Govt. says it received a communique from Prabhakaran

Policy Planning Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who is also the government's chief spokesman on defence matters, said the government received a response to their demand to have a guarantee from top rebel leader.

“We got a response not totally related to what we requested but it may be a new beginning where we could make some clarifications and come to some conclusions,” he told BBC Sandeshaya.

'Clear assuarance'

President Mahinda Rajapaksa told BBC Tamil Service in London that he needed “a clear assurance” from Tamil Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakran before engaging in talks.

They say due to security concerns he (Prabhakaran) is unable to show himself up to the Norwegians, but he also said that as once the peace process progresses he will try to meet with Erik Solheim Minister Rambukwella

The minister said the government has received a communiqué from the LTTE supremo through Norwegian facilitators.

“They say due to security concerns he (Prabhakaran) is unable to show himself up to the Norwegians, but he also said that as once the peace process progresses he will try to meet with Erik Solheim,” Rambukwella said.

A senior Norwegian government official confirmed that Ambassador Hans Bratskar has handed over a message from the LTTE leader to the government.

Norway confirms

He told BBC Sandeshaya that he is 'optimistic' that the peace talks would start 'very soon'.

However, Minister Rambukwella said it is too early to confirm whether the government believed the communiqué, which was said to be handed over on Tuesday by the Norwegian Ambasador in Colombo, was genuine.

And the minister insisted that the security forces have only launched a ‘defensive operation’ against the Tigers.

“We reserve the right to retaliate, there are attempts to attack us so we have the right to respond,” he told bbcsinhala.com.