21.   It already has been rejected by Tamil political parties and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebels.

22.   Meanwhile, Tamil parties said they were disappointed that the government had invited only the UNP for talks.

23.   Moderate Tamil parties agree to back Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka, news reports and sources say.

24.   On Wednesday, the government began discussing a peace package with Tamil political parties in an effort to end the war.

25.   On Sunday, seven Tamil parties represented in Parliament called on the government to declare a cease-fire.

26.   On Saturday, a mainstream Tamil political party strongly criticized the military move and appealed to President Chandrika Kumaratunga to stop the planned air attack.

27.   Other Tamil parties have expressed their approval.

28.   Raphel, who arrived Thursday on a five-day visit, held talks with Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadiragamar, opposition leader Ranil Wickremasinghe and leaders of Tamil parties.

29.   Since then, human rights groups and Tamil political parties have urged the government to investigate the allegation.

30.   Tamil political parties urged both the government and the rebels on Monday to agree to a cease-fire to help the peace negotiators succeed.