Let the LTTE go to hell - Anandasangaree

TULF leader V. Anandasangaree in an interview with Sunday Observer staffer Jayantha Sri Nissanka claimed that LTTE leader Prabhakaran was never interested in peace and Thamilselvan could never be a leader by exhibiting his 32 teeth.Anandasangaree noted that Sampanthan was a capable man but lamented that he (Sampanthan) was conducting 'mock funerals' in Parliament on behalf of the LTTE.

Following are excerpts of the interview:

Q: People in Sri Lanka dream for peace. But due to the escalation of violence such dreams are shattered. In this backdrop, can the people hope for peace any more?

A: We can't have peace through negotiations. Because, the LTTE is not genuine and honest to find a solution to the North and East crisis. They have proved it by giving lame excuses to avoid the second round of talks. They participated in the Geneva first round with diplomatic treatment. On their return, God only knows what they brought. The customs did a thorough check and taxed them heavily. That is why they demand a sea plane now.

Q: Despite all these bans by the International Community still the LTTE continues to stick to their agenda. How can we achieve peace with them?

A: Yes, there is no alternative, we should ask the Government to chase them to Wanni.

Q: Why is the LTTE demanding protection to transport cadres from the East to the North?

A: If they don't have the facilities to transport cadres from the East to the North, it means they have lost control over the East. If they have the control, why do they want security? Even to board the sea plane, they want transport from land to the beach. They have taken us for a ride. It is obvious that they are not genuine to continue peace talks. If they are really honest, they can hold talks in Katunayake, Kilinochchi, Jaffna or any venue of their choice. I am convinced that they are not interested in peace talks.

Q: Is the Chopper issue a reasonable excuse for the LTTE?

A: In my letter to Prabhakaran I told him that the helicopter issue was not that serious to launch an assassination attempt on the Army Commander. That was unwarranted at a time when we were looking towards a solution.

Q: However they participated in the first round. Why do you think that they used the first round with ulterior motives?

A: They always use any opportunity for personal gain. Our Government was so sincere to bring the LTTE for talks. Why did they go one week ahead of talks? During that period LTTE fundraisers have given them millions of money organising dinner meetings. That is why even after talks they went to Norway. They had been to Norway a number of times.

Q: Do you think that LTTE leader Prabhakaran is not interested in peace?

A: Even if Prabhakaran wants peace, others who are enjoying power and luxury do not want peace. Prabhakaran may be wanting peace, because he may not be happy about underground life. But others who are enjoying, security, authority, power will not allow him to bring peace to the nation. If peace is there what is the future of Thamilselvan, Pulidevan and other frontliners? They have become heroes thanks to the plight of Tamil people. If Prabhakaran is interested in peace, he should order his cadres to lay down arms. Instead he sent a suicide bomber to kill the Commander of the Army. If he wants peace he should tell his cadres to halt operations. His landmines have not only killed servicemen but also ordinary people.

Q: Do you think Prabhakaran's life is not safe from his own people?

A: Otherwise why should he live in hiding? He can't trust the people around him. He cannot trust anybody for his survival.

Q: You are one of the most senior Tamil leaders in the country. How do you predict the future of the people in the North and East?

A: It is simple. I am pointing a finger at the then Government for messing up this whole issue. Until the Ceasefire Agreement was signed, everyone including me hoped that one day the forces will come and liberate Kilinochchi from the clutches of Tigers. I wanted to live in my house in Kilinochchi. All our hopes disappeared with the wind after the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement. I was one who welcomed it at that time hoping that the time has come for me to go back to my home and the LTTE is serious about peace. But what happened. They started asking the sun and the moon from the Government like they did in the past. The ISGA is the most idiotic proposal prepared by LTTE supporters. LTTE sympathisers in the South also promoted it. The ISGA is as good as asking for separation. People who have not studied the ISGA talk nonsense. The ISGA itself will divide Sri Lanka. Over the last four and half years, the LTTE is ruling with authority with the sanction of international community and the Government. Their illegal position was legitimised by the CFA.

Q: Do you say that the UNP put the country in jeopardy?

A: I should make this clear. The UNP trusted the LTTE so much and finally they deceived the UNP. I can't blame the UNP today because I could not find fault with the UNP at that time. I myself genuinely thought that the LTTE was serious after 20 years of fighting and loss of life and property. So we welcomed it. UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe also thought the same way. Those who find fault now should have protested at that time. The CFA brought us under the LTTE's permanent subjugation. I should have told this at that time. But if I said it at that time the people would label me as an anti-peace man.

Q: The international community seldom condemns LTTE killings. But when the Government starts limited air strikes on LTTE camps, they pressurise the Government to stop. Why are they so lenient towards LTTE actions?

A: My experience with the International Community is different. I have met a number of persons who are involved in the peace process. Everybody is disappointed with the LTTE. They don't want to lose credibility by taking a firm stand. That is one way of looking at it. Why did the European Union impose only a travel ban on the LTTE? It was a warning to the LTTE. The message was equal to the Government too. They warned the Government not to try to eliminate the LTTE without a solution. What is the international community expecting from us? They know that everyone is committed towards a solution within a united Sri Lanka based on federalism. Sri Lankans should be happy to find a solution within a united Sri Lanka. We are not for separation. Everyone will be happy if the international community pressurises the LTTE to agree to live within a united Sri Lanka.

A solution should be based on federalism. It is the duty of the Government and people who are for a united Sri Lanka to pressurise the LTTE to agree to a federal solution.

Q: But will the political parties come to an agreement on this issue as they all have their own political agenda?

A: This is the first time after 50 years the two main parties came together for a common solution. Why can't they spell it out to the international community? The JHU is now on accepting a Indian model federal solution. That is encouraging. I hope the JVP too will change their tough stand. Now the Government is under obligation to offer a solution based on federalism within a united Sri Lanka. If the Government feels the word Federalism and Unitary are allergic for some parties, forget about both words and without mentioning federal or unitary structure adopt the Indian model. Because of these two words this problem cannot be allowed to drag for many more years. A solution is knocking at our door. We should be sensible enough to open the door and adore it without committing the same mistake in the past like when Banda-Chelva Pact, J. R. Jayewardene marched to Kandy and Dudley-Chelva Pact somebody in the SLFP created trouble. Let us not make the same mistake now. The two major parties can jointly find a just solution.

Q: But if the LTTE reject such a proposal how can we bring peace?

A: Let them go to hell. The LTTE will reject every proposal. Why do you want to worry about the LTTE? Let the Government prepare a proposal based on the Indian model to show the international community. Ask the Co- chair members to study it. Other experts like Bob Grey, David Cameroon of Canada, Prof. Galthum can further study it and propose amendments. Once it is accepted, the International Community should tell the LTTE boys, look here this is all. But if the LTTE ask too much, we should say a firm NO. The LTTE will keep on rejecting every proposal even if it is a proposal recommended by the international community.

Q: Do you think that the LTTE will be tough with the international community on this issue?

A: Let the Government first offer a proposal. That is the moral duty of Government, whether LTTE accepts it or not. Don't you think that it is a moral duty of the Government to come out with a proposal within united Sri Lanka? If it is going to be a united Sri Lanka, it will be a federal solution and minorities will accept it.

Q: During the past 50 years, politicians in the two main parties played politics on this issue. That is why we are in this position today. Do you think that two main parties will come together? When President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga wanted a new Constitution to devolve power, the UNP participated in all meetings but played politics at the last minute without supporting it. How do you view this situation?

A: That is five years ago. The latest stand of the UNP is a federal solution. Latest stand by the SLFP is also a federal solution. So this opportunity should be seized in the interest of the nation.

Q: Why are you stressing that the two main parties can bring this solution today?

A: If by any chance even others object, I am sure the UNP and SLFP will agree.

Q: The LTTE killed so many Tamil leaders. Now they are after you. How can they achieve liberation by eliminating leaders?

A: That is what they want. If they knock off all leaders only they can emerge. Otherwise how can Thamilselvan become a leader today? What are his qualifications and leadership qualities? He only knows how to exhibit his 32 teeth. So can you become a leader by showing your teeth?

Q: Ranil Wickremesinghe's Government did so many things to bring peace to the country but failed. Now President Mahinda Rajapakse in power. How do you analyse the scenario?

A: I wrote to the President recently. I told him to table a draft solution at the next round of talks. If the talks do not take place, refer it to the people for a decision without any delay. Before doing so it is better to consult the Co-Chairs. India has a role to play at this juncture. It is true that they burnt their fingers trying to help us. India's participation is indispensable in a final solution. India should be happy if we adopt their system.

Q: Every Government came to power to deal with the LTTE to find a solution. They are a decisive factor. As a result President Premadasa lost his life. President Kumaratunga narrowly escaped but became blind in one eye. Can we go on like this?

A: That is the biggest mistake every Government did. At least now they must realize the reality.

Q: Except you and a few others all TULF members today join in hands with the LTTE. Your party is divided. Today you are out of Parliament because of the LTTE. You are the only Tamil leader fearlessly challenging the LTTE. Are the other TULF members in Prabhakaran's pocket?

A: That is because of fear. Sampanthan is a very capable man. It was he who should have led the team to Geneva. But, finally Thamilselvan led the team. If we rank people in Sri Lanka according to their capabilities, Thamilselvan will be the last man. The person who should have been on top is conducting 'mock funerals' in Parliament on behalf of the LTTE.

Q: What is the future of the East?

A: If the Government gives Karuna a little support, he can liberate the East. That is why LTTE asked for helicopter transport for fear to travel on roads as they can't trust Karuna.

Q: Don't you think that it is like setting up another 'Hamas'?

A: Karuna has now become a moderate. He announced it. But Prabhakaran never announced that he is a moderate.