In trying to solve the ethnic question, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam have always shown their readiness to hold unconditional peace talks with every Sri Lankan government in power. It is also widely known, that they have kept stressing the need for a cease-fire, if such talks are to become meaningful and fruitful.

When Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga assumed office as Prime Minister, the LTTE repeated their offer to engage in a peace dialogue. While lifting the economic embargo partially Mrs. Kumaratunga wrote a letter to the LTTE leader Mr. V. Pirabakaran saying that she considered the LTTE's gesture in releasing ten war prisoners as an expression of good intention on their part and invited him to nominate representatives to participate in the talks.

In his reply dated 9th September 94, Mr. Pirabakaran welcomed the decision of the Prime Minister in responding to the LTTE peace initiative, and nominated four of his representatives to proceed with the peace negotiations. He also stated: "We note with regret that no reference is made in your letter to our suggestion for a cease-fire. You will appreciate that cessation of hostilities is a crucial element in the process of building up an atmosphere of peace, goodwill and normalisation of civilian life. I hope that you will consider this matter in earnest."

In his interview with the BBC, Mr.Pirabakaran again referred to the need for a cease-fire. He said: "We are not laying any conditions for negotiations. We are only pointing out the necessity of a peaceful atmosphere for peace talks. Military operations will take place in a situation where there is no cease-fire. Is there any meaning in talking about peace while conducting a war on the other side? It is because of this reason we say that cessation of hostilities is essential for peace talks. It would be difficult to engage in a free dialogue based on mutual goodwill under economic constraints and military pressures. The new government should take this matter into consideration. If the government agrees for a cease-fire, we will consider it as a gesture of goodwill and a demonstration of peace."

When the BBC interviewer asked him:- "You say that the government should bring about a cease-fire as a gesture of goodwill. But the military sources are of opinion that the LTTE would utilise the cease-fire to consolidate their position. What do you say about this opinion?" Mr. Pirabakaran said:- "I should say that this opinion prevailing among the military circles is totally wrong. Militarily, a cease-fire is not advantageous to us. Our growth and strength depends primarily on our ability to seize or destroy the enemy's weapons. This is only possible by military operations. Therefore, it is wrong to assume that cease-fire would help to strengthen us. Yet, we are seeking cease- fire to create a genuine condition of peace."

Earlier, at a Press Conference held in Jaffna on 26th August, LTTE spokesman Mr. Anton Balasingham said:- "I should emphasize that we are not stipulating any conditions for peace negotiations. But at the same time, we suggest that the creation of a congenial atmosphere for peace and normality would be helpful in conducting peace negotiations. Such a peaceful environment could be brought about, by a cessation of hostilities. The LTTE is prepared for a cease-fire and willing to cooperate with the government in this regard."

When on the 13th and 14th October, preliminary talks began in Jaffna between the representatives of both sides, the LTTE delegates again stressed the same need. Even though the cessation of hostilities towards cease-fire was one of the items in the agenda for talks, the government side did not agree to it on the ground that the army's top brass were opposed to it.

After the first round of talks, the Prime Minister in an interview with the BBC, came out with the statement that some high-ranking officers in the Army might even sabotage the peace process. She said: "The army up till now for eleven years has reigned supreme. They've been a government unto themselves. Some people might even try to sabotage the peace process." She also said, "We haven't called a cease-fire. There is no cessation of hostilities. As far as both sides are concerned the war was just going on."

The first round of talks concluded with a joint statement in which it was stated:- "The LTTE is committed to peace and a peaceful settlement of the Tamil national question."

When one takes into account the period when the peace process was initiated (21 August '94) until 17th September'94, thirty six LTTE cadres died in action in offensives mounted by the armed forces. During the same period, twenty four Tamil civilians were killed, and about a hundred others suffered injuries due to aerial and artillery bombardments and navy attacking. fishermen.

Even after the talks began, the government was engaged in unloading weaponry into the North, and cargo vessel "Ocean Trader" was used for the purpose. For about 10 days, this vessel was delivering supplies to the Vettilaikerni army camp through landing craft about 1.5 kilometres from the shore. Once the unloading is complete, the "Ocean Trader" moves five miles into high seas. It was this vessel that was targeted by the Sea Tigers and sunk. But no harm was done to the crew. Subsequently, a military spokesman admitted that this vessel was used for ferrying military hardware as well, to the north.

On another occasion, the Liberation Tigers attacked armed forces that were engaged in "search and destroy" operations in Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts. With a show of injured innocence, the army spokesman said: "This is absurd. Why are they attacking when peace talks have just begun?"

Which, may we ask, is absurd? While not agreeable to a cease-fire while peace talks go on, and exercising the right to bombard civilian areas, to shoot at fishermen, to do "search and destroy" operations? Or preventing the unloading of fresh weaponry and confronting the armed forces engaged in attacking civilians?

It appears that the logic seems to be that there should be one set of rules for the LTTE, and another for the government troops! Even without a cease-fire, the LTTE should not engage in any attacks against Sri Lankan armed forces so runs the argument. But the army reserves the right to oppose a cease-fire while being free to go on strengthening itself and attacking civilians as well as LTTE cadres! What kind of logic is that?

In the meantime, LTTE on 12th November has unilaterally gone for a cease-fire for one week and halted all its operations. It is to be seen whether the government would reciprocate it with a formal cease-fire or continue with the military actions.