Congressman James A. Leach has expressed concern about the rising level of political violence in Sri Lanka and called for a resumption of the peace talks between the government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam .

In a statement issued October 7, Leach said the prospects for a resumption of the peace process at present appear bleak because of the conditions set by the rebels, who are demanding sweeping powers over law enforcement, tax collection, military affairs, administration of foreign aid and other matters which are currently in the domain of the central government.

Leach is the chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific of the House International Relations Committee.

In addition, Leach asserted, the rebels are assassinating members of their community, who dare advocate democratic change, independently contest elections and speak out against the rebels.

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