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| Sunday, 5 October 2003 |
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In Interim Administration : LTTE to ensure TNA support -SPT by Frances Bulathsinghala in Killinochchi The LTTE's political wing Head S. P.Thamilchelvan (SPT) last Wednesday prior to his departure, on Thursday to Ireland to present the final draft proposals on the Interim Administration to the Tamil intellectuals and academics before they are handed over to the Government, in an exclusive interview said that he was confident that the proposals could be handed over by mid October. Following are excerpts of the interview.
Q: The LTTE met their international advisors last month in Paris to discuss the initial clauses of the proposals. Could you explain the necessity for meeting them again in a foreign country? A: It is more feasible economically for us to meet them abroad as we have many members in foreign countries. After our discussions in Paris and after consultations with our leader we found shortcomings and we wish to submit the revised proposals to our academics who are living in other parts of the world. We will especially focus this time on the economic arena as we have highlighted economic development as a key part of a final political solution to the north east question. In Ireland therefore we will concentrate on including new ideas in the sector of economics. Q: Who bears the cost of these foreign trips? A: We are being funded by Norway and other international organizations. We have spent millions on the war. We will if necessary spend more on peace. Q: The LTTE hierarchy in prior instances openly declared that Eelam was a last resort. Yet, the South understands Eelam to be a separate state as is now maintained with a separate police, military, judiciary and a completely independently managed administrative structure. The LTTE's main basic clauses in its final proposals are understood to be the retaining of its military, police and its flag. In such an instance would this not be equivalent to Eelam or a separate state? A: The word Eelam or homeland is a word venerated by the Tamil people. However various Sinhala politicians have made out this word to be a word of intrigue and one that scares off the people of the South. We want the Sinhala people to understand that what we want is to live in dignity in the land that we have lived for centuries. The war for Eelam was a last resort after years of failed peaceful discussions and we are confident that there will not again be the need for such a last resort again. We have run our army and police for twenty years. We have to maintain our military strength which is at the core of our organization. Q: You have been calling for territorial integrity and autonomy of the Tamils. Have the LTTE considered the territorial integrity of the South and the autonomy of the Sinhala and Muslim people in its proposals to be handed over to the Government ? A: Yes.Since we have been suppressed, we will not want to suppress others. We have studied the federal structures of many countries. All we are requesting is power sharing and our right to our land. Q: Could you specify the role that the Tamil politicians would play in an interim administration structure ? A: We have always kept the members of the Tamil National Alliance informed and consulted them on significant matters relating to power sharing. In the context of the interim administration we will make sure that we have the support of the TNA who have been representing the Tamils in a political framework. Q: The LTTE has maintained its stance that it does not have child soldiers with them. But now the LTTE has openly declared the existence of 50 child soldiers by releasing them to the UNICEF authorities. Could you explain this paradox? A: We never said that we did not have minors as members. We have only maintained that we did not mean to use them in battle. Q: You plan to resume peace talks if the government is in agreement with your proposals... A: Yes. We understand that there might be delays as both parties have to come to a final agreement but we are confident that we could achieve a lasting peace soon and it is because of this confidence that we have put in a lot of commitment and reliance in order to come to a final political solution with the Government. Q: Could you specify on the Muslim factor with regard to Muslims in the East in the event of administrative powers formally handed over to the LTTE? A: Our leader is keen to build up the trust of the Muslims. We have proved that with our action of handing eastern land back to the Muslims and in inviting the Muslims to resettle in the North East. We have taken into account the importance of the Muslim community as well in our proposals. We assure all Muslims that they need not fear to live in the North East. |
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