It says the de facto State of Tamil Eelam is exercising jurisdiction over 70 percent of the Tamil Homeland and says the LTTE is the authentic representative of the Tamil people.

The head of the Sri Lanka Peace Secretariat, Dr.Palitha Kohona who is in London en-route to Colombo from Oslo reacting said that LTTE statement of this nature makes the peace process more difficult.

"Any talks have to be conducted without preconditions", Dr.Kohona said.
He said it is evident that LTTE is not seriously engaged in the peace process at this moment, and also seems that LTTE is prepared to make any decisive move, he said.

"We encourage them to come to the negotiation table and participate actively in talks to bring a settlement to the problem", Dr.Kohona said.

Government reaction

The Norwegian facilitators have asked both parties whether they would give consent if changes are made to the composition of the SLMM.

Head of the Government Peace Secretariat, Dr.Palitha Kohona said Government is happy to continue the peace process with its current members.

However, there is no objection even if it is changed, he added.