(Rpting correcting dates)

Colombo, Oct 3 (UNI) Sri Lanka has suggested October 30 and November 10 as possible dates to hold direct talks with the Tamil Tiger rebels.

The announcement comes as a top Norwegian envoy flew to the rebel-held Kilinochchi region for a meeting with the rebel leaders to finalise the arrangements for such talks.

''We have suggested October 30 and November 10 as possible dates for talks with LTTE. These are our preferences. We have not decided about the venue as yet,'' Dr Palitha Kohona, head of the government Peace Secretariat, said over the phone.

He said that the government has informed about its preferences for talks at a meeting with the visiting Norwegian top peace envoy, Jon Hanssen-Bauer yesterday.

The Norwegian special envoy flew to Kilinochchi this morning to hold talks with LTTE's political wing head, SP Thamilselvan on discuss about the direct talks. Sources in Kilinochchi said that the meeting between the Norwegian envoy and Mr Thamilselvan is currently underway.

Hundreds of civilians, mainly Tamils, government troops and rebels had been killed, while several thousands were displaced due to fresh fighting since July.

A number of international NGOs, including the ICRC, has urged both, the government of Sri Lanka and the Tamil Tiger rebels, to cease hostilities immediately and provide humanitarian access to thousands of war-affected populations in the restive north-east region.

UNI XC SHB RK1340