Finland and Denmark announced July 28 they were pulling out on Sept. 1. Peace talks aimed at settling rebel demands for a Tamil homeland in the predominantly Sinhalese country have collapsed amid a rebel boycott, and both sides are attacking each other's positions.

Chief government spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella, referring to the withdrawal, said, "This is something encouraging terrorism."

The Japan Times Weekly: Aug. 5, 2006
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