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EU mulls ban on LTTE

Amit Baruah

Any decision on ban will have major implications There is, however, some resistance from within to formally ban the outfit, with some arguing that a high level of proof is needed

NEW DELHI: The European Union is engaged in an intensive internal debate on whether or not to ban the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the wake of mounting attacks by the LTTE in Sri Lanka over the past month.

European diplomats have told this correspondent that the issue will remain under discussion till a decision is reached. Already, in the wake of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar's murder, E.U. members decided in September 2005 that they will not receive LTTE delegations "until further notice."

Clearly, the growing belligerence of the LTTE has been noted in Europe and any decision to ban the Tigers in 25 countries (the Tigers are already proscribed in Britain) will have major implications for the terrorist group.

The diplomats, however, stated that there was some resistance from within the E.U. to formally ban the Tigers, with some arguing that a high level of proof was needed. Also, the point being made was that there would be no scope to engage with a "banned" organisation.

In a September 26, 2005, declaration, the E.U. had used harsh words against the Tigers, condemning the LTTE for its "continuing use of violence and terrorism." It stated that the pursuit of political goals by such totally unacceptable methods only served to damage the LTTE's standing and credibility as a negotiating partner and gravely endangered the peace process so much desired by the people of Sri Lanka.

"The European Union is actively considering the formal listing of the LTTE as a terrorist organisation. In the meantime, the European Union has agreed that with immediate effect, delegations from the LTTE will no longer be received in any of the E.U. member states until further notice," it stated.

More recently, the four co-chairs involved in Sri Lanka — the United States, Norway, Japan and the E.U. — met in Brussels on December 19, 2005. In a December 24 statement, the co-chairs expressed their deep concern at the recent escalation of violence.

"Sri Lanka faces a crucial choice today between mounting violence and reinvigorating peace. The Sri Lankan people clearly want peace — it would be a tragic step backwards if their desire was not heeded. The urgency of LTTE agreeing to hold talks on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement was particularly stressed by the co-chairs," the statement added.

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