COLOMBO, Nov 22: The Tamil Tiger guerillas on Wednesday rejected a government request for a guarantee that a convoy of essential items to be sent to the northern Jaffna peninsula by road would be allowed to pass safely through northern rebel controlled territory.

The rebels instead demand that the A9 highway, the only road linking the north with the South, be opened permanently and not just as a ‘one time measure’ as announced by President Mahinda Rajapakse on Sunday.

“We reject the government plans to send a on-off aid convoy. Our demand is for the road to be permanently opened,” rebel spokesman Daya Master said.

The rebels announced their stand shortly after President Mahinda Rajapakse conveyed to non-governmental humanitarian organisations that co-operation by the LTTE would be expected in sending food items safely.

The food scarcity in Jaffna began in August when the A9 highway was closed after intensified fighting between the Tamil Tigers and the military.