LTTE Political Head meets leader of Sinn Fein
LTTE Political Head S P Tamilselvan met with Martin McGuinness, one of the leaders of Sinn Fein.
 Mr McGuinness shared his experience in the Irish Freedom Movement in Northern Ireland and asked Tamilselvan for a briefing on the present state of the peace process, asking specifically what prevents LTTE from participating in direct talks with the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL). 
The outline of the CFA was discussed, and Tamilselvan explained the strength of the LTTE at the time of entering the CFA, pointing out that the LTTE’s agreement to enter the peace process demonstrates the commitment of the LTTE. Tamilselvan stated that the LTTE wants to follow through with the peace process and in that hope it has been exercising restraint and patience during the period of the CFA. Tamilselvan further stated that the GoSL has not realized that it has an obligation to uphold its commitment to the peace process. Tamilselvan explained, that the GoSL’s refusal to accommodate existing travel arrangements to allow the LTTE’s eastern commanders to travel to Vanni to hold a central committee meeting prior to peace talks is one of the hurdles that must be overcome to hold Geneva II talks. He added that Tamil people will not accept LTTE participation in Geveva II, while civilians are being murdered and terrorized by the GoSL operated forces. Mr McGuinness stated that he understands the situation. He stated that as an experienced negotiator in the Irish peace process, he believes that parties should hold direct talks. Mr McGuinness said he will convey the LTTE’s stance to Colombo, his party and Europe. At the press meeting following the meeting, regarding the EU ban he stated, “it was a huge mistake for the EU leaders to demonize the LTTE and the political leaders of the Tamil people.” Aidan McAteer accompanied Mr McGuinness in the meeting. The LTTE delegation consisted of, S Nadeson, Police Chief of the LTTE, S Puleedevan, Secretary General of LTTE Peace Secretariat and S Bavanandan, Deputy Director of LTTE Peace Secretariat. Mr McGuinness serves as the Minister of Education for Northern Ireland.
03 July 2006
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Europe which has a total population of 800 million is made up of 45 language based nation states. South Asia which has a total population of one billion, (1000 million) is comprised of four states. Who is preventing and therefore benefiting by limiting new nation-states in South Asia?
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