Sri Lanka's government has signed a long-awaited pact to share $3.0 billion (€2.4 billion) worth of tsunami aid with the Tamil Tigers.
The long-awaited deal - under which committees comprising rebels, government officials and religious representatives can recommend, prioritise and monitor projects - has been held up for months because of political bickering that has split the ruling coalition.
But the rebels say the pact could help jumpstart stalled talks aimed at converting a three-year ceasefire into permanent peace if properly implemented.
S.Puleedevan, who heads the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's Peace Secretariat, told Reuters he was due to sign the pact later today.
"Norway's ambassador is going to come today. They would like to get our signature today," he said from the rebels' northern stronghold of Kilinochchi.
