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Norwegian Peace Envoy for Sri Lanka meets LTTE Political Head

LTTE readiness for the next Geneva talks, the travel of LTTE eastern commanders to Kilinochchi, and the alarming level of violence against Tamil civilians in Northeast were at the top of the agenda at this meeting.

Mr Tamilselvan, while fully expressing LTTE’s readiness to continue with the peace talks, explained to the Peace Envoy that GoSL has disturbed the smooth operation of the peace process by putting new conditions for travel of LTTE leaders. Mr Tamilselvan said that this is the reason for the current situation of confusion about the next round of talks. He described to the Peace Envoy, that LTTE had requested for the travel of the eastern commanders to Kilinochchi for a central committee meeting of the National Leadership prior to the next round of talks. He said that this is very important to study the paramilitary operations in east. This, he said, is important because it will be a main discussion point at the next peace talks.

Mr Tamilselvan, explained how the whole mess began because GoSL refused the established practice of providing helicopter transport to LTTE coomanders. When LTTE suggested the established practice of sea transport with SLMM monitors, GoSL refused this too. It is at this juncture that SLMM came up with civilian transport arrangement. This too was abandoned because Sri Lankan Navy interfered in it although LTTE requested no interference from SLN.

While speaking to the press Mr Tamilselvan said that LTTE has informed Norway, LTTE’s views about SLMM’s latest suggestion of civilian helicopter transport. He also added that LTTE has proposed some new suggestions to Norway for the safe transport of LTTE commanders.

Lastly, Mr Tamilselvan, reiterated to the special envoy, LTTE’s concern, as the leaders of the Tamil people, about the alarming levels of violence against Tamils by SLA and its paramilitaries. He particularly highlighted the pogrom in Trincomalee that killed 20 civilians, and injured 50. The killing of three hunters by SLA that had penetrated LTTE area in Puliyankulam and the shooting of 5 civilians from behind in Jaffna after asking them to run were pointed out as examples of the brutality of the armed forces.

20 April 2006

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