TNA ready to ask LTTE to go for talks

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said it is willing to persuade the Tigers to go for talks with the Sri Lankan Government if New Delhi agrees to act as the peace maker.

M.K. Shivaji Lingam of the TNA said in a telephonic interview from Chennai that his party was ready to act as a bridge between India and the LTTE.

"If the Indian Government wants an assurance from the LTTE that it will talk peace, then we don't mind going to Wanni (to meet LTTE leaders)," Shivaji Lingam told IANS.

"We are ready to act as a bridge between the LTTE and India. We are confident (of persuading the LTTE). It does look that India is willing to be the mediator in Sri Lanka but it is not sure of the LTTE's attitude."

"India should make that request (to the Sri Lankan government)," he said. "It should not worry too much about LTTE. We are sure the LTTE will react positively." TNA.