It's very worrisome. This is another step on the path to a return to war. The risk of a return to war is now greater.

Both sides have shown an accommodative stance to get to talks. This could be a strategic move, but the basic thing is that there shouldn't be a situation where war could be a reasonable expectation.

This (peace bid) will be a turning point and will give us a signal whether the problem is going to get better or worse.

If there are no talks, with continued violence, we will see the government lose control of the north. I think the violence is a high-level LTTE decision to push the government toward war or talks where they will try to obtain concessions and seek international recognition and legitimacy.

She will keep the military option open because, given the track record of the LTTE, ... she cannot afford to lower her guard.

Cooperation between the government and the Tamil Tiger rebels is at a standstill or even dead at the moment.