Few weeks back on this column, the openness of LTTE towards peace talks was appreciated and encouraged. But, of late, the behaviour of LTTE is something which worries the peace-lovers. First, the LTTE pulled out of Norwegian-brokered peace talks and laid down impracticable and unreasonable pre-conditions for returning to the negotiating table. It also boycotted the crucial 'Aid Lanka' conference to be held in Tokyo in June. Of late, it is insisting on interim administrative structure which is driven fully by its self-serving interest.

The LTTE has rejected Colombo's latest offer of a development-oriented structure for the northeast, in lieu of an interim administrative structure, as "unacceptable''. LTTE is adamant about its demand for an interim administration. The LTTE's chief negotiator, Anton Balasingham, has written to the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, that the Tigers were "surprised'' and `"dismayed'' that Colombo "did not address the critical issue of setting up an interim administrative structure for the northeast as suggested by the LTTE leadership''.

LTTE wants in return for further participation in peace talks the setting up of an interim administration in Sri Lanka's north and east. Not only this, but LTTE also demands a greater role in such a system. It only exposes the true colour of LTTE and its hidden agenda. At this juncture it is impossible for Sri Lankan government to concede this demand. Those who follow LTTE's growth, its character and hidden agenda would know very well that this demand is not based on good intentions. LTTE came for negotiating table when it was going through the weakest phase in the recent times. Basically it bought time to resurge. Although critics have cautioned the Sri Lankan government time and again and its President warned her Prime Minister, some of us were optimistic that LTTE would not do a volte face this time. LTTE disappointed those peace-lovers.

If LTTE truly believed in peace talks and understood the fact that to resolve the ethnic clash separate Tamil Elam is not the solution, it should not put any such hurdles (read interim administrative structure) and unilaterally break away from the peace talks. It is not in the good interest of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Setting up of an interim administrative mechanism as the Tigers want for the north-east, will require violation of Sri Lanka's Constitution. Time and again, its President has made it clear that formal reins of power would not be handed over to LTTE. LTTE can achieve this demand only by giving up terrorism and participating in the democratic process, as the LTTE's demand can be met only through formal amendments to the Island's Constitution. The mega Aid Lanka conference is to mobilize upto $ 3 billion for the development of the island. This would be to reconstruct the war-ravaged regions. The international community and the multilateral donors expect the LTTE to attend the conference. This substantial aid is linked with the continuance of peace and progress in resolving the conflict .Given all these facts, if LTTE does not participate in the peace process, it is tantamount to mortgaging the interests of million's of Tamils in the Island for the narrow partisan ends. The stalemate in peace process would only give time for LTTE to have control over the north-east, time to regroup and an opportunity to enhance military strength through the smuggling of arms. Sri Lankan Government should set a time limit for LTTE and before then if LTTE does not relax its unreasonable conditions and come to the negotiation table, it should chase LTTE. Otherwise it would have to repent for its folly for a long time to come. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister should see through LTTE's cunning ability of utilizing the cease-fire and the peace talks to its own advantage and the time lost anymore in this process would only add strength to LTTE. The latest stance of LTTE towards the sixth round of peace talks only confirms the skeptical remarks of critics of LTTE that their real agenda is to have control over the north-eastern regions formalized through an officially recognized mechanism and it cares less for Tamils in the Island.