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| Sunday, 2 November 2003 |
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ISGA proposals not prelude to secession - Thamilselvan by Ranga Jayasuriya in Kilinochchi Barely 24 hours after submitting a landmark power-sharing proposal to the government, the LTTE indicated its readiness for a dialogue with the government and has asked the Norwegian facilitators to arrange a meeting with the government at a mutually convenient time and venue. LTTE political chief S.P. Thamilselvan, addressing the media in Kilinochchi yesterday, said the LTTE was ready for a dialogue with the government to formalise the North East Interim Administrative set up. "We look forward to continuing the dialogue with the Sri Lanka government for the rapid creation and implementation of the interim administration of the North and East," Thamilselvan told the press. He said the LTTE has asked the Norwegian facilitators to arrange a meeting with the Sri Lankan government as a 'mutually convenient time and venue' and an IA wound provide a conducive environment for a negotiated settlement. The LTTE on Friday submitted its proposals for an Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) for a period of five years with special emphasis on rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement. The ISGA comprises eight districts namely Ampara, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Vavuniya. Thamilselvan ruled out that the ISGA will lead to an Eelam. "This is not a step forward to Eelam or a secession. This is an immediate need in the process for a viable and alternative solution to the ethnic question," he said, expressing optimism that the government would accept the LTTE proposal 'which will be a prelude to the final settlement'. "This will certainly find the acceptance of the government. We are certain," he said adding, "We will be sitting with the government to negotiate the creation of the ISGA." Asked about the constitutionality of the proposals, Thamilselvan stressed the need for an innovative, realistic and pragmatic solution 'which goes beyond the limitations of the constitution' and claimed that Tamils have been excluded in enacting the existing constitution. "Therefore, Tamil people cannot expect any government to resolve the question within the premises of the (existing) constitution," he pointed out. The LTTE political chief also said that the Tigers were 'compelled to seek an interim adminstration because of the failure of the Sub Committees on Immediate Humanitarian Rehabilitation Need (SIHRN) and other sub committees due to 'lack of political will and inadequate legal strength'. Commenting on the demand for a separate state, Thamilselvan said it was not the Tigers who put forward the demand, but Tamil moderates who passed the Vadukkodai resolution in 1976. "But it is the LTTE who took forward the struggle based on the Vadukkodai resolution," he said, adding "Now we are ready to expand an innovative alternative solution." Calling for Public support for the ISGA the LTTE political Chief said, "Peace to Tamil people has to be transformed to peace and prosperity of the entire country." |
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