Facing a concerted military offensive by the Sri Lankan army in its stronghold of Jaffna peninsula, the LTTE on Thursday expressed readiness for ceasefire and peace talks with the island government.

LTTE`s political wing chief V Nadesan said that the group was ready for a ceasefire now. He accused the Sri Lankan government of `abrogating` the six-year-long ceasefire which came to an end early this year.

Nadesan, in a telephonic interview to Times Now television, said the LTTE was not against peace negotiations. `Yes` was his answer when asked whether the LTTE was for the ceasefire starting again.

`It is the Sri Lankan state that unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire agreement and is unleashing a war against the Tamils in their homeland,` he charged.

`We are not against ceasefire or peace talks,` he said.

Asked about the petition filed by Nalini, sentenced to life in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, seeking premature release, Nadesan said the LTTE believed that holistic changes would take place and the Indian government `will recognise the legitimate aspirations of Tamil people and their freedom struggle. And Nalini`s release will start the holistic change.`

He termed Priyanka Vadhra`s visit to the Vellore prison to meet Nalini a few months ago as a `humanitarian gesture.` LTTE, which was indicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, continues to be banned in India. Nadesan`s interview came as the Sri Lankan military chief Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka claimed on June 30 that LTTE had lost capability to fight as a conventional force and its cadre strength had dropped to 5000 from 8000 in August 2006.