Tamil Tigers hold talks in Co Wicklow

The political leadership of the Tamil Tigers rebels who are fighting a civil war with the Sri Lankan government have held talks in Ireland.

The Glencree Centre for Reconciliation in Co Wicklow was the venue where international advisors helped to draft a response to an interim peace proposal.

The Tamil Tigers have been fighting for an independent homeland since the 1970’s.

Up to 80,000 people have died in the conflict.

In recent years the Norwegian government has been acting as a peace broker between the separatists and the Sri Lankan government.

An 18-month ceasefire has resulted in a peace agreement offered to them by the government, which has been considered at this week’s gathering in Glencree.

It is understood a positive response is expected from the Tigers which will be replayed to authorities in Sri Lanka via Norwegian officials and which has the potential for a lasting settlement to this long-running conflict.