New SLMM chief meets Thamilchelvan
[TamilNet, Monday, 27 March 2006, 10:36 GMT]
Former Swedish Brigadier and the new Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), Mr. Ulf Henricsson, met Head of the LTTE Political Wing, S. P. Tamilchelvan, Monday at 11.45 a.m. at the LTTE Peace Secretariet in Kilinochchi, LTTE sources said.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Thamilchelvan said: "We had detailed discussions on the ground situation and matters related to Geneva talks. I pointed out to the SLMM Head the disinterest shown by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) in fulfilling its pledges made at the Februry Geneva talks. "Instead of disarming the paramilitaries and expelling them from Tamil homeland, the GoSL has allowed the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and the paramilitaries to escalate violence in NorthEast in the form of assassinations, abductions, extortion, attacks and other harrassments. We pointed out that these actions threaten next round of talks in Geneva," said Tamilchelvan. "Mr Henricsson said that he is studying all aspects of his mission and will be actively engage with both parties when he assumes duties on the first of April." When questioned on the recent incidents in Trincomalee and Kalpitty, Thamilchelvan said: "The SLMM head did not bring up these incidents during the discussions. But everyone is aware that the GoSL and its armed forces are quick to blame all violence on the LTTE. We need not respond to these groundless accusations but should the SLMM raise any issue we will provide the necessary explanations." To a question on the current incidents creating an atmosphere that may affect the next round of peace talks, Tamilchelvan said: "The agreement arrived at the talks must be implemented fully. If parties fail to carry out the commitments made, then one has to question the utility of having another round of talks. We have made our stand clear to the head of the SLMM."
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