PLOTE critical of American action

[TamilNet, Thursday, 17 December 1998, 19:48 GMT]
The PLOTE's (People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam) current de facto leader, Manikkadasan, said today that he will organise demonstrations against the US and British missions in Colombo to protest against the American attack on Iraq.

He stated that Muslims in Vavuniya were eager to protest against what he described as US aggression against Iraq.

He issued a statement today condemning United States and British airstrikes against Iraq. Mr. Mannikadhasan said in his statement that nobody would support such a 'cruel war'.

In his statement, Mr.Mannikadhasan, extended support to the Iraqi head of state, Saddam Hussein. He urged Saddam Hussein to resist the United States and Britain until the war is won.

Manikkadasan was the PLOTE's military wing leader and in recent months has taken over effective control of the group from Dharmalingam Sitharthan, who is a member of the Sri Lankan Parliament.

He received military training and political teaching in Lebanon, during the period from 1982-84, from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) of Dr.George Habash.

He has since remained loyal to the PFLP and its doctrines.