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Speaking in Colombo yesterday, the British High Commissioner, Linda Duffield, stressed the UK's continued support for the steps both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE are taking to further the peace process. She said, "We welcome all moves towards peace talks."

On the question of whether the ban on the LTTE should be lifted in Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner said this was for the Government of Sri Lanka to decide. Such a move would bot directly affect the UK's position. The decision to proscribe the LTTE in the UK was taken in accordance with the criteria set out in the Terrorism Act 2000. The proscription of organisation in the UK under that Act is a matter for the Home Secretary.

Before reconsidering his decision to proscribe an organisation the Home Secretary would have to be satisfied that the organisation in question had demonstrated a complete and convincing renunciation of terrorism.

Earlier, US Ambassador in Sri Lanka Ashley wills also said that the United States will use to its own yardstick in deciding on the LTTE.

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