Norwegian Ambassador meets LTTE Political Head

[TamilNet, Thursday, 06 October 2005, 09:30 GMT]
Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar met with LTTE Head of the Political Wing, Mr S P Thamilchelvan, at the Liberation Tigers Peace Secretariat, Kilinochchi, Thursday, sources in Kilinochchi said. The discussions centered on the recent EU Statement and its effect on the peace process. Mr. Brattskar also explored the possibility of resuming peace negotiations early.

Talking to TamilNet following the discussion, Mr. Thamilchelvan said that he briefed the Norwegian Ambassador on the development of a "dangerous situation in the Eastern Districts, in particular where the anti-peace activities of paramilitary groups and the Sri Lankan Armed Forces were increasing at an alarming rate."

Mr. Thamilchelvan pointed out that the activities of paramilitary elements have escalated with the EU Statement which singled out the LTTE for criticism and punitive actions. Thamilchelvan expressed his concern and the urgency to arrest and contain this development.

Tamil civilians associated in community and social activities are also being affected badly, he said.

The Political Head of the LTTE also referred to the increase in anti-Tamil propaganda conducted by extremist Sinhala nationalists both from the political platform and through the Colombo mainstream news media. They are openly urging the Sri Lankan Military forces to resume war and are quoting the EU statement as support for their demand, he added.

"When the LTTE agreed to participate in negotiations, it was from the position of its military strength and in the hope that the International Community would fully support the basic human and democratic rights Tamils. The faith the Tamil people have in the International Community has been shattered with the EU Statement," the Political Head said.

Pointing out that EU Member Countries were initially instrumental in encouraging the LTTE to take part in the Peace Talks facilitated by Norway, preventing LTTE delegations from visiting EU Countries now is tantamount to refusing the LTTE the opportunity to maintain a dialogue with those countries, he argued.

This development denies the LTTE opportunity to present their case face to face to Europe while Colombo alone will be able to take its case to the European capitals. This gives room for misrepresentation by Colombo and misunderstanding by the EU countries, and is bound to have adverse effects on peace process, Mr. Thamilchelvan stated.

Thamilchelvan also observed that Norway, with its close association with both parties to the Peace Talks during the last three and a half years, is better positioned than any other country as a witness for the sincerity, dedication and seriousness with which the LTTE has approached the peace process. Norway is also aware of the patience the LTTE has exercised during times of provocation. Norway has an obligation to take steps to present the true case to EU member countries, Mr. Thamilchelvan said.