The Hindu : International : LTTE assails Colombo stand on transport facilities to its leaders

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Wednesday, Jun 08, 2005

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International

LTTE assails Colombo stand on transport facilities to its leaders

V.S. Sambandan

Provision declined after killing of intelligence officer by suspected LTTE gunmen

COLOMBO: Opposition to Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga's proposed post-tsunami operational management structure (P-TOMS) has gained momentum. Hardliners have demanded its withdrawal and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam shifted their emphasis to the current status of the ceasefire agreement and the provision of transport facilities for its regional leaders.

The LTTE on Tuesday said the ceasefire agreement (CFA) "is under serious threat" due to the "actions and inactions" of the Government.

Striking a belligerent note, the rebels said that they would "consider reverting" to their "own transport arrangement as was practised before the CFA" if the Government did not guarantee security.

This is the strongest public statement by the LTTE of a possible reneging of agreement, which entered its 1,200th day on Tuesday.

In a meeting with Norwegian envoy Hans Bratskar in rebel-held Kilinochchi, LTTE's political wing leader S.P. Tamilselvan stressed the "fragile nature" of the CFA against the backdrop of "violent killings that take place in Government-controlled areas" and Colombo's "negative attitude" in providing transport facilities to its eastern commanders and divisional heads through Government-controlled areas.

Mr. Tamilselvan also mentioned the "religious tension" in eastern Sri Lanka following the erection of statues of the Buddha.

Mr. Tamilselvan's remarks are against the backdrop of the Defence Ministry's denial in providing air transport to LTTE regional leaders between eastern and northern rebel-controlled areas. The provision of air transport, which Government sources describe as a "confidence-building measure" was declined after the killing of top Sri Lankan military intelligence officer T.N. Muthaliff on May 31 by suspected LTTE gunmen in Colombo.

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