Good news from Sri Lanka

[oberliner]

Hopefully, the worst is over.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/06/world/asia/06lanka.html

Rebels Say They Will Retreat From East in Sri Lanka

By SHIMALI SENANAYAKE
Published: August 6, 2006
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Aug. 5 — After days of heavy fighting, the Tamil Tiger rebels said on Saturday that they had ended their offensive against Sri Lankan security forces in the east and were retreating to their original positions.

“Our objective of the mission, with a defensive character, was accomplished and our forces returned to their positions” in keeping with the 2002 cease-fire, Irasaiah Ilanthirayan, the Tigers’ military spokesman was quoted as saying, on the pro-rebel TamilNet Web site. “The operation aimed at giving a military pressure was speedily carried out and ceased the same way, as our national leader was highly concerned of the humanitarian situation,” he said.

The government said that it had not been officially informed of an end to the hostilities, which have left scores dead, including civilians, but said that it had retaken control of the town of Muttur, the scene of intense fighting this week.

[Robbien]

1. If the Tigers have stopped the killings,,, then I say All Right.

I am not ready to believe it and think it is awful that the government's readily acceptance and relief over the Tigers retreat implies no punishment.