicles are thoroughly checked at checkpoints.
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April - 27 
The Sri Lanka Government halted its "deterrent strikes" in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)-controlled areas on April 27. Referring to the two-day strikes on "selected targets" in Trincomalee following the April 25-assassination attempt by the LTTE on Army chief Sarath Fonseka, the Presid
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The Sri Lanka Government halted its "deterrent strikes" in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)-controlled areas on April 27. Referring to the two-day strikes on "selected targets" in Trincomalee following the April 25-assassination attempt by the LTTE on Army chief Sarath Fonseka, the President's Office in a statement issued on April 27 said, "the limited security forces operation" had "now been concluded."
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April - 28 
Chief of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), Major General Ulf Henricsson, confirmed that the Sri Lanka Air Force and Navy had definitely targeted military positions and offices of the LTTE. He said that 10-12 people may have died and added that the report relating to a mass exodus of people fr
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Chief of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), Major General Ulf Henricsson, confirmed that the Sri Lanka Air Force and Navy had definitely targeted military positions and offices of the LTTE. He said that 10-12 people may have died and added that the report relating to a mass exodus of people from the Sampur area was grossly exaggerated.
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April - 28 
Norway's chief mediator Erik Solheim urged the LTTE and Government to resume peace talks. He said that Sri Lanka was still a long way from "all out war" even though about 100 people have been killed in the past two weeks.
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Norway's chief mediator Erik Solheim urged the LTTE and Government to resume peace talks. He said that Sri Lanka was still a long way from "all out war" even though about 100 people have been killed in the past two weeks.
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April - 28 
President Mahinda Rajapakse, while addressing representatives of political parties at the All Party Conference in Colombo on April 28, pledged that he would take all steps to resolve the current critical situation in a transparent and responsible manner. He said the country was now at a critical jun
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President Mahinda Rajapakse, while addressing representatives of political parties at the All Party Conference in Colombo on April 28, pledged that he would take all steps to resolve the current critical situation in a transparent and responsible manner. He said the country was now at a critical juncture where the cease-fire agreement has been severely violated and the joint statement at Geneva was totally ignored. "As a responsible Government we oppose any form of brutal killing by any organisation whether it could be the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) or any other organisation," he added.
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April - 28 
The co-chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference are to meet in Oslo on April 28, today, to discuss developments in Sri Lanka after the suicide attack on Army chief Sarath Fonseka. A spokesperson for the Norwegian Development Aid Ministry, Espen Gullikstad, said, "The co-presidents of the donors’ confere
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The co-chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference are to meet in Oslo on April 28, today, to discuss developments in Sri Lanka after the suicide attack on Army chief Sarath Fonseka. A spokesperson for the Norwegian Development Aid Ministry, Espen Gullikstad, said, "The co-presidents of the donors’ conference will meet to discuss different means of furthering the peace process and ensuring that the parties resume the path of negotiation."
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April - 29 
The Sri Lankan Government said on April 29 that it was prepared to travel to Switzerland any time to resume peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Defence spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella stated, "We are flexible on the dates. What we want is to resume the peace talks as soon
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The Sri Lankan Government said on April 29 that it was prepared to travel to Switzerland any time to resume peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Defence spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella stated, "We are flexible on the dates. What we want is to resume the peace talks as soon as possible." Meanwhile, the LTTE has reportedly rejected a Government proposal for sea passage to the north using a private plane for the outfit’s eastern leaders and has demanded a Government helicopter for the travel.
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April - 30 
On April 30, the Government said that it was surprised by the ruling of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) that the Government's air strikes on April 25 at LTTE’s selected targets was a violation of the ongoing truce agreement. The defence spokesperson said, "I am surprised by the Sri Lanka Mon
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On April 30, the Government said that it was surprised by the ruling of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) that the Government's air strikes on April 25 at LTTE’s selected targets was a violation of the ongoing truce agreement. The defence spokesperson said, "I am surprised by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) ruling. It was action to ensure national security."
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April - 30 
The United Nations (UN) has informed that up to 21,000 people have fled their homes following the latest increase in violence in Sri Lanka’s northeastern district of Trincomalee. The office of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka said in a statement, "Altogether there is an established recen
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The United Nations (UN) has informed that up to 21,000 people have fled their homes following the latest increase in violence in Sri Lanka’s northeastern district of Trincomalee. The office of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka said in a statement, "Altogether there is an established recent case load of some 6,000 families or about 21,000 people."
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May - 1 
The SLN spokesperson, D.K.P. Dassanayake, stated that the navy came under attack from the LTTE sea-wing on May 1, reports Reuters. He said that five-armed Sea-Tiger boats, including two suicide craft, approached one of navy’s vessels in waters off Trincomalee on the northeastern coast. When the navy
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The SLN spokesperson, D.K.P. Dassanayake, stated that the navy came under attack from the LTTE sea-wing on May 1, reports Reuters. He said that five-armed Sea-Tiger boats, including two suicide craft, approached one of navy’s vessels in waters off Trincomalee on the northeastern coast. When the navy tried to investigate, it was attacked. Five sailors were wounded in the exchange, Dassanayake said, adding that he did not know about outfit’s casualties.
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May - 2 
Chief of the Government Peace Secretariat, Palitha Kohona, emphasised that ‘several moves have been adopted’ by the Government to defuse tensions in the country. However, he refrained from providing details.
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Chief of the Government Peace Secretariat, Palitha Kohona, emphasised that ‘several moves have been adopted’ by the Government to defuse tensions in the country. However, he refrained from providing details.
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May - 3 
The main opposition United National Party (UNP) has said that the ongoing peace process is the only way to a lasting peace, but added that the party will back the Government if it opts for war. The UNP leader, Lakshman Kiriella said, “Peace process is the only way to solve the problem, but if the go
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The main opposition United National Party (UNP) has said that the ongoing peace process is the only way to a lasting peace, but added that the party will back the Government if it opts for war. The UNP leader, Lakshman Kiriella said, “Peace process is the only way to solve the problem, but if the government wants to opt for war, we will then back it.”
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May - 3 
The SCOPP chief, Palitha Kohona, stated that the Government has been offering seaplanes for the last one week "but we have still not received a definite response from the LTTE. We are also engaged with the Government delegation's pre-talks preparation."
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The SCOPP chief, Palitha Kohona, stated that the Government has been offering seaplanes for the last one week "but we have still not received a definite response from the LTTE. We are also engaged with the Government delegation's pre-talks preparation."
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May - 3 
The Secretariat for Coordinating Peace process (SCOPP) declared on May 3 that every effort was being made to achieve a breakthrough in the stalled peace process. The SCOPP deputy head, Kethesh Loganathan, said, "We are maintaining contacts with the LTTE through the facilitator," adding, "As far as t
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The Secretariat for Coordinating Peace process (SCOPP) declared on May 3 that every effort was being made to achieve a breakthrough in the stalled peace process. The SCOPP deputy head, Kethesh Loganathan, said, "We are maintaining contacts with the LTTE through the facilitator," adding, "As far as the SCOPP is concerned we are trying to finalise transport modalities to enable the Eastern LTTE cadres to go to the North."
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May - 5 
The Japanese Embassy in Colombo in a statement released on May 5 said that they are seeking a possibility for Japanese peace envoy, Yasushi Akashi, to visit Kilinochchi in order to meet the LTTE leaders. The statement added that Akashi will visit Sri Lanka on May 6, today, to discuss the current sta
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The Japanese Embassy in Colombo in a statement released on May 5 said that they are seeking a possibility for Japanese peace envoy, Yasushi Akashi, to visit Kilinochchi in order to meet the LTTE leaders. The statement added that Akashi will visit Sri Lanka on May 6, today, to discuss the current state of the peace process with the Government and other concerned parties.
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May - 5 
The LTTE spokesperson, Daya Master, stated that they were awaiting another round of discussions with the Norwegian embassy representatives and the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission before taking a final decision on the sea plane issue.
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The LTTE spokesperson, Daya Master, stated that they were awaiting another round of discussions with the Norwegian embassy representatives and the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission before taking a final decision on the sea plane issue.
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May - 5 
The Minister of Policy Development and Implementation, Keheliya Rambukwella, said that the Government has asserted that it will not provide the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) with aircraft belonging to the armed forces for any reason. He also expressed optimism that the peace talks may take
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The Minister of Policy Development and Implementation, Keheliya Rambukwella, said that the Government has asserted that it will not provide the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) with aircraft belonging to the armed forces for any reason. He also expressed optimism that the peace talks may take place on May 10. As reported earlier, the outfit had requested planes from the Government before the next round of peace talks.
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May - 7 
Official sources have reportedly informed that the Government will continue to hit back if the LTTE initiated offensive military action. The sources reiterated the Government’s position as the Defence Ministry authorised an air strike after the LTTE-triggered a clash with the navy off Palugahathurai
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Official sources have reportedly informed that the Government will continue to hit back if the LTTE initiated offensive military action. The sources reiterated the Government’s position as the Defence Ministry authorised an air strike after the LTTE-triggered a clash with the navy off Palugahathurai on the north western coast on May 5. An unnamed official said, “We have no option but to respond to their threats. We’ll not initiate military action but reserve the right to retaliate."
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May - 7 
The Colonel Karuna faction is reported to have said that no one can disarm them, be it the Government, Norwegian facilitators or the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, as the Sri Lankan Government did not arm them. They also warned that it was preparing “retaliatory” attacks against the LTTE in the east,
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The Colonel Karuna faction is reported to have said that no one can disarm them, be it the Government, Norwegian facilitators or the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, as the Sri Lankan Government did not arm them. They also warned that it was preparing “retaliatory” attacks against the LTTE in the east, after calling off its unilateral cease-fire with the outfit last week, which was earlier announced in support of the first round of Geneva peace talks in February. The Karuna faction spokesperson, Thooyavan, told Daily Mirror from an undisclosed location, “We were not given arms by the Government. If the Government gave us arms, then they can disarm us. The Government has disarmed the groups it provided arms to. We are not a part of those groups. Our group is a splinter organisation of the LTTE. Nobody envisaged us splitting from the LTTE, so the CFA does not cover us. We will disarm only when our leader Karuna Amman tells us to do so. The Government, Norway, the SLMM or, the LTTE, cannot disarm us.” He said, “Karuna announced a one-month cease-fire, in support of the peace negotiations between the Government and the LTTE, that commenced in February. We showed restraint, despite attacks by the LTTE, even during our cease-fire. The LTTE has now begun a ‘seek and destroy’ campaign against us. To prevent further attacks on our cadres, ‘Karuna’ has told us to end the cease-fire and retaliate.”
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May - 8 
The Government Peace Secretariat in a statement said that LTTE’s chief negotiator Anton Balasingham’s interview to Reuters was misleading. The statement added that Balasingham must necessarily accept that the escalation of military engagements as well as increasing civilian killings is not a matter
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The Government Peace Secretariat in a statement said that LTTE’s chief negotiator Anton Balasingham’s interview to Reuters was misleading. The statement added that Balasingham must necessarily accept that the escalation of military engagements as well as increasing civilian killings is not a matter that can be resolved only by one party to the conflict and negotiations.
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May - 8 
The Sri Lanka Government chief negotiator, Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, urged Japanese special peace envoy, Yasushi Akashi, on May 8 to enlighten the Co-Chairs about the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) attitudes and violations of the cease-fire agreement and to put pressure on
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The Sri Lanka Government chief negotiator, Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, urged Japanese special peace envoy, Yasushi Akashi, on May 8 to enlighten the Co-Chairs about the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) attitudes and violations of the cease-fire agreement and to put pressure on the outfit to return to the peace process. In a meeting with Akashi, he said that the Government had agreed to every demand submitted by the LTTE as a pre-requisite for re-commencing of peace talks and added, "Although the Government is totally committed and prepared for peace talks, the LTTE has not taken a similar interest to enter the peace process and re-commence peace talks. The Government is fully prepared to commence peace talks with the LTTE at any time to bring peace to the country." Akashi also held discussions with President Mahinda Rajapakse and discussed the current deadlock over the resumption of peace talks.
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May - 9 
The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mangala Samaraweera, who is currently on an official visit to India, has said that his country needs foreign help to pressure the LTTE to come back to peace talks, according to Colombopage. “The international community must bring pressure on the LTTE by using all pow
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The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mangala Samaraweera, who is currently on an official visit to India, has said that his country needs foreign help to pressure the LTTE to come back to peace talks, according to Colombopage. “The international community must bring pressure on the LTTE by using all powers within them to get them back to the table. Something that hurts them the most is curtailing their fund raising activities,” said Mangala Samaraweera. Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee has assured that India would provide with necessary defence equipment and training for the Sri Lankan armed forces as and when necessary.
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May - 10 
Daily News reports on May 10 that the LTTE is intimidating Tamils living in the Netherlands. According to the Netherlands Minister of Justice, Donner, and Minister of Immigration, Verdonk, there are signs that the Tamil community is being intimidated to raise funds. The Netherlands would like to put
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Daily News reports on May 10 that the LTTE is intimidating Tamils living in the Netherlands. According to the Netherlands Minister of Justice, Donner, and Minister of Immigration, Verdonk, there are signs that the Tamil community is being intimidated to raise funds. The Netherlands would like to put the LTTE on the European list of illegal and terrorist organizations, added Donner.
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May - 10 
The Japanese special peace envoy, Yashushi Akashi, stated in Colombo on May 10 that relations between the Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is at their worst since he began his role as the peace envoy in 2002, as he failed to secure a commitment from the outfit for early talks.
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The Japanese special peace envoy, Yashushi Akashi, stated in Colombo on May 10 that relations between the Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is at their worst since he began his role as the peace envoy in 2002, as he failed to secure a commitment from the outfit for early talks. The outfit reportedly said that they would not resume negotiations in the present circumstances. Yakushi also said that Japan has invited India to join the co-chairs of the Tokyo Donors' Conference, which includes the United States, European Union, Japan and Norway. On the response from India to the invitation, he said that the "indications were positive."
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May - 10 
The National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, sponsored by the United States Department of Homeland Security, has designated Sihala Urumaya - the precusor to the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) - as a terrorist organization, reports Daily Mirror. The JHU spokesperson, Nishantha Warnasi
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The National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, sponsored by the United States Department of Homeland Security, has designated Sihala Urumaya - the precusor to the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) - as a terrorist organization, reports Daily Mirror. The JHU spokesperson, Nishantha Warnasinghe, who was also a politburo member of the then Sihala Urumaya, called the decision simply ‘hilarious.’ He added, “It is not justifiable. There are certain standards to be considered before designating a terrorist organization… We do not understand the logic behind calling Sihala Urumaya a terrorist outfit.”
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May - 10 
The Sri Lanka Government welcomed suggestions of India’s involvement in the peace process. The Plan Implementation Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, told BBC Sandeshaya, “I believe India can play a significant role in getting the Tigers back on the table,” and added that Sri Lanka’s major donors shou
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The Sri Lanka Government welcomed suggestions of India’s involvement in the peace process. The Plan Implementation Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, told BBC Sandeshaya, “I believe India can play a significant role in getting the Tigers back on the table,” and added that Sri Lanka’s major donors should help the country to get the LTTE back on the talks “instead of making fresh demands”.
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May - 11 
According to Reuters, the SLMM stated that they believe Sri Lankan troops are involved in killing ethnic Tamil civilians in the island's north, contrary to Government denials. The SLMM said that probable LTTE attacks on the military have been followed by disappearances and open killings of ethnic Ta
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According to Reuters, the SLMM stated that they believe Sri Lankan troops are involved in killing ethnic Tamil civilians in the island's north, contrary to Government denials. The SLMM said that probable LTTE attacks on the military have been followed by disappearances and open killings of ethnic Tamil civilians. Jouni Suninen, the Finnish ex-army officer who heads the monitors' northern Vavuniya office, told Reuters, "We have very strong indications that at least a part of government troops have been involved in these killings. The pattern is clear."
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May - 11 
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse urged the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to cease violence and resume peace negotiations with the Government. He also warned the outfit not to consider his patience as weakness and said he would take any action to defend his country against attacks. In
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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse urged the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to cease violence and resume peace negotiations with the Government. He also warned the outfit not to consider his patience as weakness and said he would take any action to defend his country against attacks. In an interview to Sunday Times on May 11, he said, “My patience should not be misconstrued as weakness. If they insist on continuing their attacks, I have to defend my country.” The President said that he was “committed peacefully to settling the conflict” and had ordered recent air attacks against LTTE positions as a “preventive action to avert another war”.
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May - 11 
The Government Defence Affairs spokesperson, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, told Daily News that defence authorities have decided to launch limited operations to deter further LTTE attacks. "The Defence Authorities yesterday decided to launch limited operations to deter further attacks by the LTTE.
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The Government Defence Affairs spokesperson, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, told Daily News that defence authorities have decided to launch limited operations to deter further LTTE attacks. "The Defence Authorities yesterday decided to launch limited operations to deter further attacks by the LTTE. These limited operations were confined only to identify LTTE targets."
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May - 11 
The SLMM spokesperson, Helen Olafsdottir, said, "Our monitors saw several Tiger boats attacking the troop transporter and firing. We have a monitor on that boat,” and added that two of the Government's Israeli-built fast-attack boats had been sunk. However, the LTTE political wing leader, S.P. Thami
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The SLMM spokesperson, Helen Olafsdottir, said, "Our monitors saw several Tiger boats attacking the troop transporter and firing. We have a monitor on that boat,” and added that two of the Government's Israeli-built fast-attack boats had been sunk. However, the LTTE political wing leader, S.P. Thamilselvan, said that the outfit’s cadres were "exercising in the seas adjacent to our land areas... when [navy] vessels attempted to interfere with our movements and attacked us." The LTTE also denied Government’s claim of heavy outfit casualties and said that only four ‘Sea Tiger’ cadres were dead. The outfit’s spokesperson, Daya Master, said, "The air force has bombed our territory, but nothing has fallen here. We have no word on casualties yet."
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May - 11 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) in a press release following the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attack on naval vessel, with two SLMM monitors on board, in the sea off Vettilaikerni on May 11 stated that the outfit has no rights at sea. The SLMM release said, "The sea surrounding Sr
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) in a press release following the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attack on naval vessel, with two SLMM monitors on board, in the sea off Vettilaikerni on May 11 stated that the outfit has no rights at sea. The SLMM release said, "The sea surrounding Sri Lanka is a Government controlled area. This has been ruled so by the Head of the SLMM in line with international law. Non-state actors cannot rule open sea waters or airspace. The LTTE has therefore no right at sea. The LTTE has made, what the SLMM feels are threats to our monitors warning them not to participate in patrols in Navy vessels. The SLMM takes these threats very seriously and would like to remind the LTTE of its responsibility as an equal partner to the CFA to do everything in its power not to jeopardise the monitors' safety." The statement added, "We therefore demand that the LTTE immediately ceases all activities and operations at sea as they are a serious violation of CFA. This sort of reckless behaviour can only lead to a dangerous escalation resulting in growing hostilities and jeoporadising any possibility for future talks." Further, the SLMM spokesperson, Helen Olafsdottir, said that the implementation of the ceasefire has become a complicated task for monitors with armed violence occurring everywhere.
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May - 12 
The Government said that the Sri Lanka Air Force conducted a limited operation to deter further attacks by the LTTE. The operation was confined to an already identified illegal aviation facility under construction by the LTTE in Iranamadu.
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The Government said that the Sri Lanka Air Force conducted a limited operation to deter further attacks by the LTTE. The operation was confined to an already identified illegal aviation facility under construction by the LTTE in Iranamadu.
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May - 12 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) political wing leader, S.P. Tamilselvan, reportedly told the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief, Maj Gen Ulf Ericsson, "Nobody has the right to pass judgment on the sovereign rights of our access to the adjacent sea and airspace of our homelands."
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) political wing leader, S.P. Tamilselvan, reportedly told the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief, Maj Gen Ulf Ericsson, "Nobody has the right to pass judgment on the sovereign rights of our access to the adjacent sea and airspace of our homelands." He said that the LTTE is not a "non-state actor" and added that the outfit did not enter the peace process to be described as a "non-state actor" and the Sri Lankan government as the "state actor". He added, "The CFA (Ceasefire Agreement) and the entire peace process is between two parties. It is not based on LTTE as a non-state actor and GOSL (government of Sri Lanka) as a state actor. The CFA was entered into with the GOSL and the LTTE having a military with an Army, Navy and Air-wing. The party, LTTE, has been effectively running a civil administration in the liberated areas consisting 60 to 70 per cent of the entire homeland. There are necessary infrastructures for the civil administration, policing, and judiciary. There are humanitarian bodies. The whole world has witnessed the efficiency of our infrastructure and civil administration. You don't attempt to classify us as a non-state actor."
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May - 12 
The Sri Lanka Government Peace Secretariat in a press release on May 12 condemned the May 11 attack on Sri Lanka navy in the sea off Vettilaikerni. The Government also accused the LTTE of pursuing an exit strategy from the peace process and stressed that the LTTE must clearly understand the conseque
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The Sri Lanka Government Peace Secretariat in a press release on May 12 condemned the May 11 attack on Sri Lanka navy in the sea off Vettilaikerni. The Government also accused the LTTE of pursuing an exit strategy from the peace process and stressed that the LTTE must clearly understand the consequences of its dastardly attacks.
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May - 13 
The Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have returned to a 'low-intensity war' despite a cease-fire that still technically holds on paper, the head of the Nordic truce monitors said on May 13, according to Reuters. "You could in some definition say we already have a war. We don't
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The Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have returned to a 'low-intensity war' despite a cease-fire that still technically holds on paper, the head of the Nordic truce monitors said on May 13, according to Reuters. "You could in some definition say we already have a war. We don't have a peace agreement, we have a ceasefire agreement. So there is a war ongoing. It is a low-intensity war. You can say that," Major General Ulf Henricsson, head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), said.
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May - 14 
Convenor of the All Ceylon Movement for Protecting Farmers' Rights, Ven. Dambulle Nanda Thero, reportedly said that farmers in the border villagers have had to give their harvest to the ‘Colonel’ Karuna Group in addition to facing threats from the LTTE.
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Convenor of the All Ceylon Movement for Protecting Farmers' Rights, Ven. Dambulle Nanda Thero, reportedly said that farmers in the border villagers have had to give their harvest to the ‘Colonel’ Karuna Group in addition to facing threats from the LTTE.
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May - 14 
Daily News, diplomatic sources in Qatar told Lankapuvath that Sri Lankan Tamils living in Qatar are finding it impossible to hide from the LTTE 'fund raisers' who come knocking on their doors every month and extort money to fund their terrorist activities in Sri Lanka.
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Daily News, diplomatic sources in Qatar told Lankapuvath that Sri Lankan Tamils living in Qatar are finding it impossible to hide from the LTTE 'fund raisers' who come knocking on their doors every month and extort money to fund their terrorist activities in Sri Lanka.
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May - 14 
The SLMM said in a statement that it was "reviewing" its own practice of putting monitors on Government vessels. The SLMM spokesperson, Paul Bjerke, told Daily News, "The sea monitoring is expected to resume in a couple of days on the basis of new arrangements worked out to ensure the safety of the
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The SLMM said in a statement that it was "reviewing" its own practice of putting monitors on Government vessels. The SLMM spokesperson, Paul Bjerke, told Daily News, "The sea monitoring is expected to resume in a couple of days on the basis of new arrangements worked out to ensure the safety of the SLMM monitors and also on making sea monitoring more effective." Meanwhile, navy spokesperson P.D.K. Dassanayake said that the navy is continuing its patrols off the island's troubled northern and eastern regions and added, "We have in fact stepped up our operations. The monitors have told us that they are temporarily suspending their operations."
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May - 15 
Japan Times quoted Japanese peace envoy to Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, as saying that Australia and Japan must work together to address the worsening security situation in Sri Lanka. Yasushi stated in Sydney, "I think this emerging crisis is a matter of grave concern for Australia as well, and I thi
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Japan Times quoted Japanese peace envoy to Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, as saying that Australia and Japan must work together to address the worsening security situation in Sri Lanka. Yasushi stated in Sydney, "I think this emerging crisis is a matter of grave concern for Australia as well, and I think we must put our heads together as to what we can do to lessen the alarming developments in Sri Lanka. The situation is becoming very tense and there is the danger of the resumption of a full-scale war."
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May - 15 
On May 15, a senior LTTE leader, K.V. Balakumaran, accused the Government of waging an undeclared war on ethnic Tamils. He said, "Our people are being blatantly victimized in an undeclared war by the Sri Lanka government armed forces and paramilitaries."
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On May 15, a senior LTTE leader, K.V. Balakumaran, accused the Government of waging an undeclared war on ethnic Tamils. He said, "Our people are being blatantly victimized in an undeclared war by the Sri Lanka government armed forces and paramilitaries."
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May - 15 
President Mahinda Rajapakse has invited the LTTE to rejoin the peace talks and added that he is not in favor of further internationalization of the conflict. He also expressed confidence that a solution can be worked out if the outfit is willing to negotiate with the Government.
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President Mahinda Rajapakse has invited the LTTE to rejoin the peace talks and added that he is not in favor of further internationalization of the conflict. He also expressed confidence that a solution can be worked out if the outfit is willing to negotiate with the Government.
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May - 15 
Tamil United Liberation Front leader, V. Anandasangaree, claimed that the LTTE has no right to issue threats against the SLMM. He said, “They have violated all the international norms and ethics publicly. So, now international community can understand LTTE’s dictatorship.”
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Tamil United Liberation Front leader, V. Anandasangaree, claimed that the LTTE has no right to issue threats against the SLMM. He said, “They have violated all the international norms and ethics publicly. So, now international community can understand LTTE’s dictatorship.”
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May - 15 
The Government spokesperson, Keheliya Rambukwella stated, "We have to carry out limited operations to prevent the (Tigers) attacking government forces, and that may cause certain difficulties to all the communities. The government makes all possible efforts to minimize any inconvenience caused to pe
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The Government spokesperson, Keheliya Rambukwella stated, "We have to carry out limited operations to prevent the (Tigers) attacking government forces, and that may cause certain difficulties to all the communities. The government makes all possible efforts to minimize any inconvenience caused to people."
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May - 15 
The LTTE said on May 15 that they see recent clashes with the military and outfit as a low intensity war that will only be stopped when Government troops are confined to barracks. The head of the LTTE peace secretariat, S. Puleedevan, told Reuters, "We think there is a war going on, there is no doub
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The LTTE said on May 15 that they see recent clashes with the military and outfit as a low intensity war that will only be stopped when Government troops are confined to barracks. The head of the LTTE peace secretariat, S. Puleedevan, told Reuters, "We think there is a war going on, there is no doubt about that. Sri Lankan armed forces must stop attacks and they must be confined to barracks. That would stop the war that is going on now." He stated that opposing armed groups including a band of former comrades must be disarmed to halt the violence and added, "The Sri Lankan Air Force has bombed civilian areas here. That is not a situation where both sides can sit down at peace negotiations."
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May - 15 
The SLMM Head of Mission Ulf Henricsson said, “We only have 60 members who cover the entire north and east of Sri Lanka. Therefore, we cannot monitor all incidents which take place. Taking into consideration the increased number of attacks in the north and east, it is not humanly possible to cover a
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The SLMM Head of Mission Ulf Henricsson said, “We only have 60 members who cover the entire north and east of Sri Lanka. Therefore, we cannot monitor all incidents which take place. Taking into consideration the increased number of attacks in the north and east, it is not humanly possible to cover all incidents with only 60 members.”
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May - 15 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) will exert international and diplomatic pressure on the LTTE for jeopardising the safety of its members. The SLMM spokesperson Helen Olafsdottir said, "The LTTE was a threat to SLMM's monitoring activities and its monitors as was apparent from Thursday's attac
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) will exert international and diplomatic pressure on the LTTE for jeopardising the safety of its members. The SLMM spokesperson Helen Olafsdottir said, "The LTTE was a threat to SLMM's monitoring activities and its monitors as was apparent from Thursday's attack on the Sri Lankan Navy vessel Pearl Cruise which had SLMM members on board. The SLMM needs to have its confidence to monitor the activities. We plan to get international backing to create a more conducive atmosphere for monitoring."
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May - 15 
The Sri Lankan Government has said that no one can claim sovereignty over Sri Lankan territorial waters, as claimed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The Government’s Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) in a statement issued on May 15 stated, “With regard to the clai
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The Sri Lankan Government has said that no one can claim sovereignty over Sri Lankan territorial waters, as claimed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The Government’s Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) in a statement issued on May 15 stated, “With regard to the claim of sovereignty over the sea, the assertion of sovereign rights, jurisdiction or any form of sovereign control over maritime zones is an essential attribute of a State, and accordingly such rights can be asserted only by States under International Law. No entity could assert such rights unless recognised as a State entity. A unilateral assertion by an entity of attributes of statehood does not confer on such entity any legal status.” The statement added, “The LTTE’s perception of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) is also clearly flawed. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), which is the sole authority to make rulings on the CFA, made a categorical ruling following the Sea Tigers’ attack on ‘Pearl Cruiser’ that, ‘it’s very clear that the Sea Tigers have no rights at sea – we have ruled it here in this mission that this is a government-controlled area, because non-state actors cannot control sea and open waters, so this is a very, very serious ceasefire violation. The mere fact that the LTTE has a de facto naval capability does not give it any legitimacy, whether under international law or under the Sri Lankan Constitution. Similar naval capacities of other sub-state entities have never been recognized by the international community.” The statement referred to a news report on the Tamil Net website, dated May 12, 2006, under the heading, “SLMM has no mandate to rule on Tamil sovereign rights”.
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May - 16 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) decided to forward some requirements to the Government and LTTE before the resumption of naval monitoring can take place again. The decision was taken during a meeting, where all naval monitors met with head of SLMM, Major General Ulf Henricsson, at the SLMM h
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) decided to forward some requirements to the Government and LTTE before the resumption of naval monitoring can take place again. The decision was taken during a meeting, where all naval monitors met with head of SLMM, Major General Ulf Henricsson, at the SLMM headquarters. The SLMM said, “The SLMM will forward some requirements to the parties before the resumption of naval monitoring can take place. The modalities of these requirements will be worked out in the coming days,” and added, “In the meantime SLMM naval monitoring remains temporarily suspended.”
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May - 16 
The United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) reportedly said that Sri Lankan children in areas most affected by recent clashes are paying a high price for the escalating tension in the island. The UNICEF called on the government and LTTE to respect their obligation under international humanitarian
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The United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) reportedly said that Sri Lankan children in areas most affected by recent clashes are paying a high price for the escalating tension in the island. The UNICEF called on the government and LTTE to respect their obligation under international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of civilians, particularly children, in times of conflict. Issuing a statement, the UNICEF said, “Thousands of children are still displaced from their homes following the recent violence in Trincomalee District, in which six children were killed and others injured or severely traumatized. UNICEF knows of at least nine children in other districts, including Jaffna and Vavuniya, who have been killed or injured in violent incidents. Some were victims of shooting while others lost their lives from attacks using grenades or claymore mines. Violence and insecurity have also forced hundreds of families to abandon their livelihoods, increasing their vulnerability and dependence on humanitarian assistance.”
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May - 16 
The United States (US) has encouraged the European Union (EU) to list the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a proscribed organisation. The US State Department's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Camp, told the Sri Lanka national television Rupa
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The United States (US) has encouraged the European Union (EU) to list the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a proscribed organisation. The US State Department's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Camp, told the Sri Lanka national television Rupavahini in Colombo on May 16, "We think the LTTE is very deserving of that label. We think it will help cut off financial supplies and weapons procurement and the like," He added, "The trend lines are discouraging in terms of the increasing provocations by the LTTE, the fact that killings are increasing, all of these suggest that Sri Lanka is not on the way back to a lasting Ceasefire. We would like to do everything we can, as an outside party, to encourage a return to the peace process," he remarked. Currently several countries including the US, India, Britain and Canada have banned the LTTE and in October 2005 year the EU imposed travel restrictions on the outfit.
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May - 16 
The head of the Vavuniya district office of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, Jouni Suninen, said that the breakaway faction of the LTTE, led by ‘Colonel’ Karuna, appear to be carrying out attacks and extortion in Sri Lanka's north and probably have army backing, despite denials, according to Reuter
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The head of the Vavuniya district office of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, Jouni Suninen, said that the breakaway faction of the LTTE, led by ‘Colonel’ Karuna, appear to be carrying out attacks and extortion in Sri Lanka's north and probably have army backing, despite denials, according to Reuters. He stated, "I firmly believe that Karuna is going around this area. We have eyewitnesses who tell us they have seen Karunas around… We have eyewitnesses telling us that they are based in army camps… I cannot see how they could be operating here without the support of the army."
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May - 18 
Indian defence authorities stated that they have stepped up surveillance by sea and air along the coastline between India and Sri Lanka, following the increase in violence in the island nation. Chief of the Indian Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash said, “We have enhanced our state of readiness and we
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Indian defence authorities stated that they have stepped up surveillance by sea and air along the coastline between India and Sri Lanka, following the increase in violence in the island nation. Chief of the Indian Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash said, “We have enhanced our state of readiness and we are watching the situation very carefully.” However, he said that so far, there have been no incidents of the LTTE straying into Indian waters or infiltrating the Indian side of the sea.
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May - 21 
Government spokesperson, Keheliya Rambukwella, stated that EU sanctions will not halt the peace process with the LTTE. He said, “ We are ready to talk with them even if the entire world bans them. There is a message in this for the LTTE to give up terror and enter talks. They must seize the opportun
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Government spokesperson, Keheliya Rambukwella, stated that EU sanctions will not halt the peace process with the LTTE. He said, “ We are ready to talk with them even if the entire world bans them. There is a message in this for the LTTE to give up terror and enter talks. They must seize the opportunity.''
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May - 22 
The military denied any involvement in the killing of Ramanan. "We are not responsible for this. In fact, our soldiers are not going to those areas," said military spokesperson Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe.
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The military denied any involvement in the killing of Ramanan. "We are not responsible for this. In fact, our soldiers are not going to those areas," said military spokesperson Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe.
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May - 22 
The Sri Lanka Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera reportedly said that the Government is dealing with an inflexible and intransigent adversary in the form of the LTTE and added that in fact, the group’s refusal to come to the negotiating table is holding back any chances of peace. He told T
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The Sri Lanka Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera reportedly said that the Government is dealing with an inflexible and intransigent adversary in the form of the LTTE and added that in fact, the group’s refusal to come to the negotiating table is holding back any chances of peace. He told The Peninsula: “The LTTE has become the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world. It is the only such organisation subjugating the very people they are fighting for.” He further added, “It is the poorest of the poor who are living in the north and the east. However, daily abductions continue unabated, they are subject to punishment by kangaroo courts, have illegal taxes imposed upon them and despite Sri Lanka being the oldest democracy in Asia, not allowed to vote.” He further said, “The only option is negotiation, a settlement.”
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May - 24 
Norway's peace envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer is reported to have held meetings with the Sri Lanka Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), but the outfit played down hopes of breaking a deadlock over stalled peace talks. The head of outfit’s peace secretariat, S. Puleedevan, told Reuters, "
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Norway's peace envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer is reported to have held meetings with the Sri Lanka Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), but the outfit played down hopes of breaking a deadlock over stalled peace talks. The head of outfit’s peace secretariat, S. Puleedevan, told Reuters, "At the moment there is a lot of violence and the LTTE's senior members are being targeted and being killed. We don't think that Hanssen-Bauer's visit is going to make any big difference. Even though we are fully committed to the peace process, what's going on the ground is totally against the peace process and the cease-fire agreement." He added, saying talks were out "until these extrajudicial killings stop and a conducive atmosphere is created." He also said that talks are unlikely to resume in 2006 after a sharp spike in attacks and clashes that have killed more than 270 people since early April in what truce monitors and the outfit say is now a "low-intensity war." Meanwhile, the defense affairs spokesperson, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, said the Government hopes that Bauer and Norwegian peace mediator Erik Solheim, due to join him on May 26, can cajole the LTTE back to peace talks.
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May - 25 
Colombo Page reports that the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has decided to increase its ranks by at least 15 more monitors and to bring in flak jackets and helmets. The SLMM spokesperson, Helen Olafsdottir, said, “SLMM chief Ulf Henricsson has asked the five contributing Nordic nations to fund
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Colombo Page reports that the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has decided to increase its ranks by at least 15 more monitors and to bring in flak jackets and helmets. The SLMM spokesperson, Helen Olafsdottir, said, “SLMM chief Ulf Henricsson has asked the five contributing Nordic nations to fund an additional 15 monitors and then depending on the situation, possibly another 25. We really need more people so that we can do the job.” The decision was taken after the lives of observers were endangered in the May 11 sea-battle. Currently, the mission has 57 members from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland.
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May - 25 
The Sri Lankan Government urged Gulf Arab states to ban the LTTE in their countries in view to block the funds to the outfit. Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, who is in Doha to attend a conference on cooperation among Asian nations, stated, “In Qatar there are quite a lot of Tamil people who ha
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The Sri Lankan Government urged Gulf Arab states to ban the LTTE in their countries in view to block the funds to the outfit. Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, who is in Doha to attend a conference on cooperation among Asian nations, stated, “In Qatar there are quite a lot of Tamil people who have reported that they have been intimidated by a few members of the LTTE. The (group) should be listed by the EU (as a terrorist organization) and I think it should also be listed in Gulf countries. We are now hoping the international community will bring all pressure possible to bring them back to the table because we don't actually see anything other than a negotiated settlement.”
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May - 26 
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Mangala Samaraweera, assured the Parliament on May 26 that war is not imminent and that the Government will not return to war despite provocations by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He said, "The first priority of the Government will be the talks that will
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The Foreign Affairs Minister, Mangala Samaraweera, assured the Parliament on May 26 that war is not imminent and that the Government will not return to war despite provocations by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He said, "The first priority of the Government will be the talks that will lead to a negotiated settlement, the second priority of the Government will be the talks that will lead to a negotiated settlement and the third priority of the Government will also be the talks that will lead to a negotiated settlement - not the war." He added, "We hope the LTTE would convey their stance through Envoy Hanssen Bauer who is due to meet the LTTE in Kilinochchi tomorrow," the Minister said.
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May - 27 
Norway’s top peace envoy to Sri Lanka, Eric Solheim, said that a major crisis was brewing in the country and that it could be headed back to full-scale civil war. “It is very grave. There is a major crisis looming,” Solheim told reporters in the Indian capital New Delhi where he was due to brief Ind
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Norway’s top peace envoy to Sri Lanka, Eric Solheim, said that a major crisis was brewing in the country and that it could be headed back to full-scale civil war. “It is very grave. There is a major crisis looming,” Solheim told reporters in the Indian capital New Delhi where he was due to brief Indian leaders on his latest peace mission to Sri Lanka. “Sri Lanka is on the brink of very negative developments. There are five or 10 deaths every day... Sri Lanka is heading for more violence or all-out war,” he said.
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May - 27 
S. Puleedevan, head of the LTTE Peace Secretariat, told BBC Sinhala, “Even if the EU ban comes into force we are still committed to talks. However, we will have to reconsider the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) if the EU imposes a ban upon us. We are eagerly waiting to see what pressure EU is exerting on
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S. Puleedevan, head of the LTTE Peace Secretariat, told BBC Sinhala, “Even if the EU ban comes into force we are still committed to talks. However, we will have to reconsider the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) if the EU imposes a ban upon us. We are eagerly waiting to see what pressure EU is exerting on Mahinda Rajapaksa government with regard to adhering to the CFA.” According to reports, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, the Nordic countries who are members of the European Union (EU) and Norway, a non-EU member, are scheduled to meet in early June to discuss the situation after the possible EU ban on LTTE.
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May - 27 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) said on May 27 that they were considering a new offer by peace broker Norway for talks in Oslo regarding the security of Nordic truce monitors, but stressed they would not be peace talks, according to Daily Times. “Norway has invited us to attend a meeting
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) said on May 27 that they were considering a new offer by peace broker Norway for talks in Oslo regarding the security of Nordic truce monitors, but stressed they would not be peace talks, according to Daily Times. “Norway has invited us to attend a meeting on June 8-9 in Oslo to discuss the operations and security of the SLMM,” LTTE media coordinator Daya Master said after Norwegian special peace envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer met the outfit’s political leadership in Kilinochchi.
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May - 28 
The SLMM chief, Gen. Ulf Henricsson, insisted that the CFA still holds true and said nobody can expect miracles when working for peace. Addressing a forum on the 'Role of the SLMM' on May 28, he said: "I agree that there had been too much violence and sometimes it appears as if the ceasefire agreeme
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The SLMM chief, Gen. Ulf Henricsson, insisted that the CFA still holds true and said nobody can expect miracles when working for peace. Addressing a forum on the 'Role of the SLMM' on May 28, he said: "I agree that there had been too much violence and sometimes it appears as if the ceasefire agreement is not being implementing on the ground, but so long as neither of the signatories have walked out from the agreement, it still remains valid… We are still at the first stage of conflict resolution, where we are trying to stop fighting between the two sides. Achieving a stable peace could take generations."
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May - 29 
The European Union (EU) proscribed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on May 29, according to Reuters. An unnamed envoy informed of the decision taken at a regular meeting of EU ministers in Brussels said "One of the consequences is the freezing of the (group's) assets." As reported earlier
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The European Union (EU) proscribed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on May 29, according to Reuters. An unnamed envoy informed of the decision taken at a regular meeting of EU ministers in Brussels said "One of the consequences is the freezing of the (group's) assets." As reported earlier, the EU imposed a travel ban on the group's cadres in September 2005 and said then it was considering banning it for "use of violence and terrorism."
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May - 29 
The LTTE, which agreed to participate in talks on June 8-9 in Oslo, has demanded for transport and security for its leaders. Meanwhile, the LTTE's political wing head, S.P. Thamilselvan, stressed that the dialogue would be separate to the peace talks with the Government, which began in February. He
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The LTTE, which agreed to participate in talks on June 8-9 in Oslo, has demanded for transport and security for its leaders. Meanwhile, the LTTE's political wing head, S.P. Thamilselvan, stressed that the dialogue would be separate to the peace talks with the Government, which began in February. He also said that the outfit wouldn't surrender their weapons after a reported demand by the European Union (EU). He said, "Demanding the Tigers to lay down arms is tantamount to requesting them to compromise Tamils' future. Tamil people have armed themselves to assert their fundamental and political rights, and to protect their life and property." He added that the LTTE has forced Government forces "to withdraw from nearly 70 percent of our land." He also said the outfit has developed extensive administrative and law-and-order capabilities in the Tamil-dominated North and East, and Tamils are "close to forming their own state. He added, "The rebels run their own courts, collect taxes, and even have their own traffic police… The international community... has to come forward to accommodate this prevailing reality with an amicable settlement."
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May - 29 
The Social Services and Social Welfare Minister, K. N. Douglas Devananda, stated that the LTTE has created a state of anarchy in the North and East. Extortion goes on unabated and every single activity is subjected to a levy. Those including Government officials, who refute their orders, are treated
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The Social Services and Social Welfare Minister, K. N. Douglas Devananda, stated that the LTTE has created a state of anarchy in the North and East. Extortion goes on unabated and every single activity is subjected to a levy. Those including Government officials, who refute their orders, are treated mercilessly, he informed.
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May - 30 
Sri Lanka's international donors are meeting in Tokyo on May 30, today, to discuss the existing situation in the country. Takashi Ato, first secretary at Japan's embassy in Sri Lanka, said that the United Sates, European Union, Norway and Japan will assess the island's peace process. Meanwhile, Indi
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Sri Lanka's international donors are meeting in Tokyo on May 30, today, to discuss the existing situation in the country. Takashi Ato, first secretary at Japan's embassy in Sri Lanka, said that the United Sates, European Union, Norway and Japan will assess the island's peace process. Meanwhile, India, which was invited earlier for the meeting, has not sent an observer to the four-nation donor’s conference meeting.
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May - 30 
The Sri Lanka co-chairs on May 30 warned the LTTE that it would face "deeper isolation" if it failed to change itself. They also wanted the Government to "protect the rights and security of Tamils" and make the required political changes "to bring about a new system of governance."
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The Sri Lanka co-chairs on May 30 warned the LTTE that it would face "deeper isolation" if it failed to change itself. They also wanted the Government to "protect the rights and security of Tamils" and make the required political changes "to bring about a new system of governance."
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May - 30 
Two representatives from the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), Tagrie Ktala of Finland and Paul Erik Lauritsen of Denmark who arrived at the site said that they were shocked by the gruesome scene. "This is a brutal and senseless violence," Lauritsen said.
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Two representatives from the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), Tagrie Ktala of Finland and Paul Erik Lauritsen of Denmark who arrived at the site said that they were shocked by the gruesome scene. "This is a brutal and senseless violence," Lauritsen said.
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May - 31 
A Government delegation headed by Peace Secretariat Chief Palitha Kohona will participate in talks on the operational and safety aspects of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) in Oslo on June 8 and 9. The Government delegation, Norwegian facilitators, senior SLMM representatives and the LTTE are
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A Government delegation headed by Peace Secretariat Chief Palitha Kohona will participate in talks on the operational and safety aspects of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) in Oslo on June 8 and 9. The Government delegation, Norwegian facilitators, senior SLMM representatives and the LTTE are due to discuss matters relating to the operational modalities of the SLMM in the light of recent incidents. The LTTE is, however, yet to confirm its participation. The LTTE Peace Secretariat head, S. Pulidevan, told news agencies, “We have not been told officially of the European Union's reported decision. With regard to the meeting in Oslo, we are ready for positive steps, but we are waiting to see the official European Union's statement.”
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May - 31 
Deputy Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Peace Secretariat, Kethesh Loganathan, commenting on the EU ban on the LTTE, said the ban is a clear message to the LTTE of the international community's condemnation of LTTE's behaviour and conduct. He said, "It is now up to the LTTE to re-think its policie
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Deputy Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Peace Secretariat, Kethesh Loganathan, commenting on the EU ban on the LTTE, said the ban is a clear message to the LTTE of the international community's condemnation of LTTE's behaviour and conduct. He said, "It is now up to the LTTE to re-think its policies and strategy and abandon its attacks on humanity and human rights in the name of liberation. The LTTE must realise that it is only an authentic transformation that can lead to the lifting of the ban in the future and an end to its isolation in the international community. The LTTE must also seize the opportunity to engage in principled negotiations with the Government to find a dignified and a durable solution to the ethnic conflict."
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May - 31 
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera stated that the LTTE funnel contributions through Malaysia and Singapore to buy weapons in Thailand and Cambodia. He told The New Straits Times in Kuala Lumpur that the Government has asked for help from those countries to curb fundraising and weapons purchases b
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Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera stated that the LTTE funnel contributions through Malaysia and Singapore to buy weapons in Thailand and Cambodia. He told The New Straits Times in Kuala Lumpur that the Government has asked for help from those countries to curb fundraising and weapons purchases by the LTTE. He added, "One of the best ways to help the peace process is to ensure that the LTTE's moneymaking capabilities are curtailed."
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May - 31 
The European Union (EU) officially added the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to its terrorist blacklist on May 31, effectively freezing the outfit’s assets across the 25-nation bloc and hindering its ability to raise money for its armed movement. The updated blacklist was published, two days
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The European Union (EU) officially added the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to its terrorist blacklist on May 31, effectively freezing the outfit’s assets across the 25-nation bloc and hindering its ability to raise money for its armed movement. The updated blacklist was published, two days after EU ministers voted without debate to include the LTTE. The EU said in a statement, "The decision of the EU to list the LTTE should come as a surprise to nobody." The statement also said that the outfit had "systematically ignored" its warnings to give up their armed conflict on the Indian Ocean island, and commit to peace talks and added the outfit still must "amend its violent course and return to peace talks." The statement added that it would continue contacts with the group "where such contacts, in the pursuit of the peace process, may help to bring about a return to negotiations and an end to violence." The EU also called on the Sri Lankan Government to curb violence in Government-controlled areas.
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June - 1 
President Mahinda Rajapakse on June 1 told the visiting United States Undersecretary for South and Central Asia, Richard A. Boucher, that he would seek a "fresh outlook" on a negotiated political settlement for the continued ethnic conflict in the country. He said that he would ask an all-party conf
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President Mahinda Rajapakse on June 1 told the visiting United States Undersecretary for South and Central Asia, Richard A. Boucher, that he would seek a "fresh outlook" on a negotiated political settlement for the continued ethnic conflict in the country. He said that he would ask an all-party conference, scheduled to be held on June 2, today, "to work out suitable proposals for devolution of power." He emphasised that the "failure of earlier proposals to solve this crisis was because they did not have the agreement of the LTTE, and it would not be practicable to impose any unilateral solution, without agreement with the LTTE." He added that there is the need "to seek a Sri Lankan solution and not be confined to the solutions in other countries." However, he "did not rule out the possibility of some of those solutions being suitable in the Sri Lankan context." The President also said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has to be a part of the process of changing the constitution. He said, “It would not be useful to agree on any solution or introduce change to the power structure without their participation. First of all they will not accept such a solution. We have to involve them.” He reiterated that the Government would not opt for war. "I conveyed my stand that I will not opt for a military solution," Rajapakse told Associated Press. He also reiterated that there are no paramilitaries operating from Government-controlled areas and if there were, his Government would disarm them.
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June - 1 
The LTTE confirmed that they will attend the talks scheduled to be held on June 8-9 in Oslo. The outfit’s political wing leader, S. P. Tamilselvan, after his meeting with the head of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, Wolf Hendrikson, told the media that preparations for the talks are already underway. H
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The LTTE confirmed that they will attend the talks scheduled to be held on June 8-9 in Oslo. The outfit’s political wing leader, S. P. Tamilselvan, after his meeting with the head of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, Wolf Hendrikson, told the media that preparations for the talks are already underway. He stated, "Members of the Tamil Tiger delegation for Oslo will be announced within the next two days. Despite the EU ban the talks will go on." Meanwhile, the head of Government’s Peace Secretariat, Palitha Kohona, has been appointed to lead the Government delegation for talks in Oslo. "So far as we are concerned, we are ready for the talks," Kohona said after his appointment.
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June - 4 
President Mahinda Rajapakse emphasised that creating peace without war was the Government's intention. He said, “We invited the Tigers for talks even though the organization had been banned by several countries, as we don’t have any war mentality. I would never allow the country to be divided.”
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President Mahinda Rajapakse emphasised that creating peace without war was the Government's intention. He said, “We invited the Tigers for talks even though the organization had been banned by several countries, as we don’t have any war mentality. I would never allow the country to be divided.”
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