The Hindu : `LTTE must get the message'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2003

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`LTTE must get the message'

By Nirupama Subramanian

CHENNAI Oct. 21. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam "must get the message" that India will oppose any proposal that could lead to a division of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Tyronne Fernando, said here today.

In an interview with The Hindu, Mr. Fernando said the LTTE must stick to the path of finding a federal solution within a united Sri Lanka or face international wrath. If the LTTE made demands with the intention of dividing the country, it could plunge the country back into a war.

"This time, in the context of 9/11, the international community will come down heavily on them," the visiting Foreign Minister said. But he emphasised that he was "extremely optimistic" that the peace process would not break down.

The remarks by Mr. Fernando, who accompanied the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, to New Delhi on Monday, came as the LTTE announced it would present by October 31 its counter-proposals to a Government plan for an interim administration in the north-east.

Mr Fernando asked the LTTE to put forth only "reasonable" demands. "The interim administration has to lead to a final solution within the framework of a federal country," Mr. Fernando said.

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