No breakthrough in talks with Tigers: Chandrika

Kumaratunga's office in a statement said that there was no change in her position or of that of the Tamil Tigers on what should be included in an agenda for possible talks, but attempts were under way to reach a compromise.

"She said that the government and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) are attempting to work out a compromise with regard to the agenda for the talks," the statement said.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

"The two parties are still working out what the next round of peace negotiations should be about."

The statement discounted media reports that Kumaratunga had backed down from her position that the Tigers' self-rule plan should be part of wider discussions on a final political settlement.

"The LTTE would like the talks to focus only on the proposals to set up an interim (self rule) administration while the government has indicated the need to engage in discussions on a permanent solution to the conflict, while prioritising the need to agree on the structures of the interim administration and on the urgency to set it up," the statement said.

Kumaratunga had previously agreed to discuss the LTTE's proposal for an Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA), which envisages financial and political autonomy for the rebels.

However, she insists that talks on the eventual nature and the shape of a final solution is also taken up in parallel talks, a demand rejected by the LTTE.

The LTTE has rejected the demand that the talks be held on a final settlement and wants talks to focus only on its Interim Self Governing Authority plan.