Sri Lanka rebels say new shelling a war declaration

COLOMBO, Aug 6 (Reuters) Renewed government shelling after a Tamil Tiger offer to defuse a 12-day bout of fighting in the island's east is a declaration of war, the rebels warned today.

Tiger political wing leader told Reuters they had not yet retaliated to the heaviest artillery and rocket fire since fighting broke out 12 days ago, but may if the shelling continued.

''We consider this a declaration of war and strongly condemn the attitude of the government,'' Tiger political wing leader S P Thamilselvan told Reuters through a translator via satellite phone from the northern rebel stronghold of Kilinochchi.

''We may have to take a defensive position if the shelling continues. It is not decided yet,'' he added. He said there was still space for discussion while Norway's special peace envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer was in Kilinochchi. He is expected to leave tomorrow.

The government said it would continue with its offensive until the Tigers have vacated land around a sluice gate they accuse the rebels of blocking to choke water supplies to farmers in government areas, which sparked the latest fighting in the first place.

REUTERS LL RK2224