New fighting threatens Sri Lanka talks

COLOMBO - Dozens of troops and rebels were killed in a fierce battle in Sri Lanka's far north yesterday intensifying fears that peace talks to halt renewed civil war could be derailed.

Each side accused the other of launching offensives.

Tamil Tiger rebels said they had recovered the bodies of around 75 soldiers. They said 10 of their own fighters were killed.

The military said the Tigers provoked the fighting by firing artillery and rocket-propelled grenades and trying to infiltrate Government areas, and said 22 soldiers were killed and more than 110 injured. They said troops saw many dead Tigers near rebel front lines. Peace talks are planned for October 28 and 29 in Geneva.

- REUTERS