'LTTE, Lanka peace talks look bleak'

Chennai, Aug 12: Sri Lankan Leader of Opposition Ranil Wickremasinghe today said the prospects of peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and LTTE seem to be bleak, considering the present situation. Talking to reporters at the airport here, he said the present government in Sri Lanka should take immediate measures to improve the economic situation in the country, which had suffered a setback due to the current ethnic war.

Asked whether there would be any new peace initiative between Sri Lankan government and LTTE, he said, ''This should be decided by Mahinda Rajapakse''.

Mr Wickremasinghe, who is here to participate in the Independence Day celebrations at New Delhi on August 15, said lots of burden was imposed on the people of Sri Lanka.

UNI