The Hindu : National : ``LTTE attack, a provocation''

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Sunday, Jan 08, 2006

National

National

``LTTE attack, a provocation''

Diplomatic Correspondent

Task of Norway made difficult

NEW DELHI: The South Block views the latest Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam attack that killed 15 Sri Lankan Navy soldiers outside the Trincomalee harbour on Saturday as part of a pattern of deliberate provocations.

South Block officials said the idea seemed to be to demoralise the security forces on the one hand, and on the other, provoke the Government in Colombo into responding to the Tiger attacks.

Terming the latest attack on a Sri Lankan naval gunboat outside the Trincomalee harbour as a serious incident, the officials, however, said the attacks could lead to talks with the Government or spark a full-scale war.

The officials also felt the continuing attacks by the LTTE made the task of Norwegian negotiator Erik Solheim, who was scheduled to visit Sri Lanka towards January-end, even more difficult. "It remains to be seen whether Mr. Solheim will be able to meet [the LTTE chief, Velupillai] Prabakaran," the officials said.

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