Tamil Tigers agree to lift water blockade

SRI LANKA’S Tamil Tiger rebels yesterday agreed to lift a two-week-old water blockade on government-held villages that has provoked some of the fiercest fighting in years.

The rebels decided to end the blockade after talks with Norwegian peace envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer. But they said the move was conditional and could be reversed if the government resumes attacks on rebels.

“Our national leader has decided to open the sluice gate in response to a request made by Norway,” said Tamil Tiger political leader SP Thamilselvan, referring to Velupillai Prabhakaran, the secretive leader of the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Eelam.