‘Need to know Colombo’s stand on resuming talks’ – Thamilchelvan

[TamilNet, Thursday, 29 April 2004, 09:20 GMT]
Mr. S. P Thamilchelvan, the head of the LTTE’ political division, said Thursday that the Tigers would state their stand on for resuming the island’s stalled peace process only after Norwegians peace facilitators first find out and apprise them of Colombo’s position regarding the basis for restarting negotiations. He was speaking to the local press after meeting head of Sri Lanka’s truce monitoring mission, Maj. Gen. (ret) Trond Furuhovde in Kilinochchi.

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Audio transcript of Press Briefing by Mr. S.P.Thamilchelvan

Asked about his discussions with Maj. Gen. Furuhovde, Mr. Thamilchelvan said: “Importantly, we discussed the implementation of the cease fire agreement after the change in government. We have to do it in new circumstances. We found out from him about the government’s position (regarding the implementation of the CFA). We told him about our leadership’s concern regarding certain incidents that have happened recently.

Asked on what basis the LTTE would restart talks, he said:

“It is not appropriate for me to speak on this matter at this juncture. A Norwegian team is scheduled to meet us soon. We can state our position clearly only after the Norwegians meet the Sri Lankan government and apprise us of its (Colombo’s) real stand (regarding the resumption of peace talks)”

“We have expressed our displeasure over the attack in Batticaloa. The attackers came from an area controlled by the Sri Lankan military. It could not have happened without knowledge of army. It has to be carefully investigated and the truth has to be brought out. This incident would certainly disturb the ceasefire. We have expressed our strong objection to the government through the SLMM”, Mr. Thamilchelvan said.