LTTE blames govt.

The LTTE has accused the government and its army of conducting a 'proxy war' using auxiliary forces in the eastern part of the country, in violation of the existing truceagreement.

A Colombo-based Tamil daily, Sudar Oli, known for its close links with the LTTE, reported that the rebel leadership was upset with this ulterior motive of the government and the military, and considers it as an effort to derail the ongoing peace process.

The media report has come exactly a day after President Chandrika Kumaratunga during a meeting with the special Norwegian Peace Envoy, Erik Solheim, dismissed the allegations made by the LTTE that the Sri Lankan military was supportive of the Karuna faction.

Reiterating the government's commitment in achieving a lasting peace, she expressed confidence that under the command of the new Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Shantha Kottegoda, the Sri Lanka army will continue to abide by the ceasefire agreement.

According to clause 1.8 of the two-year long truce agreement, which came into force on February 22, 2002, 'the Tamil paramilitary groups shall be disarmed' by the government of Sri Lanka within one month of the agreement and the government 'shall offer to integrate individuals in these units under the command and disciplinary structure of the security forces for service away from the Northern and Eastern Province.'

The revolt within the LTTE by its renegade Eastern Commander, V Muralitharan, alias 'Colonel' Karuna and the alleged shelter provided to him by Sri Lanka's military intelligence is posing a major threat to the already fragile truce and the stalled peace talks.

Diplomatic efforts by the Norwegian facilitators have failed to make any breakthrough with both parties hardening their positions, resulting in the donor community withholding the pledged aid of US$4.5 billion until substantial progress is made in the negotiations.

(Sunday Leader 4th July, 2004)