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Sri Lanka
Statement:2005
Read more...
Date
Incidents
January - 9 
Criticizing the Government for not allowing Annan to visit the LTTE-controlled territories, the outfit’s ‘political wing’ leader, Thamilselvan, stated that it was shocking that the Government would prevail upon the UN chief not to visit LTTE areas, against his wishes. "This is a clear indicator of t
Read more...
Criticizing the Government for not allowing Annan to visit the LTTE-controlled territories, the outfit’s ‘political wing’ leader, Thamilselvan, stated that it was shocking that the Government would prevail upon the UN chief not to visit LTTE areas, against his wishes. "This is a clear indicator of the discriminatory pattern that the government of Sri Lanka adopts when it comes to the problems of the Tamil people," he added.
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January - 9 
On January 9, Kofi Annan, the United Nations Secretary-General, appealed for unity between the Sri Lankan Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), amid rising tension over the control of aid to the island. Annan finished his tour of Sri Lanka at the weekend but, under Government advic
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On January 9, Kofi Annan, the United Nations Secretary-General, appealed for unity between the Sri Lankan Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), amid rising tension over the control of aid to the island. Annan finished his tour of Sri Lanka at the weekend but, under Government advice, did not visit LTTE-controlled territory in the island's north and east coast.
Read less...
January - 9 
Refusing to give a time frame, United States Secretary of State, Colin Powell, has stated that the US Marines who are landing in Sri Lanka soon may spend a long period in the country to carry out relief and rebuilding process. "We will be here for a long period of time by the simple fact that our Em
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Refusing to give a time frame, United States Secretary of State, Colin Powell, has stated that the US Marines who are landing in Sri Lanka soon may spend a long period in the country to carry out relief and rebuilding process. "We will be here for a long period of time by the simple fact that our Embassies are here, our USAID missions are here and the US military forces are here in the region. I can't tell you how long they will stay," Powell said. An aircraft carrier is expected to arrive in the country within a few days along with 1500 Marines to engage in rebuilding activities in the country.
Read less...
January - 14 
Puleedevan, head of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) peace secretariat in an e-mail to Agence France-Presse is reported to have claimed that the LTTE chief, Velupillai Prabhakaran, will hold peace talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister, Jan Petersen, next week. Refuting rumours that Prab
Read more...
Puleedevan, head of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) peace secretariat in an e-mail to Agence France-Presse is reported to have claimed that the LTTE chief, Velupillai Prabhakaran, will hold peace talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister, Jan Petersen, next week. Refuting rumours that Prabhakaran had been killed by the December 26 Tsunami, he said, "I can assure you that our chief is alive."
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January - 14 
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Sri Lankan representative, Ted Chaiban, stated that it had received reports that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were recruiting children displaced by the Tsunami and warned the rebels to leave under-age survivors alone. "Recruitment... was an
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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Sri Lankan representative, Ted Chaiban, stated that it had received reports that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were recruiting children displaced by the Tsunami and warned the rebels to leave under-age survivors alone. "Recruitment... was an issue before the tsunami. It's an issue that continues to be of concern. We know of three cases of reported under-age recruitment that took place in the east," said Chaiban. Two of the children had been reunited with their family but a 15-year-old girl was still missing from a camp for the homeless, Chaiban added.
Read less...
January - 18 
According to the Daily News, on January 18, in response to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) request, President Chandrika Kumaratunga has sent a fleet of pick-up trucks, tractors and other equipment to the northeast. The Presidential Secretariat said, "President Kumaratunga directed the
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According to the Daily News, on January 18, in response to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) request, President Chandrika Kumaratunga has sent a fleet of pick-up trucks, tractors and other equipment to the northeast. The Presidential Secretariat said, "President Kumaratunga directed the Ministry of Rehabilitation to dispatch these requirements without delay."
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January - 19 
On January 19, President Chandrika Kumaratunga stated in Hambantota that there would be no elections for the next five years and therefore all political forces should sink their party differences and work towards rebuilding the tsunami-devastated country. She made these remarks while addressing the
Read more...
On January 19, President Chandrika Kumaratunga stated in Hambantota that there would be no elections for the next five years and therefore all political forces should sink their party differences and work towards rebuilding the tsunami-devastated country. She made these remarks while addressing the gathering after ceremonially launching the post-tsunami rebuilding plan in Kajuwatta in the Southern Hambantota district.
Read less...
January - 19 
SP Tamilselvan, head of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's (LTTE) ‘political wing’, stated that the Tamils feel "discriminated against" because India is doing tsunami relief work only in the government-held areas of Sri Lanka, totally ignoring the "even greater" humanitarian crisis in the Tamil-
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SP Tamilselvan, head of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's (LTTE) ‘political wing’, stated that the Tamils feel "discriminated against" because India is doing tsunami relief work only in the government-held areas of Sri Lanka, totally ignoring the "even greater" humanitarian crisis in the Tamil-speaking areas held by the LTTE. "We definitely want help from India. India should turn its attention to the Tamil people also, and show kindness to them," Tamilselvan said at his headquarters in Kilinochchi on January 19. Asked what kind of Indian agencies could work in the LTTE-controlled areas, he said that both government agencies and NGOs were welcome.
Read less...
January - 21 
The opposition UNP Parliamentarian, Prof. G. L. Peiris, stated that President Kumaratunga, seizing the tsunami disaster as an opportunity to extend her presidential term, is behaving in an undemocratic and opportunistic manner and reiterated that there is no change in the UNP stand that Presidential
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The opposition UNP Parliamentarian, Prof. G. L. Peiris, stated that President Kumaratunga, seizing the tsunami disaster as an opportunity to extend her presidential term, is behaving in an undemocratic and opportunistic manner and reiterated that there is no change in the UNP stand that Presidential elections be held in December 2005.
Read less...
January - 22 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has expressed its willingness to be included in a ‘common programme’ with the Government for providing relief to the December 26 Tsunami victims in the North-East, before any recommencement of peace talks. The LTTE chief negotiator Anton Balasingham stated
Read more...
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has expressed its willingness to be included in a ‘common programme’ with the Government for providing relief to the December 26 Tsunami victims in the North-East, before any recommencement of peace talks. The LTTE chief negotiator Anton Balasingham stated on January 22 that chief Velupillai Prabhakaran at a meeting with the visiting Norwegian Peace facilitators had expressed his willingness to co-operate with the Government to work out a mechanism to coordinate relief assistance in the North-East. Participating at the discussion in Killinochchi with the Norwegian team, Prabhakaran had pointed out that it was not the time to talk about "peace talks" and had added that the LTTE alone was unable to carry out development work in the North-East. However, Prabhakaran accused the Sri Lankan Government with "misusing" the international aid flowing into the island-nation after the tsunami, and wanted the international community to ensure "equitable distribution" of aid to the affected people.
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January - 26 
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on January 26 that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have recruited 40 children under the age of 18 in the month since the December 26-Tsunami. According to Martin Dawes, UNICEF spokesperson for South Asia, "We've got 40 cases we've been abl
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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on January 26 that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have recruited 40 children under the age of 18 in the month since the December 26-Tsunami. According to Martin Dawes, UNICEF spokesperson for South Asia, "We've got 40 cases we've been able to verify… There's one 13-year-old. It goes up to 17. This is something we regret ... children have no place in the war." "This is something that we had hoped would be consigned to Sri Lanka's history. It obviously isn't," he added. Dawes said UNICEF last week gave the LTTE a list of 29 names, but had not received a reply from the outfit.
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February - 10 
Secretary General, Kofi Annan, in the latest United Nations (UN) report on "Children and Armed Conflict" said that since 2001, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has recruited more than 4700 children. "The LTTE has often carried out recruitment by force, abducting children while on their wa
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Secretary General, Kofi Annan, in the latest United Nations (UN) report on "Children and Armed Conflict" said that since 2001, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has recruited more than 4700 children. "The LTTE has often carried out recruitment by force, abducting children while on their way to school or during religious festivities, and beating families and teachers who resisted the seizure of the children," Annan said. He added that the Security Council should take targeted and concrete measures against parties named in his report, including the LTTE, that have made insufficient or no progress on the issue of child recruitment. "Such measures should include the imposition of travel restrictions on leaders and their exclusion from any governance structures and amnesty provisions, the imposition of arms embargo, a ban on military assistance, and restriction on the flow of financial resources to the parties concerned," Annan added. The report stated that during 2004 alone, more than 1000 cases of new recruitment and re-recruitment were reported to the UNICEF in Sri Lanka, a high percentage of them being girls. Out of the 4700 cases of child recruitment since April 2001, more than 2900 children have returned or been released to their families, including about 1230 children who were formally released, he said.
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February - 11 
On February 11, the Cabinet spokesperson and Minister, Mangala Samaraweera, announced that the Government would hold presidential election on or before November 12, 2006, reiterating that the President had no intention of postponing the poll as alleged by the Opposition.
Read more...
On February 11, the Cabinet spokesperson and Minister, Mangala Samaraweera, announced that the Government would hold presidential election on or before November 12, 2006, reiterating that the President had no intention of postponing the poll as alleged by the Opposition.
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February - 13 
The Special Japanese Government Representative for Peace-building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, stated on February 13 that both the Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are very close to a final agreement on an agenda for the resumption of peace t
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The Special Japanese Government Representative for Peace-building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, stated on February 13 that both the Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are very close to a final agreement on an agenda for the resumption of peace talks. Explaining the rationale, Akashi said that following the tsunami, the bare minimum of mutual trust had developed between the two parties.
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February - 14 
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister, Anne McLellan, stated on February 14 that she was not excluding the addition of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to a list of outlawed terrorist organisations. McLellan, who is also Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, was cross-examined at
Read more...
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister, Anne McLellan, stated on February 14 that she was not excluding the addition of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to a list of outlawed terrorist organisations. McLellan, who is also Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, was cross-examined at a Senate Committee hearing on the exclusion of LTTE from a list of 35 groups banned by Canada. The main reason for not listing the outfit thus far, according to McLellan, was that "the current Minister of Foreign Affairs (Pierre Pettigrew) and the previous Minister of Foreign Affairs (now Defence Minister Bill Graham) have said that there is some hope for the Sri Lankan peace process and perhaps it would be perceived as not helpful to list the LTTE."
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February - 22 
On February 22, marking the third anniversary of the cease-fire, the Sri Lankan Government announced that it continues to be ready to reopen direct negotiations with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on the establishment of an interim authority. The Government Information Department said t
Read more...
On February 22, marking the third anniversary of the cease-fire, the Sri Lankan Government announced that it continues to be ready to reopen direct negotiations with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on the establishment of an interim authority. The Government Information Department said the goal of the proposed interim authority would be "to meet the urgent humanitarian and development needs of the people of the North and East and to proceed thereafter to negotiating a final settlement of the ethnic conflict."
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February - 22 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief, Hagrup Haukland, stated that lack of peace talks is putting a serious strain on the cease-fire and creating a dangerous uncertainty in Sri Lanka.
Read more...
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief, Hagrup Haukland, stated that lack of peace talks is putting a serious strain on the cease-fire and creating a dangerous uncertainty in Sri Lanka.
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February - 24 
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), on February 24 opposed resumption of peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) based on an interim administration and said negotiations would have to include the outlines of a final settlement. Reacting to the Government’s statement on February
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The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), on February 24 opposed resumption of peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) based on an interim administration and said negotiations would have to include the outlines of a final settlement. Reacting to the Government’s statement on February 23 that it "continues to be ready" to resume "direct negotiations with the LTTE on the establishment of an interim authority", Wimal Weerawansa, leader of the JVP Parliamentary Group, stated in the Parliament that the party "decisively" rejected "the latest position". "We state clearly that if the present government took such a step, we would immediately withdraw from being a constituent of the Government," Weerawansa said. However, at a press conference later in the day, the JVP leader declined to set a timeframe and was non-committal on the future course of action. The JVP, he said, "was part of the Government," but was "not consulted" on the statement. The JVP, with 39 MPs, is a major constituent of the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA).
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March - 1 
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Commandant of the Special Task Force (STF), Nimal Lewke, stated on March 1 that the ‘Colonel’ Karuna group has become a strong opposition to the LTTE and is enjoying a great deal of sympathy and support of the Tamil community in the Ampara district. DIG Lewke, in
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Deputy Inspector General of Police, Commandant of the Special Task Force (STF), Nimal Lewke, stated on March 1 that the ‘Colonel’ Karuna group has become a strong opposition to the LTTE and is enjoying a great deal of sympathy and support of the Tamil community in the Ampara district. DIG Lewke, in a statement on the shooting incident in Ampara district on February 28, denied STF involvement in any form relating to this incident as alleged by the LTTE.
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March - 1 
President Chandrika Kumaratunga has decided to appoint, with immediate effect, a Presidential Commission of Inquiry consisting of two High Court Judges to inquire and report on the recent circumstances and or any other motives leading to the attacks on those alleged to be LTTE cadres in the Battical
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President Chandrika Kumaratunga has decided to appoint, with immediate effect, a Presidential Commission of Inquiry consisting of two High Court Judges to inquire and report on the recent circumstances and or any other motives leading to the attacks on those alleged to be LTTE cadres in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts, a Presidential Secretariat Press release stated on March 1. The Commission has been directed to submit a report within a period of one month from date of commencement of hearing.
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March - 7 
In a statement issued on March 7, the World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka, Peter Harrold, said that the bank has no intention of providing funds directly to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Harrold stated this in response to a call by the ruling coalition partner, Janatha Vimukthi
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In a statement issued on March 7, the World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka, Peter Harrold, said that the bank has no intention of providing funds directly to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Harrold stated this in response to a call by the ruling coalition partner, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), on March 6 to withdraw a statement by the former in an interview to the Sunday Times where he is quoted as recognising the LTTE controlled area as "a kind of unofficial state". Later, Harrold stated that he was misquoted and added that all funds for the North and East, "is disbursed through the official Government channel of the North East Provincial Council."
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March - 7 
President Chandrika Kumaratunga, on March 7 urged the European Union (EU) to persuade the LTTE to return to the negotiating table "without procrastination". During a meeting with the visiting EU Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the President also said the LTTE was "co-ope
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President Chandrika Kumaratunga, on March 7 urged the European Union (EU) to persuade the LTTE to return to the negotiating table "without procrastination". During a meeting with the visiting EU Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the President also said the LTTE was "co-operative in several ways in addressing the needs of the tsunami affected in that part of the country."
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March - 8 
The Ceasefire Monitors have warned that the latest round of violence in the East has caused another threat to the peace process. Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief, Hagrup Haukland, said, "We condemn these barbaric and cowardly acts in the strongest possible terms, and the violence has raised
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The Ceasefire Monitors have warned that the latest round of violence in the East has caused another threat to the peace process. Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief, Hagrup Haukland, said, "We condemn these barbaric and cowardly acts in the strongest possible terms, and the violence has raised serious fears and created uncertainty around the country, disrupting the peaceful life of Sri Lankans." Separately, the visiting European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, called on the LTTE to renounce violence and recruitment of child soldiers, stressing the need to set up a joint mechanism for tsunami reconstruction in the North and East to ensure a fair flow of international aid.
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March - 10 
During a meeting with the Norwegian special peace envoy, Erik Solheim, on March 10, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader, Anton Balasingham, has reportedly admitted that the outfit has an airstrip in Kilinochchi. The pro-LTTE website Tamilnet quoting Balasingham said, "the airstrip had
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During a meeting with the Norwegian special peace envoy, Erik Solheim, on March 10, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader, Anton Balasingham, has reportedly admitted that the outfit has an airstrip in Kilinochchi. The pro-LTTE website Tamilnet quoting Balasingham said, "the airstrip had been in existence even before the February 2002 ceasefire." Earlier, the Sri Lankan Government had written to the Norwegian facilitators regarding the existence of an airstrip and asked them to take immediate steps.
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March - 12 
The Pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) website, Tamilnet, quoting the LTTE Political Wing Leader, S.P Thamilchelvan reports that the LTTE has fully agreed to the Norwegian draft on joint mechanism for aid distribution in North and East. Thamilchelvan, who is currently in Norway said that "I
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The Pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) website, Tamilnet, quoting the LTTE Political Wing Leader, S.P Thamilchelvan reports that the LTTE has fully agreed to the Norwegian draft on joint mechanism for aid distribution in North and East. Thamilchelvan, who is currently in Norway said that "It is up to the Sri Lanka Government to agree to the Norwegian draft…Finally we made progress when Norwegian facilitators drafted a new version which the LTTE has now fully accepted".
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March - 15 
The British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Jack Straw, has reportedly expressed serious concern at the acquisition of an unauthorised aircraft by the LTTE. During a meeting on March 15 in London with the visiting Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Lakshman Kadirgamar, Straw sai
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The British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Jack Straw, has reportedly expressed serious concern at the acquisition of an unauthorised aircraft by the LTTE. During a meeting on March 15 in London with the visiting Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Lakshman Kadirgamar, Straw said this development should be viewed with concern especially in the context of the global war against terrorism. The LTTE is proscribed in the UK.
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March - 24 
The Sri Lankan Army on March 24 denied the existence of any Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) camp in the Government-controlled areas of Theevuchenai village in the Polonnaruwa district. It refuted allegations that the village was ringed by Army camps and detachments. In a press release, the A
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The Sri Lankan Army on March 24 denied the existence of any Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) camp in the Government-controlled areas of Theevuchenai village in the Polonnaruwa district. It refuted allegations that the village was ringed by Army camps and detachments. In a press release, the Army said the Mutugala Army camp, being the one and only nearest camp to Theevuchenai, is about three kilometres away.
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March - 27 
Addressing the Foreign Correspondents Association in Colombo, the Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, stated that the Government could sign a deal, brokered by Norway, with the LTTE to provide a formula for distributing Tsunami relief as long as it was not seen as giving the LTTE de facto recogni
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Addressing the Foreign Correspondents Association in Colombo, the Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, stated that the Government could sign a deal, brokered by Norway, with the LTTE to provide a formula for distributing Tsunami relief as long as it was not seen as giving the LTTE de facto recognition as a Government. While ruling out an early resumption of peace talks, he added, "A formal resumption of the peace process is very much on the backburner," Kadirgamar said.
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April - 5 
Latest Special Task Force (STF) reports have also revealed that the LTTE had intensified their efforts to conscript orphaned children in the camps at North-East after the Tsunami. STF Commandant, Nimal Lueke, stated on April 5 that 44 cases were reported from the camps for Internally Displaced Peopl
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Latest Special Task Force (STF) reports have also revealed that the LTTE had intensified their efforts to conscript orphaned children in the camps at North-East after the Tsunami. STF Commandant, Nimal Lueke, stated on April 5 that 44 cases were reported from the camps for Internally Displaced People where the LTTE had tried to abduct Tsunami orphans. "Despite the STF's efforts to protect the IDP camps, armed LTTE cadres had stormed camps and abducted 19 children," claimed Lueke. The figure could be much higher since the above figures were reported only from the cleared areas, he added.
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April - 5 
SLMM spokesperson, Helan Olaffsdottir, stated that they were yet to conclude whether the attack was a violation of the cease-fire. Meanwhile, LTTE's Trincomalee district political wing leader, Elilan, told British Broadcasting Corporation's Tamil service that the outfit returned fire only after they
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SLMM spokesperson, Helan Olaffsdottir, stated that they were yet to conclude whether the attack was a violation of the cease-fire. Meanwhile, LTTE's Trincomalee district political wing leader, Elilan, told British Broadcasting Corporation's Tamil service that the outfit returned fire only after they were fired at by the naval boat which came up to 200 metres of the coast. However, Olaffsdottir said that the "LTTE's claim is wrong" as the monitor who was on board confirmed that Sri Lanka navy did not fire at the LTTE.
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April - 5 
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has reportedly stated that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) recruited 106 child soldiers since the Tsunami of December 26, 2004. It also accused the LTTE of recruiting directly from the camps for Tsunami victims. "There have been 106 verified case
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The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has reportedly stated that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) recruited 106 child soldiers since the Tsunami of December 26, 2004. It also accused the LTTE of recruiting directly from the camps for Tsunami victims. "There have been 106 verified cases over the last three months," said UNICEF spokesperson, Marc Vergara. He said that most of these children were new to the fighting and some of them were in the LTTE and later escaped.
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April - 6 
, President Chandrika Kumaratunga, speaking in Sevanagala, said that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the Government will not sacrifice the country in bringing a lasting solution to the ethnic conflict. She also said that peace could only be achieved through negotiations. "We must look at the North-E
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, President Chandrika Kumaratunga, speaking in Sevanagala, said that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the Government will not sacrifice the country in bringing a lasting solution to the ethnic conflict. She also said that peace could only be achieved through negotiations. "We must look at the North-East issue in a positive attitude where we can come to some agreements within our policy framework without breaking them."
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April - 7 
On April 7, Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, stated that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will not be given any major powers under the proposed joint mechanism for Tsunami reconstruction in the North and East that would barter away the country's interests. "It will be strictly limit
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On April 7, Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, stated that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will not be given any major powers under the proposed joint mechanism for Tsunami reconstruction in the North and East that would barter away the country's interests. "It will be strictly limited to the demands of the present situation," he said adding that they have to face the "uncomfortable reality" that the LTTE cannot be left out completely in the North and East reconstruction. The Government has submitted their second set of proposals for the joint mechanism to the Norwegian mediators and the LTTE response to these proposals is expected once their leaders return from their European tour.
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April - 20 
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has issued a fresh warning to the Government not to go ahead with a Norwegian-brokered deal with the LTTE to handle Tsunami aid. "It could be done under a different government, but not as long as our Freedom Alliance government is in power," JVP legislator Wimal W
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The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has issued a fresh warning to the Government not to go ahead with a Norwegian-brokered deal with the LTTE to handle Tsunami aid. "It could be done under a different government, but not as long as our Freedom Alliance government is in power," JVP legislator Wimal Weerawansa said.
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April - 20 
The Norwegian peace envoy, Erik Solheim, stated on April 20 that he will be able to establish a joint mechanism to provide post-Tsunami relief to victims in the North and East by concluding an agreement between the Sri Lankan Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He added the joint
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The Norwegian peace envoy, Erik Solheim, stated on April 20 that he will be able to establish a joint mechanism to provide post-Tsunami relief to victims in the North and East by concluding an agreement between the Sri Lankan Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He added the joint mechanism would be functional in a few weeks' time.
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May - 2 
On May 2, the visiting Foreign Secretary of India, Shyam Saran, and his Sri Lankan counterpart, H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, discussed bilateral issues, including tsunami rehabilitation, defence cooperation, the Sethusamudram project and the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation agreement. The discussions als
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On May 2, the visiting Foreign Secretary of India, Shyam Saran, and his Sri Lankan counterpart, H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, discussed bilateral issues, including tsunami rehabilitation, defence cooperation, the Sethusamudram project and the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation agreement. The discussions also reportedly included developments in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), regional and international affairs, an official Indian statement said.
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May - 3 
India has reportedly announced a debt moratorium of three years on repayment of debt by Sri Lanka in response to the latter’s post-tsunami reconstruction needs. A joint statement after a meeting between the Indian and Sri Lankan delegations said, "Foreign Secretary Saran announced a number of Indian
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India has reportedly announced a debt moratorium of three years on repayment of debt by Sri Lanka in response to the latter’s post-tsunami reconstruction needs. A joint statement after a meeting between the Indian and Sri Lankan delegations said, "Foreign Secretary Saran announced a number of Indian assistance measures including a series of workshops on low-cost rebuilding of houses to be conducted by Indian experts and a capacity-building exercise in management of disasters and post-disaster scenarios. It was also agreed that India would consider participation in tsunami-affected Colombo-Matara railway line reconstruction."
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May - 3 
On May 3, President Chandrika Kumaratunga, while speaking to religious leaders at a committee meeting of the National Advisory Council for Peace and Reconstruction, promised to establish the planned joint mechanism for tsunami relief with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), though her presi
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On May 3, President Chandrika Kumaratunga, while speaking to religious leaders at a committee meeting of the National Advisory Council for Peace and Reconstruction, promised to establish the planned joint mechanism for tsunami relief with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), though her presidency or coalition Government could collapse as a consequence. "In the process, the government may fall, several Ministries might be lost, and even I might lose the Presidency, but those things are not of national interest unlike bringing lasting peace to the country," she said. She added that the joint mechanism will not in any way hamper the development work initiated through the Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Ministry and the decision will be made by the Central Government.
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May - 3 
On May 3, the Indian Foreign Secretary, Shyam Saran, said there was no conflict between India and Sri Lanka over the Sethusamudram canal project and Sri Lanka would be kept informed of any new developments on this issue. "There was no issue between Sri Lanka and India that we cannot sit down and tal
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On May 3, the Indian Foreign Secretary, Shyam Saran, said there was no conflict between India and Sri Lanka over the Sethusamudram canal project and Sri Lanka would be kept informed of any new developments on this issue. "There was no issue between Sri Lanka and India that we cannot sit down and talk," Saran stated at the India House in Colombo. He was responding to a query on whether there is any truth in allegations that India has disregarded concerns by Sri Lanka in implementing the project. The project envisages the creation of a navigable channel from the Gulf of Mannar to the Bay of Bengal through the Palk Strait to facilitate movement of larger ships.
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May - 6 
Sri Lankan military recovered bodies of two Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres believed to be intelligence operatives, who reportedly were killed in a clash with cadres of the rebel 'Colonel' Karuna faction. Military spokesman Brig. Daya Ratnayake said the bodies were found in Welikanda
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Sri Lankan military recovered bodies of two Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres believed to be intelligence operatives, who reportedly were killed in a clash with cadres of the rebel 'Colonel' Karuna faction. Military spokesman Brig. Daya Ratnayake said the bodies were found in Welikanda area in Polonnaruwa district on May 6. Tamilnet identified the slain cadres as Capt.Suban (Arasaretnam Vigneswaran of Valaththapitty) and Lt.Nilavarasan (Rasalingam Shankar of Kaluwankerny), both from political wing of the LTTE.
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May - 6 
The World Bank Country Representative in Sri Lanka, Peter Harrold, has said that the World Bank extends full support to the implementation of the Joint Mechanism proposed by the Government and LTTE for tsunami rehabilitation in the northeast.
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The World Bank Country Representative in Sri Lanka, Peter Harrold, has said that the World Bank extends full support to the implementation of the Joint Mechanism proposed by the Government and LTTE for tsunami rehabilitation in the northeast.
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May - 16 
Addressing the donor community at the inaugural session of the Sri Lanka Development Forum at Kandy on May 16, President Chandrika Kumaratunga claimed that the Government would be able to move forward with the Joint Mechanism as a majority of the Government and the population was supportive of the m
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Addressing the donor community at the inaugural session of the Sri Lanka Development Forum at Kandy on May 16, President Chandrika Kumaratunga claimed that the Government would be able to move forward with the Joint Mechanism as a majority of the Government and the population was supportive of the move. "The Government has the courage and commitment to take brave decisions for the sake of the country setting aside political and party interests," said the President.
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May - 16 
Addressing the media at the conclusion of the first day session of the Development Forum, Finance Minister, Dr. Sarath Amunugama, announced that donors had made commitments worth US$ 2.2 billion on the first day of the conference. Deputy Finance Minister, Tilak Siyambalapitiya, said bilateral agenci
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Addressing the media at the conclusion of the first day session of the Development Forum, Finance Minister, Dr. Sarath Amunugama, announced that donors had made commitments worth US$ 2.2 billion on the first day of the conference. Deputy Finance Minister, Tilak Siyambalapitiya, said bilateral agencies made a commitment worth US$ 745 million at the Forum while multilateral agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations had made commitments worth US$ 631 million and US$ 853 million respectively. Over 150 delegates representing donor countries and agencies, including representatives from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and UN, participated at the Forum.
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May - 16 
The Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, reportedly told international donors on May 16 that she will enter into an Tsunami aid-sharing deal with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) despite threats to her life from "within and outside" her Government. She made these remarks at the op
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The Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, reportedly told international donors on May 16 that she will enter into an Tsunami aid-sharing deal with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) despite threats to her life from "within and outside" her Government. She made these remarks at the opening of a two-day aid meeting attended by more than 125 participants including the World Bank, Japan and the United States. "In the decisions we are called upon to take, the lives of some of us are in extreme danger," Kumaratunga said. While disclosing that there is a threat "from within" her Government as well, the President added "Our commitment to this cause will be steadfast despite various objections from extremists, from various groups."
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May - 17 
The Sri Lanka Development Forum ended on May 17 in Kandy with the international donor community making commitments and pledges exceeding US $ 3 billion in the form of grants and moratorium on debts for the Tsunami reconstruction process and other development programmes initiated by the Government, F
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The Sri Lanka Development Forum ended on May 17 in Kandy with the international donor community making commitments and pledges exceeding US $ 3 billion in the form of grants and moratorium on debts for the Tsunami reconstruction process and other development programmes initiated by the Government, Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama announced. "Ninety five per cent of the assistance committed at the Forum comprises outright grants. There are no loans and there is no repayment also," Dr. Amunugama said and added that "There are absolutely no conditions for the disbursement of these funds to the Government." The Donors reportedly agreed on the reconstruction strategy based on a set of guiding principles. Those guidelines include allocation of resources based on identified local needs and priorities, delegation on subsidiarity to the lowest level of Government, consultation with affected communities, ensuring transparency, accountability and flexibility, reduction of future vulnerabilities, sensitivity to equity considerations and the effective coordination between the Government and development partners.
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May - 18 
Reports indicated that following President Chandrika Kumaratunga's speech at the Kandy donor meeting, the LTTE has said it is not ready to work under any authority of the Sri Lankan Government. A Tamil newspaper, Sudar Oli, quoted LTTE political wing leader S.P. Thamilchelvam as saying, "LTTE will n
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Reports indicated that following President Chandrika Kumaratunga's speech at the Kandy donor meeting, the LTTE has said it is not ready to work under any authority of the Sri Lankan Government. A Tamil newspaper, Sudar Oli, quoted LTTE political wing leader S.P. Thamilchelvam as saying, "LTTE will not work under any authority, direct or otherwise, of the Sri Lanka government… We will only work in tandem with an independent body comprising foreign monitors and observers."
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May - 20 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) recruited 137 children into their ranks since the Tsunami disaster of December 2004, said the UNICEF on May 20. Geoffrey Keel, UNICEF spokesperson in Colombo, said "There have been 137 cases of child recruitment since the December tsunami," adding that nin
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) recruited 137 children into their ranks since the Tsunami disaster of December 2004, said the UNICEF on May 20. Geoffrey Keel, UNICEF spokesperson in Colombo, said "There have been 137 cases of child recruitment since the December tsunami," adding that nine of the youths had been taken from Tsunami relief camps in Sri Lanka’s Tamil-majority north and east, parts of which are under LTTE control. However, he said the rate of child recruitment by the LTTE appeared to be falling. "But any recruit is one too many," he stated, adding the children who have joined LTTE ranks in recent weeks were between 14 and 18 years of age.
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May - 27 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief, Hagrup Haukland, speaking to the Foreign Correspondents' Association of Sri Lanka in Colombo on May 27, stated that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) possess an airstrip in the island's north, but warned that any move by Government forces to b
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief, Hagrup Haukland, speaking to the Foreign Correspondents' Association of Sri Lanka in Colombo on May 27, stated that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) possess an airstrip in the island's north, but warned that any move by Government forces to bomb it could lead to the resumption of war. "We have seen the air strip from the air while flying in a Sri Lankan military helicopter," Haukland disclosed. The SLMM had been denied access by the outfit to verify Government charges that they possess at least two light aircraft and warned that "it not only destabilises Sri Lanka's security, but India's security as well." "If the Tigers fly, it will be a violation of Sri Lankan airspace and also of international law because the air space is a matter only for the Sri Lankan government… If the (government) air force bombs the air strip, then it will be war. If bombs fall, we pull out," he said.
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May - 29 
At a formal ceremony at the White House where Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Ambassador to the United States, Bernard A.B. Goonetilleke, presented his Letter of Credence, President George W. Bush reportedly stated that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) "uses terrorism to achieve its political
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At a formal ceremony at the White House where Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Ambassador to the United States, Bernard A.B. Goonetilleke, presented his Letter of Credence, President George W. Bush reportedly stated that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) "uses terrorism to achieve its political goals". "No political objectives can justify the use of terror against innocent civilians," he added.
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June - 3 
An India-Sri Lanka Joint Statement issued in New Delhi on June 3, during the ongoing visit of Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, has noted that she apprised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of her efforts to establish a Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS) in the Tsunami-affe
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An India-Sri Lanka Joint Statement issued in New Delhi on June 3, during the ongoing visit of Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, has noted that she apprised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of her efforts to establish a Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS) in the Tsunami-affected areas and that the "Prime Minister expressed understanding of and support for these ongoing efforts."
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June - 7 
On June 7, speaking at a press conference in Kilinochchi after the meeting with Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) 'political wing' leader S. P. Thamilchelvan warned that government’s continuing refusal to provide travel security to its military commanders a
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On June 7, speaking at a press conference in Kilinochchi after the meeting with Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) 'political wing' leader S. P. Thamilchelvan warned that government’s continuing refusal to provide travel security to its military commanders across government-controlled areas will lead to a ‘potentially explosive situation’. "Frequent consultation between our military commanders from Batticaloa, Amparai and Trincomalee with the LTTE leadership in Kilinochchi is extremely critical to our movement's operational readiness to maintain peace. Norwegian facilitators have been providing an acceptable mechanism for us until recently. Colombo's refusal to continue this arrangement has forced us to plan our own means of providing travel arrangements using our own land, sea or air capability. We have clearly indicated to the Norwegian delegation that this will lead to a potentially explosive situation," he said.
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June - 9 
On June 9, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) threatened to withdraw from Sri Lanka's ruling coalition if the Government did not call off a tsunami aid plan with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by June 15. "If the President is not going to withdraw this idea, we will be leaving the Governme
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On June 9, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) threatened to withdraw from Sri Lanka's ruling coalition if the Government did not call off a tsunami aid plan with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by June 15. "If the President is not going to withdraw this idea, we will be leaving the Government on June 16'', Somawansa Amarasinghe, leader of the JVP said. The JVP has 39 seats in the country's 225-member Parliament
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June - 14 
United States Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, Christina Rocca, testifying before the US House of Representatives International Relations Sub-committee for Asia and the Pacific on June 14, said the division within the Sri Lankan Government and the absence of trust between the Go
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United States Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, Christina Rocca, testifying before the US House of Representatives International Relations Sub-committee for Asia and the Pacific on June 14, said the division within the Sri Lankan Government and the absence of trust between the Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which continues to use assassinations and suicide bombers, underscoring their character as an organisation wedded to terrorism and justifying their designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, are the main reasons for the breakdown of the peace process. However, she also said the United States’ primary goal in Sri Lanka is to help the country end more than a decade of conflict between the Government and the LTTE.
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June - 15 
Sri Lanka's ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) coalition ally, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), withdrew its support to the Government on June 15. A party spokesperson said: "We have withdrawn our support to the Government and our Ministers will be sending in their resignation papers
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Sri Lanka's ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) coalition ally, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), withdrew its support to the Government on June 15. A party spokesperson said: "We have withdrawn our support to the Government and our Ministers will be sending in their resignation papers on Thursday." The JVP quit the Government reportedly in protest against President Chandrika Kumaratunga's plans to share Tsunami aid with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Tiger (LTTE). Earler, on June 9, Somawansa Amarasinghe, leader of the JVP, had threatened to withdraw from the coalition by June 15 if the Government did not call off a Tsunami aid plan with the LTTE.
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June - 16 
President Chandrika Kumaratunga, addressing a Sri Lanka Freedom Party's meeting in Kandy on June 16 via satellite, said the United People's Freedom Alliance Government is on a strong footing though the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has opted to leave the coalition. "There may be some changes in th
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President Chandrika Kumaratunga, addressing a Sri Lanka Freedom Party's meeting in Kandy on June 16 via satellite, said the United People's Freedom Alliance Government is on a strong footing though the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has opted to leave the coalition. "There may be some changes in the numbers. But everything is not counted not on numbers alone, but on the work performances and the quality of work," she said. Referring to the LTTE's participation in the proposed Tsunami Relief Council, the President reiterated the need to get the LTTE into the democratic mainstream in order to build national amity.
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June - 20 
The visiting Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgesen, stated that the proposed Post-Tsunami Operations Management Structure (P-TOMS) has been finalised and has only to be signed by the Sri Lankan Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He made this statement when he met Sri
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The visiting Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgesen, stated that the proposed Post-Tsunami Operations Management Structure (P-TOMS) has been finalised and has only to be signed by the Sri Lankan Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He made this statement when he met Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem in Colombo on June 20. Helgesen also reportedly told the SLMC leader that "the P-TOMS cannot be amended to accommodate Muslim aspirations."
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June - 21 
A Presidential Secretariat press release states that on June 21, President Chandrika Kumaratunga expressed her strong commitment to proceed with the proposed P-TOMS and briefed Helgesen on her consultations with political parties, religious leaders and civil society on the P-TOMS.
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A Presidential Secretariat press release states that on June 21, President Chandrika Kumaratunga expressed her strong commitment to proceed with the proposed P-TOMS and briefed Helgesen on her consultations with political parties, religious leaders and civil society on the P-TOMS.
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June - 23 
The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) leader, Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thera, stated on June 23 that his party would work out an impeachment motion against President Chandrika Kumaratunga and a no-confidence motion against the Sri Lankan Government if Kumaratunga signs the P-TOMS or Tsunami Relief Council
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The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) leader, Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thera, stated on June 23 that his party would work out an impeachment motion against President Chandrika Kumaratunga and a no-confidence motion against the Sri Lankan Government if Kumaratunga signs the P-TOMS or Tsunami Relief Council agreement.
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June - 24 
According to Daily News, the Government will present the Post-Tsunami Operations Management Structure (P-TOMS) document before the Parliament on June 24, today. Responding to questions raised by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Parliamentary Group leader Wimal Weerawansa, Minister Maithripala Sir
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According to Daily News, the Government will present the Post-Tsunami Operations Management Structure (P-TOMS) document before the Parliament on June 24, today. Responding to questions raised by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Parliamentary Group leader Wimal Weerawansa, Minister Maithripala Sirisena said: "the Government has not yet placed a signature on this document. Before any signature is placed the President will brief the Maha Nayaka Theras on this matter."
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June - 24 
Mahaweli and River Basin Minister, Maithreepala Sirisena, told the media that the eight-page MoU was signed after it was presented in Parliament. Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Ministry Secretary, M. S. Jayasinghe, was the signatory on behalf of the Government. Shanmugalingam Ranjan, Depu
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Mahaweli and River Basin Minister, Maithreepala Sirisena, told the media that the eight-page MoU was signed after it was presented in Parliament. Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Ministry Secretary, M. S. Jayasinghe, was the signatory on behalf of the Government. Shanmugalingam Ranjan, Deputy Head of Planning and Development Secretariat signed on behalf of the LTTE, the TamilNet website claimed.
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July - 3 
In an interview to a local daily, S. P. Thamilselvan, leader of the policitical wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), said that the outfit did not accept Sri Lanka's sovereignty by signing the Post-Tsunami Operations Management Structure (P-TOMS) agreement. The statement was in reacti
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In an interview to a local daily, S. P. Thamilselvan, leader of the policitical wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), said that the outfit did not accept Sri Lanka's sovereignty by signing the Post-Tsunami Operations Management Structure (P-TOMS) agreement. The statement was in reaction to Finance Minister Sarath Amunugama’s comment that the LTTE had accepted the country’s sovereignty by signing the agreement.
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July - 3 
Meanwhile, the Sunday Island newspaper quoted Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar as saying the impartiality of Norway as a peace broker is in doubt. On July 3, he told the newspaper, "I have always raised it with them (Norwegians) in the form of putting to them that the perception of impartiality
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Meanwhile, the Sunday Island newspaper quoted Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar as saying the impartiality of Norway as a peace broker is in doubt. On July 3, he told the newspaper, "I have always raised it with them (Norwegians) in the form of putting to them that the perception of impartiality was very important. That is a question they ought to address."
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July - 8 
Meanwhile, according to Daily News, Hagrup Haukland, Chief of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), has raised hopes for an amicable settlement between the Government and LTTE. Haukland said on July 8 "The SLMM has already brought the issue of providing security to the LTTE cadres to the notice o
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Meanwhile, according to Daily News, Hagrup Haukland, Chief of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), has raised hopes for an amicable settlement between the Government and LTTE. Haukland said on July 8 "The SLMM has already brought the issue of providing security to the LTTE cadres to the notice of the Government. We are expecting the Government's response… I believe an amicable solution could be found."
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July - 10 
Meanwhile, the Washington-based South Asia Tribune has claimed that the LTTE is providing military training to Nepalese Maoists at Narkatiaganj and Ghorasahan districts in the Indian State of Bihar near Nepal's border. The LTTE is reportedly training the insurgents in the formation of human bomb squ
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Meanwhile, the Washington-based South Asia Tribune has claimed that the LTTE is providing military training to Nepalese Maoists at Narkatiaganj and Ghorasahan districts in the Indian State of Bihar near Nepal's border. The LTTE is reportedly training the insurgents in the formation of human bomb squads. Quoting a Maoist leader, the report said, "Tamil Tigers have formed four Human Bomb Dalams (squads) of women. Each squad has 20 women…" Further, according to the report, French trainers are also providing training to Nepalese Maoists at Tanakpur, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts in the Indian State of Uttaranchal.
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July - 11 
The Secretariat for Co-ordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) spokesperson, Sharminee Serasinghe, told BBC Sandeshaya (BBC Sinhala) that the Government has decided to provide security escort to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres within the Government-controlled areas. General Secretary
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The Secretariat for Co-ordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) spokesperson, Sharminee Serasinghe, told BBC Sandeshaya (BBC Sinhala) that the Government has decided to provide security escort to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres within the Government-controlled areas. General Secretary of the SCOPP, Jayantha Dhanapala, had conveyed this decision to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) in a meeting held on July 11. Responding to the LTTE demand that cadres be transported in the same vehicles along with the security personnel, the SCOPP said that while a SLMM monitor would travel with the LTTE, Sri Lankan Army will provide the security escort. Earlier, the outfit had urged the Government to make steps to provide security escort to their cadres travelling through Government-controlled areas before July 15 or else the cadres will have to be armed while travelling through those areas, which would be a breach of the 2002 ceasef-ire agreement.
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July - 14 
President Chandrika Kumaratunga in a media release expressed deep concern and sadness at the violence and loss of life occurring in and around Trincomalee, precipitated by the assassinations of several senior unarmed political cadres of the LTTE in their Trincomalee office earlier this week.
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President Chandrika Kumaratunga in a media release expressed deep concern and sadness at the violence and loss of life occurring in and around Trincomalee, precipitated by the assassinations of several senior unarmed political cadres of the LTTE in their Trincomalee office earlier this week.
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July - 15 
Meanwhile, on July 15, the political wing leader of the LTTE, S. P. Thamilselvan, in a letter written to the Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), in response to the Government’s letter over the LTTE’s transport within Government-held areas, rejected the conditions put forth by the Govern
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Meanwhile, on July 15, the political wing leader of the LTTE, S. P. Thamilselvan, in a letter written to the Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), in response to the Government’s letter over the LTTE’s transport within Government-held areas, rejected the conditions put forth by the Government restricting the number of journeys and the number of persons. He also said: "If the Tigers are forced to resort to their own means and modes of transport, the military should not interfere with LTTE's own travel and security arrangements. If on the other hand, military attempts to prevent or hinder such travel, we would be compelled to react suitably."
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July - 24 
Meanwhile, the communications officer for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Jeffrey Key, has stated that the LTTE has intensified its child recruitment process. "Not every one is forcefully recruited. Some do join the LTTE voluntarily… but the child recruitment needs to stop," he told to
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Meanwhile, the communications officer for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Jeffrey Key, has stated that the LTTE has intensified its child recruitment process. "Not every one is forcefully recruited. Some do join the LTTE voluntarily… but the child recruitment needs to stop," he told to the BBC. He further added that it is going to be very difficult to see child recruitment end once and for all without an active peace process going on.
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July - 24 
Separately, the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) leader V. Anandasangaree, speaking at a dinner meeting recently, has reportedly claimed that the signing of the Cease-fire Agreement (CFA) was "a most foolish act", as it has allowed the LTTE to take control of Jaffna in the guise of conducting po
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Separately, the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) leader V. Anandasangaree, speaking at a dinner meeting recently, has reportedly claimed that the signing of the Cease-fire Agreement (CFA) was "a most foolish act", as it has allowed the LTTE to take control of Jaffna in the guise of conducting political work. "Tamils want a united Sri Lanka. I am against a separate state. India will not tolerate it. We all want one Sri Lanka," Anandasangaree said.
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July - 26 
Meanwhile, the political wing leader of the LTTE, S. P. Thamilselvan, said in Kilinochchi that the Tamils have been consistently denied justice by Sri Lanka's Judiciary. "We have seen how the Judiciary of Sri Lanka aided the oppression of Tamil people during the period of war, and we have recently w
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Meanwhile, the political wing leader of the LTTE, S. P. Thamilselvan, said in Kilinochchi that the Tamils have been consistently denied justice by Sri Lanka's Judiciary. "We have seen how the Judiciary of Sri Lanka aided the oppression of Tamil people during the period of war, and we have recently witnessed how Colombo's Supreme Court crippled the Agreement on Joint Mechanism accepted by the President of Sri Lanka… the Sri Lankan Judiciary's entire history is one of denying justice to the Tamils", claimed Thamilselvan.
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July - 27 
Meanwhile, the pro-LTTE website Tamil Net, quoted the outfit’s Political Advisor, Anton Balasingham, as stating that they are not interested in renegotiating the cease-fire. "Essentially nothing wrong with structure of the cease-fire agreement that needed revision or restructuring through negotiatio
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Meanwhile, the pro-LTTE website Tamil Net, quoted the outfit’s Political Advisor, Anton Balasingham, as stating that they are not interested in renegotiating the cease-fire. "Essentially nothing wrong with structure of the cease-fire agreement that needed revision or restructuring through negotiation… the failure on the part of the Sri Lankan government to comply with the conditions and obligations of the truce agreement is the causative factor for the outbreak of violence and [ensuing] instability in the eastern districts," Balasingham said.
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July - 29 
The Sri Lanka Government spokesperson, Nimal Siripala de Silva, reportedly stated on July 29 that Norway's Deputy Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgesen, will be visiting Colombo to hold talks with the Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leaders to give a new impetus to the peace proces
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The Sri Lanka Government spokesperson, Nimal Siripala de Silva, reportedly stated on July 29 that Norway's Deputy Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgesen, will be visiting Colombo to hold talks with the Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leaders to give a new impetus to the peace process. The spokesperson also appealed to the LTTE to take lead from the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and end violence in the country. "We welcome the announcement of the IRA. We hope the LTTE would also fall in line… we appeal to them, that is the trend in the world in Aceh and (with) the IRA, to give up their arms. That would be the best thing… it is high time the LTTE followed," he stated.
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August - 2 
The Sri Lankan Army has reportedly said on August 2 that 14 cases of child conscription, abduction, extortion, attempted abduction and harassment in the past 48 hours have been brought to their notice.
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The Sri Lankan Army has reportedly said on August 2 that 14 cases of child conscription, abduction, extortion, attempted abduction and harassment in the past 48 hours have been brought to their notice.
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August - 4 
The Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, while talking to the Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgesen, on August 4 in Colombo, has expressed her willingness to review the Cease-fire Agreement (CFA) to improve the peace situation in the country, but has denied renegotiations of the
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The Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, while talking to the Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgesen, on August 4 in Colombo, has expressed her willingness to review the Cease-fire Agreement (CFA) to improve the peace situation in the country, but has denied renegotiations of the CFA.
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August - 5 
The political wing leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), S. P. Thamilselvam, after a meeting with Helgesen in Kilinochchi on August 5 stated that while the LTTE is committed to upholding the CFA, the Government's support to paramilitaries in the east is straining the agreement. He f
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The political wing leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), S. P. Thamilselvam, after a meeting with Helgesen in Kilinochchi on August 5 stated that while the LTTE is committed to upholding the CFA, the Government's support to paramilitaries in the east is straining the agreement. He further said that the stalled peace process could be resumed by implementing the Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure.
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August - 7 
Hagrup Haukland, head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), told Reuters in an interview at his Colombo headquarters that "the ceasefire is going to hold, I am quite confident of that… We don't think war is imminent at all." But, he added that "there's a bad need to first of all re-establish t
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Hagrup Haukland, head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), told Reuters in an interview at his Colombo headquarters that "the ceasefire is going to hold, I am quite confident of that… We don't think war is imminent at all." But, he added that "there's a bad need to first of all re-establish the dialogue between the parties... regarding the implementation and the adherence to the Ceasefire Agreement… it worries me that there is no dialogue between the parties."
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August - 10 
The Head of the Government Peace Secretariat, Jayantha Dhanapala, in an interview on August 10 reportedly said that the Government would not hunt down and disarm the breakaway faction led by 'Colonel' Karuna as demanded by the LTTE considering it as an internal problem of the outfit. "They (Karuna f
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The Head of the Government Peace Secretariat, Jayantha Dhanapala, in an interview on August 10 reportedly said that the Government would not hunt down and disarm the breakaway faction led by 'Colonel' Karuna as demanded by the LTTE considering it as an internal problem of the outfit. "They (Karuna faction) do not qualify as a paramilitary group because they were not there prior to the Cease-fire Agreement. To go after them would involve going into the deep jungles, where there is a risk for the troops when confronting LTTE groups quite apart from Karuna groups. And those confrontations can lead to major incidents that could rupture the entire Cease-fire Agreement," said Dhanapala.
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August - 11 
The pro-LTTE website Tamil Net, quoted the outfit’s Political Advisor Anton Balasingham, as claiming that the Government of Sri Lanka is "covertly supporting a dirty war of attrition" against the outfit in the Eastern Province in collusion with the Tamil para-militaries. He is reported to have warne
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The pro-LTTE website Tamil Net, quoted the outfit’s Political Advisor Anton Balasingham, as claiming that the Government of Sri Lanka is "covertly supporting a dirty war of attrition" against the outfit in the Eastern Province in collusion with the Tamil para-militaries. He is reported to have warned that the increasing tension has the potential of exploding into a full-fledged armed confrontation if the Government failed in its truce obligation to disarm the para-militaries.
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August - 12 
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, was shot dead by an unidentified gunman near his private residence on Bullers Lane in the heart of the capital Colombo on August 12-night. While no arrests have been made thus far, authorities suspect that the assassination was carried out b
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Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, was shot dead by an unidentified gunman near his private residence on Bullers Lane in the heart of the capital Colombo on August 12-night. While no arrests have been made thus far, authorities suspect that the assassination was carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Inspector-General of Police, Chandra Fernando, told reporters that "It's the Tigers.'' According to Fernando, "The Minister had just returned from a swim and was getting inside his home when he was shot.'' He said there were two snipers hiding in the adjacent buildings. Kadirgamar, an ethnic Tamil and one of the most highly protected ministers, had nearly 100 elite bodyguards deployed to protect him. Early this month, two suspected LTTE cadres were arrested while they were gathering information on his movements. He had been targeted by the outfit for his staunch opposition to the division of Sri Lanka. He was appointed Foreign Minister in April 2004 and had previously held the position from 1994 to 2001.
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August - 13 
Denying involvement in the assassination of Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's (LTTE) Political Head, S. P. Thamilchelvan on August 13 stated that there are several forces opposed to the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) in the South. "We also know that the
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Denying involvement in the assassination of Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's (LTTE) Political Head, S. P. Thamilchelvan on August 13 stated that there are several forces opposed to the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) in the South. "We also know that there are sections within the Sri Lankan Armed forces operating with a hidden agenda to sabotage the CFA," he said and urged Colombo to conduct a thorough investigation to identify the assassins. However, the Government rejected the LTTE's statement that the organisation had no involvement in the assassination. "We are not in a position to accept the denial of the killing by the LTTE," cabinet spokesman Nimal Siripala de Silva said. He added that "this is a violation of the ceasefire, a definite setback for the process and according to the information available at the moment it’s the LTTE".
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August - 13 
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandra Fernando stated that 16 suspects including three Sinhala persons have been arrested over Kadirgamar’s assassination. "We have questioned almost 100 people and 16 of them were taken in to custody," the IGP said. Fernando further said that the LTTE has been co
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Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandra Fernando stated that 16 suspects including three Sinhala persons have been arrested over Kadirgamar’s assassination. "We have questioned almost 100 people and 16 of them were taken in to custody," the IGP said. Fernando further said that the LTTE has been conducting surveillance on Kadirgamar’s activities for the last five years and two suspects who were videoing the surroundings of the late minister were arrested ten days ago. Also, Police reportedly found firearms and food parcels in a safe-house close to Kadirgamar’s private residence.
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August - 13 
Shortly after the killing, a state of emergency was declared in the country. Presidential spokesperson Eric Fernando said the emergency will go into effect from August 13, today. The emergency gives security forces sweeping powers to arrest and detain suspects for long periods.
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Shortly after the killing, a state of emergency was declared in the country. Presidential spokesperson Eric Fernando said the emergency will go into effect from August 13, today. The emergency gives security forces sweeping powers to arrest and detain suspects for long periods.
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August - 14 
During her Address to the Nation on August 14, President Chandrika Kumaratunga described the assassination of Foreign Affairs Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar as a "horrendously barbaric act of terrorism" and said "we know that the international community will be strengthened in their resolve to stand w
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During her Address to the Nation on August 14, President Chandrika Kumaratunga described the assassination of Foreign Affairs Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar as a "horrendously barbaric act of terrorism" and said "we know that the international community will be strengthened in their resolve to stand with me and my freely elected, democratic Government against the terror and violence of the LTTE." The President added that "initial indications of the investigation seem to reveal the clear responsibility of the LTTE in his brutal murder. It is unacceptable that a group that talks endlessly about being committed to a ceasefire would so blatantly violate the same."
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August - 16 
The Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga on August 16 recalled Parliament from recess to endorse a state of emergency declared after the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar on August 12. "After it’s ratified, we are going to extend the emergency by one more month," Health Min
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The Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga on August 16 recalled Parliament from recess to endorse a state of emergency declared after the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar on August 12. "After it’s ratified, we are going to extend the emergency by one more month," Health Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva, told Reuters ahead of the special parliamentary session on August 18. "The President has summoned parliament since it’s a constitutional requirement after the declaration of an emergency within 10 days", said de Silva. The emergency would have to be extended because the killers were still at large and the Government feared there might be more such attacks despite a cease-fire with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
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August - 17 
The United Kingdom Charity Commission has removed the pro-LTTE non-government organisation, TRO, from its registered charity list since August 10. We have found that some of TRO’s money is used for giving training for child combatants, sources in the High Commission of Britain reportedly said.
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The United Kingdom Charity Commission has removed the pro-LTTE non-government organisation, TRO, from its registered charity list since August 10. We have found that some of TRO’s money is used for giving training for child combatants, sources in the High Commission of Britain reportedly said.
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August - 18 
The Hindu quoted a senior advisor to the President Chandrika Kumaratunga as claiming that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on August 18 agreed to talk with the Government to review the ‘practical functioning’ of the cease-fire agreement. "This has been a long-time demand made by the Gover
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The Hindu quoted a senior advisor to the President Chandrika Kumaratunga as claiming that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on August 18 agreed to talk with the Government to review the ‘practical functioning’ of the cease-fire agreement. "This has been a long-time demand made by the Government as well as the Norwegian facilitators to review the implementation of the CFA," the advisor said. Earlier, President Kumaratunga reportedly wrote a letter to the Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik requesting an "urgent meeting" between her Government and the LTTE "in the presence of the facilitator", Norway, to review the "practical functioning" of the cease-fire.
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August - 19 
Spokesperson of the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo, Tom Knappskog, told Hindustan Times that while the LTTE had indeed agreed to have direct talks, the dates and the venue were yet to be fixed.
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Spokesperson of the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo, Tom Knappskog, told Hindustan Times that while the LTTE had indeed agreed to have direct talks, the dates and the venue were yet to be fixed.
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August - 23 
The spokesperson of the Norwegian Embassy, Tom Knappskog, said on August 23 that the Sri Lanka Government and LTTE had agreed in principle to hold a high-level meeting. "The high level meeting is aimed at implementing the peace process. It is also aimed at strict implementation of the Cease-fire Agr
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The spokesperson of the Norwegian Embassy, Tom Knappskog, said on August 23 that the Sri Lanka Government and LTTE had agreed in principle to hold a high-level meeting. "The high level meeting is aimed at implementing the peace process. It is also aimed at strict implementation of the Cease-fire Agreement. He added, "the place and time of high level talks remains to be determined."
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August - 24 
LankaPage has reported that the Government has rejected the LTTE demand to hold peace talks in Oslo. On August 24, a spokesperson of the Sri Lanka Government stated in Colombo, "We cannot accept the view of LTTE to having peace talks in foreign soil without any good reason. This time they [LTTE] hav
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LankaPage has reported that the Government has rejected the LTTE demand to hold peace talks in Oslo. On August 24, a spokesperson of the Sri Lanka Government stated in Colombo, "We cannot accept the view of LTTE to having peace talks in foreign soil without any good reason. This time they [LTTE] have to discuss their problems here in Sri Lanka."
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August - 28 
According to AFP, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on August 28 demanded an end to the state of emergency imposed on August 18, saying the expanded police powers could derail the proposed talks on the cease-fire. The outfit claimed that talks with the Government to strengthen the truce wo
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According to AFP, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on August 28 demanded an end to the state of emergency imposed on August 18, saying the expanded police powers could derail the proposed talks on the cease-fire. The outfit claimed that talks with the Government to strengthen the truce would be meaningless while emergency laws are in operation that gives police far broader search and arrest powers. "If the state of emergency is to continue for long... one foresees a tragic situation in which even direct talks may not be of any use," said the outfit’s official publication, Viduthalaippuligal (Liberation Tiger). It further stated: "It is therefore the yearning of all peace-loving people that the emergency should be lifted, and lifted immediately."
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August - 28 
On August 28, Inspector-General of Police Chandra Fernando stated that two persons involved in the assassination of Foreign Affairs Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar were arrested in Colombo a couple of days ago. "We have evidence on the conspiracy and role played by them in planning the assassination,"
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On August 28, Inspector-General of Police Chandra Fernando stated that two persons involved in the assassination of Foreign Affairs Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar were arrested in Colombo a couple of days ago. "We have evidence on the conspiracy and role played by them in planning the assassination," Fernando disclosed. He added that the two persons had travelled to Kilinochchi and the police also found the box that was used to transport the weapon used in the assassination. Kadirgamar was assassinated on August 12 at his Bullers Lane residence in Colombo.
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September - 1 
The Sri Lanka Government has reportedly rejected the LTTE’s demand to hold talks in Kilinochchi district and have offered for talks in ‘no-man's land’. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing in Colombo on September 1, spokesperson Nimal Siripala de Silva said, "As the government, we are again
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The Sri Lanka Government has reportedly rejected the LTTE’s demand to hold talks in Kilinochchi district and have offered for talks in ‘no-man's land’. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing in Colombo on September 1, spokesperson Nimal Siripala de Silva said, "As the government, we are against the LTTE’s offer to hold the talks in their controlled Kilinochchi, which is the LTTE’s political headquarters."
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September - 6 
On September 6, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly proposed Colombo international airport as the venue for peace talks between the Sri Lanka Government and LTTE. "The Royal Norwegian government has determined that the only possible venue is the Colombo international airport," the s
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On September 6, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly proposed Colombo international airport as the venue for peace talks between the Sri Lanka Government and LTTE. "The Royal Norwegian government has determined that the only possible venue is the Colombo international airport," the statement said. The Sri Lanka Government is reported to have accepted the proposed venue.
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September - 8 
The LTTE has rejected a Norwegian proposal of holding peace talks at the Colombo international airport. The political wing leader, S. P. Thamilselvan, told the media on September 8: "Katunayake international airport cannot be a venue for meaningful political discussions and the argument that it is s
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The LTTE has rejected a Norwegian proposal of holding peace talks at the Colombo international airport. The political wing leader, S. P. Thamilselvan, told the media on September 8: "Katunayake international airport cannot be a venue for meaningful political discussions and the argument that it is secure for LTTE as a transit point to a location outside Sri Lanka, does not hold good when what is contemplated is a serious political discussion involving decisions at the top to trickle down to the armed forces for proper implementation of the CFA."
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September - 8 
The United Nation (UN) Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, has reportedly appealed for peace and stability in Sri Lanka after the August 12 assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and also reiterated his full support for the Norwegian-led efforts to advance the peace process. "The heightene
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The United Nation (UN) Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, has reportedly appealed for peace and stability in Sri Lanka after the August 12 assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and also reiterated his full support for the Norwegian-led efforts to advance the peace process. "The heightened attention by the United Nations is meant to reinforce, and in no way to replace, the ardent efforts of Norway to facilitate the peace process," Annan noted.
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September - 9 
The European Union (EU) has reportedly appealed to the LTTE to resume peace talks with the Government. EU Commissioner for External Affairs, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, told the media that "They have to come back to the negotiating table."
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The European Union (EU) has reportedly appealed to the LTTE to resume peace talks with the Government. EU Commissioner for External Affairs, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, told the media that "They have to come back to the negotiating table."
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September - 12 
On September 12, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) accused LTTE of violating the cease-fire agreement by detaining three police personnel along with two female police officers, two Catholic priests and a civilian on September 10, after they ventured into Mannar district. "This is a very seriou
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On September 12, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) accused LTTE of violating the cease-fire agreement by detaining three police personnel along with two female police officers, two Catholic priests and a civilian on September 10, after they ventured into Mannar district. "This is a very serious matter. The policemen should have never been detained. These people were unarmed and chasing an internationally wanted criminal," said SLMM spokesperson, Helen Olafsdottir, adding, "It's a violation of the cease-fire and adds to the deadlock the two parties are already in."
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September - 16 
The political leader of the Liberations Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), S.P. Thamilselvan, has reportedly called for immediate talks with the Sri Lankan Government on the cease-fire. He said the group was ready "even in the next minute" to begin talks with the Government. "We are anxious to start the
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The political leader of the Liberations Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), S.P. Thamilselvan, has reportedly called for immediate talks with the Sri Lankan Government on the cease-fire. He said the group was ready "even in the next minute" to begin talks with the Government. "We are anxious to start the talks immediately... even in the next minute," Thamilselvan said in an interview at his political headquarters, 330 kilometers north of the capital Colombo, on September 16-night.
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September - 16 
The Sri Lanka Government has announced that the state of emergency declared on August 13 after the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, which was subsequently endorsed by the Parliament on August 18, will be extended for another month, despite opposition from the LTTE. The spokespe
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The Sri Lanka Government has announced that the state of emergency declared on August 13 after the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, which was subsequently endorsed by the Parliament on August 18, will be extended for another month, despite opposition from the LTTE. The spokesperson, Nimal Siripala de Silva, stated on September 16 that an extension resolution would "be presented on the 21st (Wednesday) and will be approved for another month."
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September - 19 
According to The Hindu, Sri Lanka's international donors reiterated on September 19 that the cease-fire agreement was facing its “most serious challenge” and wanted the LTTE to “take immediate public steps to demonstrate their commitment to the peace process and their willingness to change.” They al
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According to The Hindu, Sri Lanka's international donors reiterated on September 19 that the cease-fire agreement was facing its “most serious challenge” and wanted the LTTE to “take immediate public steps to demonstrate their commitment to the peace process and their willingness to change.” They also called for an “immediate end to political assassinations by the LTTE and an end to LTTE recruitment of child soldiers.”
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September - 27 
The European Union (EU) on September 27 barred Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres from visiting its member-states and said it was considering listing the group as a terrorist organisation. "The European Union is actively considering the formal listing of the LTTE as a terrorist organisat
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The European Union (EU) on September 27 barred Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres from visiting its member-states and said it was considering listing the group as a terrorist organisation. "The European Union is actively considering the formal listing of the LTTE as a terrorist organisation," the EU said in a statement issued by Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office. It also informed that "In the meantime, the European Union has agreed that with immediate effect, delegations from the LTTE will no longer be received in any of the EU member states until further notice."
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September - 28 
Political wing leader of the LTTE, S. P. Thamilchelvan, on September 28, has reportedly appealed to the European Union (EU) for reconsideration of its recent decision that "delegations from the LTTE will no longer be received in any of the EU Member States until further notice." He stated that EU's
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Political wing leader of the LTTE, S. P. Thamilchelvan, on September 28, has reportedly appealed to the European Union (EU) for reconsideration of its recent decision that "delegations from the LTTE will no longer be received in any of the EU Member States until further notice." He stated that EU's decision will appease, and indeed will give moral support to, extreme Sinhala nationalists who are demanding the abrogation of the peace-talks and resumption of war. "We urge the European Union to desist from being partial to one party and to rescind its recent declaration," said Thamilchelvan.
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September - 30 
The Sri Lanka Government spokesperson, Nimal Siripala De Silva, on September 30 reportedly expressed hope that an European Union (EU) declaration on the LTTE would help in the efforts to revive the stalled peace negotiations. He is reported to have said that the Government was ready to enter into ta
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The Sri Lanka Government spokesperson, Nimal Siripala De Silva, on September 30 reportedly expressed hope that an European Union (EU) declaration on the LTTE would help in the efforts to revive the stalled peace negotiations. He is reported to have said that the Government was ready to enter into talks with the LTTE at any time and the recent EU statement banning the group from visiting member-states will not affect its desire for peace with the outfit. However, S.P. Thamilselvam, political wing leader of the outfit, had expressed shock at the EU decision and had stated that the EU ban could effectively hamper the peace process.
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October - 2 
The Sri Lankan Government spokesperson, Nimal Siripala de Silva, is reported to have said that the violations of the cease-fire agreement by LTTE prompted the European Union to take action against the outfit. He also said, "Let the LTTE first sit down for talks, thereafter we could discuss the gamut
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The Sri Lankan Government spokesperson, Nimal Siripala de Silva, is reported to have said that the violations of the cease-fire agreement by LTTE prompted the European Union to take action against the outfit. He also said, "Let the LTTE first sit down for talks, thereafter we could discuss the gamut of issues. The government is committed to devolution."
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October - 7 
The Norwegian Embassy in Colombo, in a statement, released on October 7, ruled out early direct peace talks between the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE. Earlier, the LTTE in a statement had reportedly said, "The LTTE is even prepared to start talks on the implementation of the cease-fire agreement in
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The Norwegian Embassy in Colombo, in a statement, released on October 7, ruled out early direct peace talks between the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE. Earlier, the LTTE in a statement had reportedly said, "The LTTE is even prepared to start talks on the implementation of the cease-fire agreement in a location neutral and satisfactory to both the parties without waiting for the outcome of the presidential polls."
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October - 12 
The Sri Lankan Government has urged the Australian Government to take action against LTTE’s illegal activities in Australia. The Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Australia, K. Balapatabendi, is reported to have stated that, "The LTTE uses the Australian soil to propagate their separatist agenda and fu
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The Sri Lankan Government has urged the Australian Government to take action against LTTE’s illegal activities in Australia. The Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Australia, K. Balapatabendi, is reported to have stated that, "The LTTE uses the Australian soil to propagate their separatist agenda and fund raising activities, although the LTTE is a banned organization in Australia." He further added, "While we commend the action taken by Australia to ban the LTTE, we firmly believe that the Australian authorities will take similar action to curb their illegal activities and propaganda on Australian soil."
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October - 17 
'Colonel' Karuna, leader of the breakaway LTTE faction, has reportedly appealed to the Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Tony Blair, to take strong and firm action to proscribe the LTTE in the European Union member countries. He also urged the United Nations International Criminal Court that, "It is
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'Colonel' Karuna, leader of the breakaway LTTE faction, has reportedly appealed to the Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Tony Blair, to take strong and firm action to proscribe the LTTE in the European Union member countries. He also urged the United Nations International Criminal Court that, "It is time that Prabhakaran was indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity."
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October - 20 
The LTTE is reported to have rejected the Norwegian brokered peace talks. According to Government spokesperson, Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Norwegian envoy, Trond Furuhovde, reportedly told the Government that the LTTE were not ready to hold talks on the cease-fire. "We are informed that the LTTE r
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The LTTE is reported to have rejected the Norwegian brokered peace talks. According to Government spokesperson, Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Norwegian envoy, Trond Furuhovde, reportedly told the Government that the LTTE were not ready to hold talks on the cease-fire. "We are informed that the LTTE remains unchanged and they are not ready for talks on the cease-fire agreement or the violations of human rights," stated de Silva on 0ctober 20.
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October - 20 
The spokesperson further told that the Sri Lanka Government totally denied that it had breached the cease-fire agreement by flying an Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which crashed in the Vavuniya district on October 19. He said, "The sky over Sri Lanka belongs to the government. It is the d
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The spokesperson further told that the Sri Lanka Government totally denied that it had breached the cease-fire agreement by flying an Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which crashed in the Vavuniya district on October 19. He said, "The sky over Sri Lanka belongs to the government. It is the duty of the security forces to protect the air, sea and the soil of the Sri Lankan land so the government had every right to engage in the training mission in any of the air which belongs to the government." However, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission’s spokesperson, Helen Olafsdottir, said, "It’s not in the spirit of the agreement to conduct such reconnaissance missions."
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October - 26 
On October 26, the LTTE while rejecting demands by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) further remanded three police personnel who were detained on September 9 for entering the outfit held area to arrest a British pedophile. The SLMM head, Hagrup Haukland, said he would take up the issue with th
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On October 26, the LTTE while rejecting demands by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) further remanded three police personnel who were detained on September 9 for entering the outfit held area to arrest a British pedophile. The SLMM head, Hagrup Haukland, said he would take up the issue with the LTTE leadership this week when he travels to Kilinochchi.
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November - 16 
The LTTE and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) reiterated that there is no change in its position of not supporting any presidential candidate in the November 17 Presidential polls. The head of the LTTE’s Peace Secretariat, S. Pulidevan, reportedly stated, "Our leadership came to a firm decision on this
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The LTTE and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) reiterated that there is no change in its position of not supporting any presidential candidate in the November 17 Presidential polls. The head of the LTTE’s Peace Secretariat, S. Pulidevan, reportedly stated, "Our leadership came to a firm decision on this matter last Friday after extensive discussions and the LTTE’s position has not changed since then." R. Sampanthan, TNA parliamentary group leader, said, "The position of the Tamil National Alliance was clearly enunciated to the media at the conclusion of the meeting with the LTTE at Kilinochchi on Thursday 10th November 2005. The issue was discussed at length by the LTTE and the TNA last week and the conclusion was the Tamils cannot place our trust on either of the parties or their candidates." The LTTE breakaway leader ‘Colonel’ Karuna has called upon the people of the Northeast not to boycott the election. In an interview with a London-based Tamil radio station, he said, "Voting is compulsory as the presidential election is held at a decisive time." He also urged the people not to miss ‘this rare opportunity’.
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November - 18 
On November 18, Rajapaske reportedly said that he wants to hold face-to-face talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief to end the more than two decades of civil war. He said, "I am ready to talk to the (Tigers), and I am ready to meet Prabhakaran.''
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On November 18, Rajapaske reportedly said that he wants to hold face-to-face talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief to end the more than two decades of civil war. He said, "I am ready to talk to the (Tigers), and I am ready to meet Prabhakaran.''
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November - 19 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa reportedly said on November 19 that he would restart the stalled peace talks soon. He invited the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to participate in talks aimed at durable peace in the country. "I hope the LTTE will consider the peace offer seriously. Both parties
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa reportedly said on November 19 that he would restart the stalled peace talks soon. He invited the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to participate in talks aimed at durable peace in the country. "I hope the LTTE will consider the peace offer seriously. Both parties can start the peace talks with an agreed timeframe once the LTTE readies for the talks," the President said while addressing the nation. He added that he would take several measures to amend the case-fire agreement with the LTTE to ensure no future hostile situations.
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November - 20 
The Norwegian Government has said that it is willing to continue its role as facilitator of the Sri Lankan peace process if both parties - the Government and LTTE - ask for such assistance. Norwegian Minister of International Development, Erik Solheim, said, "Norway remains willing to facilitate the
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The Norwegian Government has said that it is willing to continue its role as facilitator of the Sri Lankan peace process if both parties - the Government and LTTE - ask for such assistance. Norwegian Minister of International Development, Erik Solheim, said, "Norway remains willing to facilitate the peace process in Sri Lanka - for as long as the two parties request such assistance, and for as long as it is possible for Norway to play a constructive role."
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November - 24 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed Deputy Secretary General of the Government's Peace Secretariat, Dr. John Gooneratne, as its new chief, said Cabinet spokesperson Nimal Siripala de Silva on November 24. The former head of the Peace Secretariat, Jayantha Dhanapala, who had tendered his resignatio
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed Deputy Secretary General of the Government's Peace Secretariat, Dr. John Gooneratne, as its new chief, said Cabinet spokesperson Nimal Siripala de Silva on November 24. The former head of the Peace Secretariat, Jayantha Dhanapala, who had tendered his resignation to the then President Chandrika Kumaratunga on October 31, will continue as the advisor to the Sri Lankan peace process.
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November - 25 
In his Statement of Government Policy at the opening of the new Parliamentary session in Colombo on November 25, President Mahinda Rajapakse set out the broad parameters of his Government's new and inclusive approach for 'peace with dignity' to end the ethnic conflict. "Our method is discussion inst
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In his Statement of Government Policy at the opening of the new Parliamentary session in Colombo on November 25, President Mahinda Rajapakse set out the broad parameters of his Government's new and inclusive approach for 'peace with dignity' to end the ethnic conflict. "Our method is discussion instead of war. We are aware that such discussions are not simple and easy. Yet, it is the only way to peace," he said. Rajapakse added that the current Ceasefire Agreement would be revised to ensure the protection of human rights, prevent recruitment of children for war, safeguard national security, and prevent terrorist acts.
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November - 27 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on November 27 issued an ultimatum to the new Government to come up with a ‘reasonable' political settlement by December 31, 2005 or risk the outfit setting up a separate state. LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran in his annual ‘Martyr's Day’ said their pati
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on November 27 issued an ultimatum to the new Government to come up with a ‘reasonable' political settlement by December 31, 2005 or risk the outfit setting up a separate state. LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran in his annual ‘Martyr's Day’ said their patience was wearing thin and he was making a final appeal for a political settlement that would answer their call for a separate state for the Tamils. "This is our urgent and final appeal… If the new government rejects our urgent appeal, we will, next year... establish self-government in our homeland," he said. In his speech from an undisclosed venue in Kilinochchi, Prabhakaran said: "Since President Rajapakse is considered to be a realist committed to pragmatic politics we wish to find out, first of all, how he is going to handle the peace process and whether he will offer justice to our people. Therefore we have decided to wait and observe, for sometime, his political manoeuvres and actions." He is also reported to have said that, "We were compelled to engage in the negotiating process by the intervention of the Indian regional superpower at a particular historical period and by the pressure of the international community at a later period."
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November - 28 
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse on November 28 invited the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for peace talks and promised to maintain the country's cease-fire agreement. He said, "We can resume work immediately on reviewing the operation of the Ceasefire… I reaffirm my government’s comm
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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse on November 28 invited the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for peace talks and promised to maintain the country's cease-fire agreement. He said, "We can resume work immediately on reviewing the operation of the Ceasefire… I reaffirm my government’s commitment to continue the Ceasefire. I hope the LTTE will heed the call of the people in Sri Lanka and the international community by fully complying with the Ceasefire, especially those provisions relating to observance of human rights, such as refraining from the recruitment of child soldiers, political killings, abductions, and other illegal activities." The President also said, "My agenda is very clear; the process of achieving peace must be founded on trust and confidence. Most importantly, peace must be built on commitments that can be delivered in full. It is towards this end that I build consensus within the political landscape, so that the agreements that we reach at peace talks are fully deliverable." He welcomed Prabhakaran’s remarks on November 27 and said, "Recognizing my pragmatic approach and my invitation to talks as extending the hand of friendship, let me use this occasion to reiterate my invitation to Prabhakaran for talks."
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November - 28 
The leader of the breakaway faction of LTTE, ‘Colonel’ Karuna said that "only Indian and the UK countries understand our problems very well" and "in particular, India is the country which should come forward to settle our problem." He also said, "The Sri Lankan government should also reconsider the
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The leader of the breakaway faction of LTTE, ‘Colonel’ Karuna said that "only Indian and the UK countries understand our problems very well" and "in particular, India is the country which should come forward to settle our problem." He also said, "The Sri Lankan government should also reconsider the role of Norway, which had facilitated the [Ceasefire] Agreement."
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December - 1 
According to Colombopage, Constitutional Affairs Minister D.E.W. Gunasekara, dismissed the LTTE's ultimatum for a political settlement by next year and said no deadline could be imposed to resolve the long-standing ethnic conflict. "As a government, we don’t get excited by these deadlines. You can't
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According to Colombopage, Constitutional Affairs Minister D.E.W. Gunasekara, dismissed the LTTE's ultimatum for a political settlement by next year and said no deadline could be imposed to resolve the long-standing ethnic conflict. "As a government, we don’t get excited by these deadlines. You can't do these things in a hurry. You can't do it in one night," Gunasekara said. However, the Minister also said the LTTE leader’s statement was positive and the Government is initiating talks with all political parties represented in the Parliament before opening direct negotiations with them.
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December - 1 
In a joint press statement released in New Delhi on December 1, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera emphasized the continued commitment of the Government to the maintenance of the Ceasefire, and the desire for a review of its operations, so that the implementation of the Agreement can be made more
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In a joint press statement released in New Delhi on December 1, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera emphasized the continued commitment of the Government to the maintenance of the Ceasefire, and the desire for a review of its operations, so that the implementation of the Agreement can be made more effective, according to Daily News. The Government also extends a firm invitation to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to negotiations for a political solution, the statement added.
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December - 2 
The Sri Lankan Government described as "positive" the recent ‘Heroes Day’ address by LTTE chief V. Prabhakaran. The Government said that it would act with "responsibility" to the LTTE demand for a reasonable political framework by next year. Constitutional Affairs Minister, D.E.W. Gunasekera, report
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The Sri Lankan Government described as "positive" the recent ‘Heroes Day’ address by LTTE chief V. Prabhakaran. The Government said that it would act with "responsibility" to the LTTE demand for a reasonable political framework by next year. Constitutional Affairs Minister, D.E.W. Gunasekera, reportedly said that the President would "start with bilateral talks" with the political parties represented in Parliament before moving on to inclusive negotiations with all stake-holders.
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December - 4 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief, Hagrup Haukland, stated that the present violence may escalate, and appealed to the Government, the LTTE and all community leaders to bring an end to the disorder.
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The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief, Hagrup Haukland, stated that the present violence may escalate, and appealed to the Government, the LTTE and all community leaders to bring an end to the disorder.
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December - 9 
President Rajapakse is reported to have told the visiting Japanese Peace Envoy, Yasushi Akashi, that the facilitators and monitors cannot be from the same country (Norway) and there should be two separate entities to facilitate the peace process and to monitor the cease-fire. He further added that h
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President Rajapakse is reported to have told the visiting Japanese Peace Envoy, Yasushi Akashi, that the facilitators and monitors cannot be from the same country (Norway) and there should be two separate entities to facilitate the peace process and to monitor the cease-fire. He further added that he would welcome monitors from Japan, South Asia and other Scandinavian countries to monitor the Norwegian brokered cease-fire agreement.
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December - 9 
Responding to President Mahinda Rajapakse's request that Norway resume its role as a facilitator for peace talks between the Sri Lanka Government and LTTE, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg stated in New Delhi that Oslo will be willing to resume its role as a facilitator if both are "serious
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Responding to President Mahinda Rajapakse's request that Norway resume its role as a facilitator for peace talks between the Sri Lanka Government and LTTE, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg stated in New Delhi that Oslo will be willing to resume its role as a facilitator if both are "serious" and "respected the ceasefire."
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December - 10 
According to AFP, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have asked Norway to arrange urgent peace talks with the Government to prevent Sri Lanka from sliding back into war after 31 people died in a week of violence. LTTE said they told Norway’s top envoy in Colombo, Hans Brattskar, that there
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According to AFP, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have asked Norway to arrange urgent peace talks with the Government to prevent Sri Lanka from sliding back into war after 31 people died in a week of violence. LTTE said they told Norway’s top envoy in Colombo, Hans Brattskar, that there should be immediate negotiations to maintain a tenuous truce in place since February 2002. "Our commitment to the ceasefire and the peace process remains undiluted and what we request now is to urgently arrange a high-level meeting between the parties…," said the outfit’s political wing leader S. P. Thamilselvan. In a report on their official website, the LTTE said only face-to-face negotiations could "bring about normalcy and avoid confrontational postures between the civilians and the occupying military."
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December - 11 
According to Hindu, Japan is ready to host direct negotiations between the Sri Lankan Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to review the cease-fire agreement, which has been in force since 2002. "The Government told me that it is willing to have negotiations outside the country, pr
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According to Hindu, Japan is ready to host direct negotiations between the Sri Lankan Government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to review the cease-fire agreement, which has been in force since 2002. "The Government told me that it is willing to have negotiations outside the country, preferably in Asia," the visiting Japanese special representative, Yasushi Akashi, told a press conference on December 11.
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December - 12 
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, addressing a meeting in Horana, stated that in the future, the armed forces would not engage in ground level talks with the Tigers. "The duty of the three forces would be to concentrate on security matters while matters regarding the peace process will be han
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Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, addressing a meeting in Horana, stated that in the future, the armed forces would not engage in ground level talks with the Tigers. "The duty of the three forces would be to concentrate on security matters while matters regarding the peace process will be handled by the government and the politicians," the Prime Minister said.
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December - 16 
On December 16, the Government spokesperson, Nimal Siripala de Silva, told the weekly Cabinet press briefing in Colombo that the Peace Secretariat has informed the LTTE through the Norwegian facilitator, in writing, that the Government is prepared to resume talks. He also said "The Government is awa
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On December 16, the Government spokesperson, Nimal Siripala de Silva, told the weekly Cabinet press briefing in Colombo that the Peace Secretariat has informed the LTTE through the Norwegian facilitator, in writing, that the Government is prepared to resume talks. He also said "The Government is awaiting a positive response from the LTTE."
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December - 17 
Rejecting the Sri Lanka Government proposal of holding the peace talks at an Asian venue, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has instead suggested Oslo as the ideal venue, reports Colombopage. The outfit’s political wing leader, S.P. Thamilselvan, stated in Kilinochchi on December 17, “Norw
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Rejecting the Sri Lanka Government proposal of holding the peace talks at an Asian venue, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has instead suggested Oslo as the ideal venue, reports Colombopage. The outfit’s political wing leader, S.P. Thamilselvan, stated in Kilinochchi on December 17, “Norway would be the ideal venue to host such talks as Oslo was not only the facilitator of the peace process, but leading the monitoring mission supervising the truce. Based on a mutual consent, a suitable venue for peace negotiations could be selected following the successful conclusion of the CFA [Ceasefire Agreement] talks… We are ready and willing to discuss the gaps in implementation of the CFA.”
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December - 21 
The Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference in a statement after the Brussels meeting said, "The Co-Chairs call on the LTTE to put an immediate end to their ongoing campaign of violence and again urge the LTTE to demonstrate their commitment to the Ceasefire Agreement and the peace process." It has
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The Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference in a statement after the Brussels meeting said, "The Co-Chairs call on the LTTE to put an immediate end to their ongoing campaign of violence and again urge the LTTE to demonstrate their commitment to the Ceasefire Agreement and the peace process." It has warned the outfit to put an immediate end to the present violence or else face serious unspecified consequences.
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December - 21 
The Norwegian special peace envoy, Erik Solheim, has emphasised to the LTTE the urgent need for a meeting with the Sri Lanka Government to consolidate the cease-fire. After meeting with the LTTE’s London-based Chief Negotiator, Anton Balasingham, Solheim stated, "We believe that the issue of the ven
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The Norwegian special peace envoy, Erik Solheim, has emphasised to the LTTE the urgent need for a meeting with the Sri Lanka Government to consolidate the cease-fire. After meeting with the LTTE’s London-based Chief Negotiator, Anton Balasingham, Solheim stated, "We believe that the issue of the venue should not be the key issue as any venue acceptable to the parties will be acceptable to the international community. They should stop discussing the venue and finalize to meet as soon as possible."
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December - 22 
President Mahinda Rajapakse while welcoming the Sri Lanka Donor Co-Chairs' statement urging the LTTE to halt killings, rejected the outfit’s demand to hold peace talks in Oslo. He stated, "I think the Tigers are playing politics. If they are serious, they must come for talks in Japan. I am ready for
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President Mahinda Rajapakse while welcoming the Sri Lanka Donor Co-Chairs' statement urging the LTTE to halt killings, rejected the outfit’s demand to hold peace talks in Oslo. He stated, "I think the Tigers are playing politics. If they are serious, they must come for talks in Japan. I am ready for talks as soon as the Tigers are ready." He added that his Government was ready to travel to any Asian country for talks with the LTTE.
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December - 23 
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera is reported to have stated that the Government is still committed to a peaceful solution to the ethnic problem despite the LTTE's continuing attacks against the SFs. “President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his government still maintain their peace policy and [there is]
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Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera is reported to have stated that the Government is still committed to a peaceful solution to the ethnic problem despite the LTTE's continuing attacks against the SFs. “President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his government still maintain their peace policy and [there is] no plan to go for a war with the separatists,” said Samaraweera. He added, “The LTTE and its leaders only can survive with the war. Not with peace. That’s the ultimate objective of their attacks against security forces and civilians.”
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December - 28 
Norway expressed deep concern over the recent increase in violence in Sri Lanka. Norwegian Minister of International Development Erik Solheim in a statement said "The high level of violence and the tragic loss of life are putting the Ceasefire Agreement at risk and will make it very difficult to sec
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Norway expressed deep concern over the recent increase in violence in Sri Lanka. Norwegian Minister of International Development Erik Solheim in a statement said "The high level of violence and the tragic loss of life are putting the Ceasefire Agreement at risk and will make it very difficult to secure further progress in the peace process."
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December - 29 
The SLMM chief, Hagrup Haukland, stated, "The December 27 attack on the security forces on Jaffna Peninsula was yet another attack, not only on the security forces, but also on the Cease Fire Agreement and the peace process as a whole… If this trend of violence is allowed to continue, war may not be
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The SLMM chief, Hagrup Haukland, stated, "The December 27 attack on the security forces on Jaffna Peninsula was yet another attack, not only on the security forces, but also on the Cease Fire Agreement and the peace process as a whole… If this trend of violence is allowed to continue, war may not be far away."
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December - 30 
India and Sri Lanka on December 30 reiterated their support for — and commitment to — the peace process in the island nation and agreed that an enduring solution to the country's problems could emerge "only through internal political processes that promote consensus and reconciliation," according to
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India and Sri Lanka on December 30 reiterated their support for — and commitment to — the peace process in the island nation and agreed that an enduring solution to the country's problems could emerge "only through internal political processes that promote consensus and reconciliation," according to Hindu. Both countries condemned the recent cease-fire violations and said these "could undermine the prospects for peace in Sri Lanka." A joint statement which seeks to catalyse a broader economic relationship between the two countries, issued at the conclusion of the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse's visit to Delhi, said the two nations agreed that the environmental implications of the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project had to be studied and monitored and action taken to mitigate them if any.
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