The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) said they will resume talks only on the basis of their controversial "Interim Self-Governing Authority" plan that was unveiled in October last year.

LTTE's political wing leader S P Thamilselvan, who is currently visiting Europe, told the BBC's Tamil language service that they were "shocked" by state media reports of government proposals announced here Thursday.

"Thamilselvan categorically denied that peace talks would resume next month on the basis of that blueprint," the BBC quoted the rebel leader as saying. "He also accused the government of sending out conflicting and confusing signals."

The stalled peace talks will resume early next month, ending an 18-month deadlock in the Norwegian-backed process, the Sunday Observer newspaper said here. A top official from President Chandrika Kumaratunga's office visited the rebel-held town of Kilinochchi Saturday amid signs the peace process was being re-activated, the newspaper said.

However, Thamilselvan said that none of their top-level leaders met with any government representatives in the recent times.

Government spokesman Mangala Samaraweera said last week that a set of fresh proposals had already been finalised to restart negotiations with the Tigers.

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