Tigers reiterate stand, say Tamils losing peace hope

[TamilNet, Monday, 16 August 2004, 12:13 GMT]
''We explained to the European Union envoys the LTTE leadership's stand that we are ready to restart negotiations with the Government of Sri Lanka on the basis of the Interim Self Government Authority proposal which was endorsed by the Tamil people at the general elections", said Mr. S. P Thamilchelvan, head of LTTE 's political division, speaking to the press after meeting a top EU delegation from Colombo Monday in Kilinochchi.




"The EU delegation explained to us their concerns regarding the resumption of the peace talks", Mr. Thamilchelvan said.

"We told them how Tamil people are losing faith in the value of the peace process due to the political contradictions and power struggles in the south. We expressed our concern about the consequences of allowing this situation to continue", he said, responding to questions.

Mr. Thamilchelvan told the EU team that it is the moral responsibility of everybody including the LTTE that the Tamil people’s wish expressed as an overwhelming electoral mandate should be respected and talks should recommence without any further delay.

Responding to another question, he said that the issues related to the killings in the south and alleged recruitement of children were also discussed at the meeting with the EU delegation.

''We also explained the situation in the East where paramilitary forces are being nurtured and promoted by Colombo'',Thamilchelvan said.

"The EPDP group and Karuna's accomplices are engaged in activities aimed at disrupting the peace process", he said.

"These paramilitary groups are allowed to function in SLA controlled areas in the East. The LTTE also referred to the killings that have been committed by the dissidents within these paramilitary groups with adequate documentation, according to Mr. Thamilchelvan.

Replying to a question about whether these frequent visits signaled any pressure from the International Community, Mr. Thamilchelvan responded that the LTTE is not pressurised on any way and that the EU team encouraged the recommencement of the negotiations. The International community is concerned and it is interested in knowing our stand, he said.

Head of Tamil Eelam Police, Mr. P. Nadesan accompanied Mr. Thamilchelvan in the discussions with the EU team.