CWC supports self-determination demand -Thondaman

[TamilNet, Sunday, 14 April 2002, 14:42 GMT]
"The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) have come to an understanding to work together for the resolution of the Tamil national question", said Mr.Arumugam Thondaman, a UNF government minister Sunday. Mr.Thondaman, CWC leader met reporters at the Katunayake International Airport lounge Sunday afternoon on his return from LTTE held town of Killinochchi in the Vanni region.

Mr.Thondaman further said "CWC and LTTE have agreed to work together for the right of self-determination of Tamils. The CWC would support all steps taken by the LTTE in its struggle in this regard."

A delegation of the CWC led by Mr.Arumugam Thondaman flew to Killinochchi Sunday morning and held wide ranging discussion with the leader of the LTTE Mr.V.Pirapaharan regarding several problems concerned about the peace process. He described the meeting with Mr.Pirapaharan as a historical and a constructive one.

Mr.Anton Balasingham, the LTTE's political advisor, Mr. S. P. Thamilchelvan, head of the movement's political wing and Mr.V.Balakumar assisted Mr.Pirapaharan in the discussion.

The CWC comprised Mr.Muthu Sivalingam, Deputy Minister, Mr.R.Yogarajan, Parliamentarian and Mr.M.S.Sellasamy, Deputy Leader of the CWC.

"The CWC would support the LTTE whenever the rights of minority communities are under threat," Mr.Thondaman said.

"The CWC would provide whatever assistance needed to take forward the present peace process which is brokered by the Norwegian government between the UNF government and the LTTE", Mr.Thondaman further said.