We are ready for ceasefire: Tamil rebels

Colombo, Feb 23: Some good news for Tamils in Sri Lanka. Tamil rebels are ready for cease-fire in Sri Lanka. According to a statement released by LTTE group, they said that they are ready to accept international calls for a cease-fire, but won't lay down their weapons without a political solution in the quarter-century-long civil war, according to a letter released by the group.

"We also wish to inform the international community that we are ready to discuss, cooperate, and work together in all their efforts to bring an immediate ceasefire and work towards a political settlement," the LTTE's political chief B Nadesan said.

However, the govt is reluctant over cease-fire. Reason: Government troops press their offensive against Tamil forces and their remaining strongholds in northern Sri Lanka.

But the Sri Lankan military said it would accept nothing short than the rebels' waving a white flag.
B Nadesan further said in his statement that : "The LTTE desires that this effort for a cease-fire to grow further into peace talks to seek a political solution to the ethnic conflict."

"The Tamils of Tamil Eelam are facing the worst genocide of the 21st century," Nadesan said in his letter. Tamil rebels have fought for an independent homeland for the country's ethnic Tamil minority since 1983. The civil war has left more than 70,000 people dead.

OneIndia News