23 September, 2007 - Published 14:19 GMT

Sri Lanka rebels urged to negotiate

The Sri Lankan defence secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, has urged the Tamil Tiger guerrillas to return to peace talks.

President Rajapaksa's younger brother has told Sunday Island that the government would not continue its military offensive against the LTTE if they resumed negotiations.

The defence secretary said a negotiated political settlement would not be feasible as long as the Tamil Tigers retained the ability to launch attacks.

He also ruled out any settlement that granted them the right to carry weapons.

The defence secretary's remarks came the day before President Mahinda Rajapakse is due to make a speech at the United Nations.