Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels have rejected the government's latest proposal to resume long-stalled peace talks, saying it does not address their key demand for self-rule.
The rebels' move had been widely expected amid distrust on both sides.
In its latest bid to revive peace talks, the government had said that it wanted formal commitments from the rebels to honor Sri Lanka's sovereignty and a time frame for a final settlement.
The rebels insist they want control over their own administration, police and legal system, unrestricted access to the sea, and the right to collect taxes and receive direct foreign aid.
The talks have been stalled since April 2003. There was no immediate government comment on the rebels' rejection.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
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