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| Sunday, 17 March 2002 |
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Premier tells LTTE: Come to civilian politics by FRANCES BULATHSINGHALA and R. THURAIRATHNAM The LTTE's civilian organisational activity in the Jaffna Peninsula is necessary if that movement is to enter the democratic fold, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe pointed out during his historic visit to Jaffna last week. The Prime Minister was making his first formal announcement about the political activities to be undertaken by the LTTE in Jaffna at the Bishop's residence in Jaffna city Thursday. He said that the LTTE was scheduled to take over full time political activities in the peninsula shortly. He said that the LTTE had informed the Government about its intention to open its political offices in other parts of the North and East as well. In the next few months the LTTE would come to the Jaffna peninsula to undertake their political duties. This was to be expected if they were to enter the political mainstream, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said at the meeting. Meanwhile, the political initiatives of the LTTE is expected to get a boost when a 50-member cadre visits government controlled areas next week. According to LTTE sources in Vanni, the cadre whose names have already been submitted to the Batticaloa Brigade headquarters for approval are expected to engage in political activities in the cleared areas. They are also expected to lay the groundwork for a cluster of political branch offices in Batticaloa, Valaichcheni and Kaluwanchikudy areas. The visit, due to take place after March 24, is in keeping with the MoU signed by the LTTE and the government last month, which specifies that 50 cadres can visit the cleared areas 30 days after the signing of the MoU. It also specifies that 100 members can visit the areas 60 days after the signing of the MoU and the entire cadre 90 days later. According to LTTE sources, the political branch offices to be set up in Batticaloa-Ampara will be operated from Kokkoddicholai, by Karikalan, LTTE's political wing commander. |
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