Sri Lanka rebels granted sea route

The Tamil Tigers have been fighting a biiter civil war for almost two decades

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka -- The government of Sri Lanka says it has agreed to a key demand from the Tamil Tiger rebels granting them access to sea passage between key bases in the north and east of the country.

The concession is being seen as a major breakthrough in the Sri Lankan peace process, and could speed up talks on ending almost two decades of civil war.

The issue has led to repeated clashes since a cease-fire brokered in February and has delayed peace talks originally scheduled for May.

According to Teitur Torkelsson, spokesman for the Norwegian-led cease-fire monitoring mission, under the deal rebels wishing to use the route must give 48-hours notice.

They must also wear civilian clothes, he said, no weapons can be carried on the journey and the voyage must be accompanied by an international monitor.

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The government has agreed to permit up to two voyages a week by the Sea Tigers, the rebels' naval wing, between the bases at Mullaitivu and Vakarai, a distance of about 150 kilometers (93 miles).

The land route between the two bases is not operational and a sea route will allow rebels on leave from their northern base to travel back to their homes in the east of the island.

Truce monitors

The Tigers' boats will have to fly the flag of the Norwegian truce monitoring team, known as the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), on each journey.

The announcement of the government's concession came shortly before a key government official left the country for Oslo for a meeting with the rebels' chief negotiator.

According to officials, Economic Affairs Minister Milinda Moragoda, who has been overseeing the peace process will fly to the Norwegian capital Tuesday for talks with Tigers representative Anton Balasingham.

The meeting will be the second held by the two sides in less than a month -- a move being seen by diplomats as a further sign of their commitment to starting formal peace talks soon.

The Tigers have been fighting for a separate homeland for Sri Lanka's minority Tamil's since 1983.

The bitter civil war has cost an estimated 64,000 lives and left many more wounded.

Diplomats say the delayed talks between the government and rebel leaders on ending the war may eventually start in Thailand in September or shortly after.

The Associated Press & Reuters contributed to this report.