DATE=4/2/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=LANKA OFFENSIVE (L-O)
NUMBER=2-260854
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Sri Lankan troops have launched a new
offensive to recover lost territory in the Northern
Jaffna region. Vandana Chopra has details from
Colombo.
TEXT: Defense ministry officials say a fresh
offensive was mounted early Sunday, after days of
fighting in which Tamil Tiger rebels gained ground in
the northern Jaffna peninsula.
The independent "Sunday Times" newspaper says seven
army officers and 114-soldiers have been killed in
battles while more than 620 have been wounded.
Meanwhile, Tamil rebels have urged all civilians to
move away from areas around the military camps in the
peninsula.
During heavy fighting last week, guerrilla fighters
moved forward to take control of the area they lost to
the Sri Lankan army in 1996. Tamil rebels claim they
have overrun several military camps, including a major
military base near the Elephant Pass that serves as a
gateway to the northern Jaffna peninsula.
Political analysts say Tamil separatists are
determined to recapture Jaffna, which would give them
an advantage in future peace talks with the
government.
In an interview to the state media, President
Chandrika Kumratunga says the fighting will continue
until the rebels lay down their arms.
The rebels have been fighting since 1983 for a
separate homeland for the Tamil minority in Sri
Lanka's north and east. (SIGNED)
NEB/VC/RAE
02-Apr-2000 08:34 AM EDT (02-Apr-2000 1234 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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