1.   And its ability to act swiftly on its plan to end an intractable civil war with the separatist Tamil rebels has also been weakened.

2.   But there was also fear of the Tamil rebels.

3.   For a decade and a half, the battlefield advantage has swung between the majority Sinhalese army and minority Tamil rebels, who are fighting for an independent homeland.

4.   He said the Tamil ethnic rebels are unhappy that parts of the cease-fire agreement are not being carried out more quickly.

5.   India later came to its senses and kicked the Tamil rebels off Indian soil and sent its own troops to Sri Lanka.

6.   It was closed for violating guidelines about reporting on the war against separatist Tamil rebels.

7.   Officials here continue to say India will not send in its own troops or supply arms to Sri Lanka, which is battling separatist ethnic Tamil rebels.

8.   Officials in New Delhi continue to say India will not send in its own troops or supply arms to Sri Lanka, which is battling separatist ethnic Tamil rebels.

9.   Peace talks with the Tamil rebels have yet to begin.

10.   Tamil rebels cling to their goal of independence.