Presidential candidate would give predecessor a role in talks with rebels

Oct 14 (AP) Opposition presidential candidate said Thursday if elected in a Nov. 17 poll he would give his predecessor a key role in peace talks with Tamil Tiger rebels. Ranil Wickremesinghe, a member of the main opposition UNP, said longtime rival and current president, Chandrika Kumaratunga, would be offered a role in the talks with rebels when she steps down after completing her current term.