1.   The peace offer appeared partly intended to placate critics of the government offensive, particularly among moderate Tamil political parties that are represented in Parliament.

2.   The Tamil parties could wind up with the balance of power.

3.   Other Tamil parties have signalled their approval.

4.   A congressman of a moderate Tamil party and four civilians were killed in a suspected Tamil rebel attack in northeastern Sri Lanka Saturday, military officials said.

5.   A recent cease-fire deal between the two sides has drawn support from several Tamil political parties that advocate a peaceful solution to the ethnic dispute.

6.   A Tamil political party and some former rebel groups who have given up arms won most of the seats.

7.   Although Tamil political parties have praised the proposals, right-wing Sinhalese, led by powerful Buddhist clergymen, have opposed them.

8.   Also on Tuesday, a member of a minority Tamil political party was shot and killed by Tamil Tiger rebels in eastern Sri Lanka, police said.

9.   Assailants using meat cleavers, clubs and guns attacked members of a political alliance of Tamil parties.

10.   Assistant Election Commissioner K. Senanayake said the decision was taken after Tamil political parties sought more time for the Tamil refugees to return.