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LTTE Delegation meets with Ireland’s Economic & Development Minister

Expressing condolences for the Tsunami victims, especially in the background of a two-decade old war, the Minister was emphatic that a Joint Mechanism for post-tsunami management is the key to draw in international participation in the reconstruction activities. The Minister also made reference to the lack of progress in the political negotiations and the peace process at large.

Mr.Tamilselvan, explaining the steps taken at the District level to effectively carryout rescue and relief operation, said that the LTTE leadership acted with circumspection and flexibility in accepting the draft proposals prepared by Norway with a farsighted perspective in the context of building mutual confidence while working together and weave into the splintered political fabric, the thread of hope in the midst of adversity. It is very unfortunate, Mr.Tamilselvan continued, that there is lack of consensus in Colombo even in sharing resources to meet a natural disaster that has confounded the already existing humanitarian crisis, consequent to non-implementation of the various clauses in the Cease Fire Agreement relating to alleviating hardships of a people who suffered immensely during the war and bring ‘normalcy’ although three years have passed since LTTE signed the CFA on behalf of the Tamil people.

Responding to the Minister’s concern over the delay in formulating a Joint Mechanism for post-tsunami management, Mr.Tamilselvan said that the LTTE has no reservations whatsoever in the draft proposal by Norway and is only awaiting a positive response from the government to give effect to the proposals that contain the essential elements of international custodianship of the Joint Fund, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and accepted principles. Mr.Tamilselvan also invited the Minister to send a fact-finding mission to the tsunami affected Tamil region with a view to assess the situation.

Associated with the Minister in the discussion was Ms.Cliona Manahan, Regional Director for Asia and Pacific, ASEAN and ASEM SOM, Department of Foreign Affairs, Political Division.

15 April 2005

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