COLOMBO: Velluppiliai Prabhakaran, the supreme leader Of Sri Lanka’s Tamil separatist feel group, has formally invited the Sn Lanka Government to peace talks to end the decade old civil War, which has killed over 30,000 People.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) sent a statement, issued byitsleaderinJafinaSept.3.

To Prime Minister Chandrika Kumamitunga, through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The statement, signed by Prabhakaran, was issued by the head of the political wing of the LTTE, Tamil Chelvam; at a ceremony (0 mark the release of 10 prisoners of war. It was the first time that the elusive leader of the LATTE has issued a personal state Ment, welcoming peace talks.

The loiter came after tie Government sold that it was waiting for a formal request from the LTTE for peace talks.

“We are willing to cooperate will the new Government in all efforts to create congenial conditions of peace and nominally for the conduction of the peace negotiations,” Prabhakaran said in a statement.

Welcoming the decision by Prime Minister Chandrika Kumaratunga to partially lift the economic embargo imposed on the rebel held Northern Province, the LTTE Leader said the rebel group considered the step as a constructive measure to create & congenial atmosphere of peace and good will.

Article extracted from this publication >>  September 9, 1994