LTTE says continued Shelling , airstrikes seen as "declaration of war"

LTTE says continued Shelling , airstrikes seen as "declaration of war"

9 Aug, 2006 ( New Delhi)

LTTE's spokesman Velayutham Thayanidhi also known as Thaya Master has told this writer from the rebel headquarters of Killinochi that the LTTE has ceased all big gun fire against government positions since it ended its water blockade in Mavil Aru Tuesday evening.

"After 10 am this morning the army has continued to shell our positions in the area.I am talking about both artillery and mortar shelling. This is despite the fact that we have released water from the dam. We have stoped all fire since last evening." said Thaya Master.

The rebels have said that they will consider any shelling or air strikes after the release of water as a 'declaration of war."

"We are waiting and watching...we have not set any deadlines. But if they continue to attack our position we will take a decision on our next course of action soon. Till then we will not retaliate." he added

However, Sri Lankan Army spokesman Brig. Atula Jayawardane told Al Jazeera that rebels have fired artillery guns at army positions even after they lifted the water blockade.

Jayawardane added that the Sri Lankan Air Force would continue its air strikes against rebel positions to "neutralise rebel guns positioned at civilians and army camps."