LTTE warns of imminent war, wants direct aid

The LTTE warned on Sunday of an imminent return to Sri Lanka’s two-decade civil war, vowing to carry arms in government-held areas &#15...

The LTTE warned on Sunday of an imminent return to Sri Lanka’s two-decade civil war, vowing to carry arms in government-held areas — a move that could rupture a three-year ceasefire.

Rebels would take counter-measures if the military follows through on a vow to stop them, S.P. Thamilselvan, head of the LTTE’s political wing, told a news conference in the stronghold of Kilinochchi.

‘‘We are in reality moving very fast towards the end of the peace efforts,’’ said Thamilselvan. ‘‘Our patience too has come to an end.’’

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‘‘The Tamil people are justified in thinking war is imminent and would take place soon,’’ he added. ‘‘In the future we shall take to our usual mode of travel arrangements. And if the military obstructs it, the ceasefire agreement will enter a critical stage.’’

Thamilselvan said a Supreme Court ruling that blocks a government pact to share $3 billion worth of tsunami aid with the LTTE underlined the fact that Tamils could not expect justice from the Sinhalese.

The group accused the government of denying humanitarian assistance for tsunami survivors in the north and east and asked overseas donors to send aid directly to them.

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