The situation has deteriorated. It's a big, big blow to the cease-fire and the whole peace process irrespective of who is behind this.

As the small-arms fire against the helicopter originated from an area controlled by the L.T.T.E., the L.T.T.E. must bear responsibility.

The question is how much the security forces can take and the cease-fire can hold. There are powers and elements that do not want peace within this country.

The cease-fire agreement is in jeopardy, absolutely.

There are definitely powers working in the northeast at the moment who do not want peace.

There are elements who would like to resume the war but those who support the peace process have won so far. There is a bad need to have a high-level meeting between the two parties.