InfoAnda - Sri Lankan gov't rejects rebels' call for truce

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

U.N. worried about reports of air strikes in Myanmar | | 3 January 2013
Byrd, Oldest Sitting Senator, Still In Hospital With Staph Infection | 2 June 2009
Coppola wins Venice filmfest's Golden Lion | 12 September 2010

Aussies love Kiwis despite rivalry, says survey | 31 May 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Sri Lankan gov't rejects rebels' call for truce

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: Sri Lankan gov't rejects rebels' call for truce By KRISHAN FRANCIS,Associated Press Writer AP - Tuesday, February 24 COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka's separatist Tamil rebels, facing likely defeat on the battlefield, sent a letter to the United Nations on Monday saying they were ready for a cease-fire. ADVERTISEMENT The government immediately rejected the offer as a final effort by the rebels to "save their miserable skins." In recent months, the Tamil Tiger rebels have suffered unprecedented military defeats, losing most of their strongholds to government forces. They are trapped on a tiny sliver of land in the northeast along with tens of thousands of civilians. The government says it will soon take the remaining rebel territory. "We are ready to discuss, cooperate, and work together in all their efforts to bring an immediate cease-fire and work towards a political settlement," the Tamil Tigers' political chief Balasingham Nadesan wrote in the letter to the U.N., which also was sent to Britain, Japan, Norway and the United States. But Nadesan said international calls for the rebels to lay down their arms are "not helpful for resolving the conflict" and that the weapons "are the protective shield of the Tamil people and their tool for political liberation." President Mahinda Rajapaksa has rejected past calls for a cease-fire, saying his government will only accept an unconditional surrender by the Tamil Tigers. "Instead of surrendering as the entire international community and the Sri Lankan government has called them to do, (the rebels) are calling the very people who have asked them to surrender, to save their miserable skins," Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona said Monday in response to the rebel letter. The two sides agreed to a cease-fire in 2002 that many had hoped would be the start of a peace process to reach a political compromise and end the civil war that has plagued this country since 1983. But peace talks broke down and new violence flared three years ago. In 2008, the government officially scrapped the cease-fire agreement and pledged to destroy the rebel group. With the military sweeping across rebel territory in recent months, the Tamil Tigers have repeatedly called for a new truce, but the government has refused. In his letter, Nadesan also urged the international community to reconsider its opposition to the rebels' demand for an independent state for Sri Lanka's ethnic minority Tamils in the wake of decades of political marginalization by the Sinhalese majority. The international community "must re-examine our point that an independent state is the only permanent solution to the Tamil-Sinhala conflict," he wrote. Jehan Perera, a political analyst from the National Peace Council, said he was not surprised the government rejected the rebel call for a cease-fire. He said it was a sign the rebels were trying "everything militarily and politically" to stave off defeat. Perera said the two sides should consider the plight of civilians caught in the war zone and agree to a truce. But he said the rebels must be prepared to drop demands that the government will not negotiate on, such as an independent Tamil state. Human Rights Watch said last week that some 2,000 civilians have been killed in recent months and accused both sides of committing war crimes. John Holmes, the top U.N. humanitarian official, has called on both sides to avoid a final "blood bath." Last Friday, the rebels used two light aircraft in a daring suicide attack targeting the country's air force headquarters and an air base. The government said it shot down the planes before they could reach their targets. More than 70,000 people have been killed in the civil war. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Asia Pacific Heavy security at Thai protests: policeAFP - 1 hour 59 minutes ago Japan PM's popularity plunging on eve of US tripAP - 2 hours 9 minutes ago Taliban talks progressing in Pakistan's SwatAP - 2 hours 10 minutes ago Pakistan army halts operations in SwatReuters - 2 hours 25 minutes ago 'Slumdog' celebrations fill Mumbai's crowded slumsAP - 2 hours 43 minutes ago Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed Terminally ill British TV star marries as cameras roll Terminally ill British TV star marries as cameras roll Obama aims to cut deficit in half 34,000 apply for 'the best job in the world' US could take 25-40 percent stake in Citi: WSJ View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Monday, 23 February 2009
Singapore News
Singapore News
Two foreigners among four dead in Cairo bomb attack | International |
Iraq accuses Sunni lawmaker of bomb attacks | International |
Insurgents kill 11 peacekeepers in Somalia | International |
Cops Bust Truck Driver With 1,400 Pounds Of Pot Mixed With Frozen Food
Madea Goes to Jail locks up No. 1 at box office | Entertainment |
Cops Bust Truck Driver With 1,400 Pounds Of Pot Mixed With Frozen Food
Blast in China coal mine kills 74 | International |
Tourist killed, 25 people wounded in Cairo bombing
French tourist killed and 20 wounded in Egypt attack
Penelope Cruz Wins First Oscar Of The Night For Best Supporting Actress
French tourist killed, 20 wounded in Egypt attack | International |
Jamaica Bans Sexually Explicit And Violent Music From Country's Airwaves
US could take 25-40 percent stake in Citi: WSJ
Netanyahu, Livni meeting ends without agreement
Netanyahu, Livni hold first post-election talks | International |
US probe 'ignores Swiss sovereignty': UBS
Iraqi lawmaker faces charges as attack mastermind
Heavy security as Tibetans prepare for new year | International |
Netanyahu says can work with Obama for peace
British Guantanamo detainee released to UK: report | International |
Tourist killed, 22 people wounded in Cairo bombing
One tourist killed, 14 wounded by Cairo bomb
Almost 80 pct of Japan voters want PM out soon: poll | International |
Australia PM faces elections in home state | International |
Terminally ill British TV star marries as cameras roll
Tourists among 12 wounded in Cairo bombing
European economies agree need for greater regulation
US, Iraqi forces launch anti-al-Qaida offensive
Correa: US diplomat directed CIA in Ecuador
Sen. Lugar says US must rethink Cuba embargo
Elephant fans tune in to Belgian on-line birthing
Websites of Iran's Khatami supporters blocked
Slumdog Millionaire wins big at Oscars | Entertainment |
Sean Penn wins best actor Oscar for Milk | Entertainment |
Ledger wins posthumous Oscar for supporting actor | Entertainment |
Kate Winslet wins best actress Oscar for The Reader | Entertainment |
North Korea reportedly deploys new missile
Benjamin Button, Mickey Rourke snubbed by Oscar | Entertainment |
Australia likely to cut immigration: minister
Penelope Cruz wins first Oscar for Spanish actress | Entertainment |
Sri Lanka rejects Tamil Tiger ceasefire deal
Mother of Slumdog child celebrates Oscar haul | Entertainment |
Managers sacked after deadly China mine blast: report
Thailand's economy shrinks 4.3 percent in 4Q
NKorea deploys more missiles, bolsters troops: SKorea
Almost 80 pct of Japan voters want PM out soon
'Slumdog' sweeps Oscars with eight awards
Abductors free Filipino businessman, daughter
WTO chief says banks must clean up balance sheets
Heath Ledger wins best supporting actor Oscar
Heavy security as Tibetans prepare for new year
S.Korea won up 1.4 pct, first gain in 10 sessions
Stars, fans converge on Hollywood for Oscar night
Crown prince turns 49, vows to ease father's load
Seoul shares up 3 pct, banks rebound on Citi news
Honda names new president amid slowdown
Honda Motor names Takanobu Ito as new CEO, president
Honda names new president
Report: Toyota to produce fewer vehicles
'Slumdog' sweeps Oscars with eight awards
Honda says Takeo Fukui stepping down as president
Penelope Cruz wins first Oscar for Spanish actress
S.Korea pension fund open to buying more T-bonds
South Korea may inject public funds into more banks
Heath Ledger wins best supporting actor Oscar
Mother of "Slumdog" child celebrates Oscar haul
"Slumdog Millionaire" wins big at Oscars
'Slumdog' rules Oscars with 8 prizes, best picture
The Oscars as seen from the Kodak Theatre audience
Heath Ledger wins Oscar for Joker in `Dark Knight'
Oscars host Hugh Jackman gave the job his all
How top Oscar winners fared at the box office
Israel's Netanyahu fails to lure rivals to cabinet
Israel replaces envoy to Egypt talks, Hamas irate | International |
Iraq gives glimpse of looted National Museum
David Caruso's Suspected Stalker Apprehended In Mexico
Freed Guantanamo detainee accuses U.S. of torture | International |
Iraq's treasure trove national museum reopens
Mickey Rourke Wins Male Lead Trophy At The Independent Spirit Awards
Somalia's Shabaab vows more attacks on African troops | International |
34,000 apply for 'the best job in the world'
Actors' Guild Rejects The Producers' Final Offer
Israeli leader fires lead negotiator on Gaza truce
"Slumdog Millionaire" Sweeps Eight Awards At The Oscars Including Best Film
NATO confident of Afghan election reinforcements | International |
Iraq reopens museum with returned treasures
Terminally Ill Jade Goody Marries "CBB" Housemate Jack Tweed
Pakistan army halts operations in Swat | International |
Rebels kill 9 security guards in Algeria: witnesses | International |
Sri Lanka Tiger rebels say would accept ceasefire | International |
North Korea deploys new mid-range missile: South | International |
Guantanamo detainee back in Britain
Vodafone to cut hundreds of jobs | Technology |
Race In Chicago For Emanuel's House Seat Heats Up With Endorsement
Bomb explodes outside Basque Socialist Party HQ: police
Congressional Committee Having Hearings To Formulate Energy, Climate Legislation
Heavy Maine Snow Storm Downs Power Lines Leaving 96,000 Without Electricity
New Orleans Mardi Gras To Push Through Despite Hard Times
Ted Kennedy On Reports About Health: 'I Don't Really Plan To Go Away Soon'
New Media Opinion Polls Find Most Americans Fearful Over State Of Country, Feel Media Coverage Of Obama Fair
Auto Industry Task Force Recommends Urgent Overhaul
Growing Number Of American Children Serve As Caregiver To Sick Parents
Auto Parts Manufacturer Tenneco Makes 82 Job Cuts At GA Plant Permanent
Obama Hosts Nation's Governors In First Formal White House Dinner
Pakistan army halts operations in Swat
'Slumdog' celebrations fill Mumbai's crowded slums
Indonesia opens tsunami museum
Taiwan's detained ex-leader ends hunger strike
Ledger wins posthumous Oscar for supporting actor
Sri Lankan gov't rejects rebels' call for truce
Sri Lanka rejects Tamil Tigers' call for truce
7 killed in Indonesian train crash
Honda names new president amid slowdown
'New Tiger' Lee tears up golf rankings
Pakistan targets 120 bln rupees in T-bill auction
Scores of Australians flee new wildfire flare-ups
Kate Winslet wins best actress for `The Reader'
Indonesia president says Aceh deal must hold
Taiwan signals weaker currency amid export slump
UK prime minister hails British Oscar success
WTO chief says banks must clean up balance sheets
Springsteen the boss of Britain's Glastonbury Festival
Pakistani stocks down 3 pct on profit booking
AP's Bob Thomas takes in the Oscars for 64th time
Taiwan dollar rebounds from near 6-year low
'Slumdog' composer Rahman wins 2 Oscars
S & P downgrades Nissan Motor credit rating
WTO chief warns against protectionism
Yves Saint Laurent's love affair with art
'Slumdog' celebrations fill Mumbai's crowded slums
Cheap rice for Bangladesh garment workers
Winners at the 81st annual Oscars
Indonesian pilot could get 4 years for plane crash
Indonesian film tackles women's role in Islam
New Orleans Mardi Gras To Push Through Despite Hard Times
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01