54 die in Sri Lanka violence

Colombo - Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger guerrillas have ruled out entering Norwegian-backed peace talks until the government declares…

Colombo - Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger guerrillas have ruled out entering Norwegian-backed peace talks until the government declares a ceasefire as officials yesterday reported that 54 people had been killed in another day of clashes.

Since 1972, the rebels have been waging a campaign for an independent homeland in the island's north-east. The conflict so far has claimed over 60,000 lives.

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