Special report: Ceasefire over in Sri Lanka  

    GENEVA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels wrapped talks in Geneva on Sunday without agreeing on any measure to halt escalating violence in the South Asian island country.

    No agreement was reached between the parties on how to address the humanitarian crisis in the country, said a statement read by Norway's peace broker Erik Solheim after the two-day talks.

An explosives laden truck driven by a LTTE suicide squad member hit buses transporting Sri Lankan Navy sailors Monday. The death toll in the attack has risen to 99 with 116 others injured. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    Even a date for a new meeting was not agreed upon, he added.

    However, Solheim said both sides reiterated their commitment to the 2002 cease-fire agreement, and they made oral promises not to launch any military offensives.

    "Norway will be in ongoing dialogue with both parties to discuss all possible ideas on how to move the peace process forward," Solheim said.

    He also urged the Sri Lanka government and the rebels "to allow themselves some time to reflect on the situation and not to draw hasty conclusions or take actions that could increase the suffering of civilians."

Sri Lankan gov't, rebels open talks in Geneva

    GENEVA, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) started direct talks in Geneva on Saturday amid international pressure to halt ethnic bloodshed.

    Representatives of both sides were holding their first formal meeting in eight months, with their Norway-arranged truce in tatters. Full Story

Tight security in Sri Lankan capital ahead of talks

    COLOMBO, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan capital Colombo was placed under a tight security cover here Saturday ahead of direct talks between the Tamil Tiger rebels and the government in Geneva, Switzerland.

    Defense officials said that every vehicle entering the city was subjected to a thorough security check following information that the Tamil Tiger rebels may transport explosives into the city. Full Story

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