Bala won't attend Geneva talks

LTTE Chief Negotiator Anton Balasingham is unlikely to participate at the Geneva talks scheduled for October 28 even if it materialises. Balasingham told The Sunday Leader the situation in the north-east is gloomy and disturbing, and that the government seems to operate with a clandestine military agenda while pledging to pursue the peace process to placate the international community. "The Tamil people are deeply sceptical over this deceptive 'war and peace' strategy of the Rajapakse regime," he said. Balasingham further said whether the proposed peace talks in Geneva will take place or not seems to depend on the developments in the ground situation though the Norwegians are very eager to bring the parties to the negotiating table before creating a congenial atmosphere for dialogue. "I am advised by my doctors to rest at home, avoid travelling and other strains. Under these circumstances, I don't think I will be able to participate at the peace talks in Geneva," Balasingham also said.