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'People, political forces in South should co-operate fully' - Thamilselvan

Suppiah Paramu Thamilchelvan, commanded 'Operation frog jump' the attack on the Pooneryn army camp in 1993, one of the first attacks to be code named by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He is now the political head of the organisation. A key figure in the negotiating team of the organisation he reads avidly and makes it a point to buy rare books to his library which stands at over a thousand numbers.

He reiterates that the LTTE is committed to a peaceful settlement of the ethnic conflict and expects the cooperation of the people in the south and the country at large to make the peace process a success. Married, 35 year old Thamilchelvan is the father of a baby daughter. He spoke to the 'Sunday Observer' at the newly built and well equipped Peace Secretariat of the LTTE in Kilinochchi.

by Ananth Palakidnar

Question:- What is your view of the current stalemate situation in the peace process?

During the six rounds of talks held between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) so far, several issues with regard to the resettlement of displaced civilians and the rehabilitation activities were discussed in detail. But nothing has been implemented to the expectations of the people who have experienced the worst part of the war in the North and the East. Therefore an interim administration in the North and the East should be created to look into the grievances of the people. We feel that an interim administration will expedite the rehabilitation activities and also make the peace process more meaningful.

Q:- What sort of an interim administration are you expecting from the Government?

Well, we need an administration where we could function effectively in expediting the humanitarian activities. There are several thousand people still living with untold hardships in the North and the East. We believe that our involvement in the rehabilitation activities will help to a greater extent in re-settling the displaced people and putting everything back in order. While we engage in talks we should ensure that priorities of the people are also attended to. So we need an interim administration where we could function constructively and build up credibility of the peace process among the people.

Q:- How do you see the stance of the Government to your demand for an Interim Council?

We can understand that the Government realises the importance of an interim administration in the North and the East. They submitted some proposals to us, but we were not happy with them. They are in the process of preparing a fresh one. We have clearly stated that an interim administration for the North and the East should have substantial powers to solve issues which we come across.

Q:- The recent Tokyo donor conference announced a huge financial package of assistance for the humanitarian activities in the North and the East. What have you got to comment on this assistance?

Of course, the Tokyo conference had announced a big financial package. Then again what is the point of spending any amount of money without a proper administration? Even the international community believes that an interim administration is important to handle the issues in the North and the East. Therefore whatever the monetary assistance, we need an effective and trustworthy administration, which we believe could be provided by us.

Q:- How do you see the stance of the other Tamil political parties on your demand for an interim administration?

Almost all the Tamil political parties realise the necessity for an interim administration in the North and the East. We see hardly any differences between our stance and theirs.

Q:- How will you handle the issues of Muslims and Sinhalese living in the North and the East in your intended interim administration? Well, their problems will be given due importance. They have also faced severe difficulties due to war. Sinhalese and Muslims living in North and the East will be treated equally in our administration. There won't be any room for partiality.

Q:- Will the administration such as the police and the court houses which exist already in the areas controlled by you be included in the interim administration? It is too early to say anything on that. Our priorities will be mainly on the humanitarian side. The other issues will be taken up later.

Q:- Where will you set up your place of interim administration once you start functioning with it in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Trincomalee or Batticaloa? (Laughs) Let us first have the interim administration. Later on we can think about the place of administration.

Q:- You are one of the key participants in all six rounds of peace talks held so far. What have you got to say of the outcome?

It was smooth, friendly and cordial but what's the point of just keeping on talking without any constructive arrangement to implement the things which we agree upon during the talks? We are for strengthening the peace process and we also expect the opposite side to do so.

Q: How about the serious problems arising here and there between the LTTE and the armed forces both on the land and at sea?

The LTTE is doing its best to implement the ceasefire agreement. Since the Memorandum of Understanding was signed last year our cadres have been instructed by our hierarchy to cooperate in the successful implementation of the ceasefire. Despite several provocations we maintain the discipline and stand by the procedures of the ceasefire. It is the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission and the Government who should make sure that the armed forces also fall in line with the ceasefire.

Q:- Certain news reports indicate that your chief negotiator Dr. Anton Balasingham will be kept away from future talks and you will replace him. Is there anything like that?

Dr. Anton Balasingham is having health problems. We are very much concerned about his movements and travelling. At present we have no intention of keeping him away from the talks. If he is too so feeble we will think about other arrangements.

Q:- What is the message you want to give to the people in the South and the country at large on the peace process?

We are very much committed to bring peace to this country. On the other hand we also expect the people and the political forces in the south to give their fullest cooperation to see that the people in the North and the East live in peace with dignity. I reassure that the LTTE is for peace and not for war. Let us believe that a settlement will be reached as soon as possible.

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