DATE=5/2/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=LANKA / PALLAI / L-O
NUMBER=2-261888
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels have taken
Pallai -- a key military base on the Jaffna Peninsula
-- and are attacking another important military camp.
Vandana Chopra has the details from Colombo.
TEXT: Defense ministry officials say Sri Lankan troops
suffered heavy casualties and withdrew from Pallai --
15 kilometers north of Elephant Pass. Pallai is a key
military camp, which the government troops lost last
month. The defense ministry statement says troops
were attacked by Tiger guerrillas, using heavy
artillery and mortar fire. Security officials say
troops are now deployed in delaying positions in areas
north of Pallai, ahead of the main defense line.
Meanwhile, the rebels say they are attacking another
key military camp. Clandestine Voice of Tiger Radio
says the rebels were mounting pressure on Kilali camp
after forcing troops to withdraw from Pallai.
Analysts say, with the fall of Pallai, the Tamil
Tigers are slowly inching their way to Jaffna City --
their former capital, which they lost to the
government in 1996.
Sri Lankan Government officials say they have embarked
on a fast-track program to reinforce troops on the
Jaffna Peninsula and are meeting representatives of
arms manufacturer from different countries.
President Chandrika Kumaratunga has said her
government will relentlessly pursue the military
option, if the Tigers are unwilling to join the peace
process.
Meanwhile, the independent newspaper, "The Island,"
says there is an immediate need for foreign
intervention if Jaffna is to be saved. In an
editorial, the newspaper says the government should
appeal to India, Pakistan, United States, China or
Israel for help.
The Tamil Tigers has been fighting for a separate
homeland for the minority Tamil community in Sri
Lanka's north and east since 1983. (signed)
NEB / VC/ WD
02-May-2000 02:43 AM EDT (02-May-2000 0643 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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