Part III : Concluding part of Anton Balasingham's speech
Anton Balasingham states that media reports of Prabakaran giving one month’s ultimatum are distorted. He states: "Prabakaran has not said that. Prabakaran has not given one month ultimatum. He says a brief period will be given till next year. He has not fixed a date. But has also told that cannot tolerate for a long period of time. "
He also deals with the issue of terrorism He asks: "What is terrorism?"
"You are using the word terrorism against us to stop us. So the leader asks: 'What is terrorism?' Kindly tell us. There is no clear definition anywhere Sir; Every country has its own definition of terrorism.
India is afraid of this term. If a clear definition is given it might undermine India's attempt to keep under its autocratic control the struggle of so many ethnic communities that are agitating and demanding their rights based on righteousness and justice.
Russian too is keeping ethnic communities under its control by using this word.
Is it possible for all those in different countries who are crushing and controlling so many national ethnic groups to go to the UN and agree on a clear definition? Impossible. So far you have proscribed so many outfits in the name of terrorism. But you cannot give a definition to terrorism. You are labeling those freedom movements that fight for justice and righteousness as terrorists.
But no one is bothered about the terrorism unleashed by the governments. State terrorists act freely, making use of these opportunities. There is an organization against terrorism under the leadership of America. And we are supporting them says India, Sri Lanka and Russia . They act jointly to cover up their state - sponsored terrorist acts in their respective countries.
Therefore, time and again, Tigers took up arms and fought and lost more than 18 thousands of it cadres on behalf of the oppressed people – those people who were subject to genocide and ethnic cleansing. Prabakaran has kept his head high and dignity by opposing the world.
Is it reasonable for you to call us terrorists, asks our Leader? We are militants who fought against the state terrorism. Why are you unnecessarily putting this stamp on us?
You keep the unitary rule, we have the Tiger rule, Mahinda Rajapakse. What type of agreement has he had with Jathika Hela Urumiya and JVP? They call this Mahinda’s Chinthanaya. Our Leader says between us and Mahinda and his Chinthanaya and our struggle for self determination the gap is vast and wide.
Now we will have a look at the policies of Mahinda ….
Last Friday he said in Parliament that the solution will be under the unitary set-up… We will not give up the Unitary set up. We are saying OK you better have the Unitary set up … We are also going to have a Unitary set up. You in the Sinhala land by linking with the Buddhist monks have unitary form of rule. In our homeland there will be Tigers Unitary rule. This is no problem for us. The new Leader says this loyally. We have no problem in him keeping the unitary form of government.
Mahinda is a nice man. Let him keep the unitary form of Government. We will also have the Unitary Government.
Furthermore, Mahinda says that there is no Tamils’ homeland. W e have already redeemed Aiyah (Sir) 70% . Look there is our Police force. You say that you want to come and meet Prabakaran. When you come, our Police force would provide you with the security. You have to obtain the entry visa. You cannot come simply across the border. Therefore, is there anything wrong in saying that there is nothing upstairs in the Sinhalese? You say that you will not give the homeland; we have redeemed 70 % of our land? There is only a balance of 30 % and it will not take much time for us to get that.
Similarly Mahinda says that right of self-determination will not be given to the Tamils.
We didn't;t ask that from you Aiyah (Sir). Who asked for it? Those days are gone.
Now we have decided and we are going to determine our own destiny. We will see what you are going to do?
Tamils have decided not to have your set up of administration. Tamils have said that they want to go their separate way.
Therefore it is meaningless to say hereafter that we have unitary form of government – we will not give self determining rights to the Tamils and will not accept the homeland.
Because the path we intend to tread is entirely different.
We ourselves will fight and win over our rights.
Mahinda says that he will revise the ceasefire agreement.
How are you going to revise that Aiyah (Sir) ?
Ceasefire Agreement is something agreed by two parties. Furthermore the international monitoring committee is also included in it. So many foreign countries are involved in it.
Ceasefire Agreement is not something between the Tigers and the Government. This is an international agreement.
Under such circumstances if you say that you are going to revise unilaterally will that be possible? Impossible.
Without asking us and without our permission it is not possible. Otherwise the cessation of hostilities will collapse.
If you are interested in breaking the cessation of hostilities, then do so.
We are ready for that also.
Mahinda Rajapakse wanted to call for an all party conference and come to a decision.
We know the meaning of the all party conference.
All party conference was an instrument adhered by the heads of government in the past to delay the problems of the Tamils.
Are we to believe that you intend to meet with 27 faces and come up with a consensus?
Even when Mahinda had the support of the 27 parties, but he did not represent the minorities – the Tamils.
However he keeps one as a minister and we know who he is.
He was given some Social Service responsibilities.
A friend told Bala Annae (elder brother) , he is not social service minister but an anti-social minister.
That was the right responsibility for his capacity.
Interlude or ultimatum?
I give you a small interlude. You say that you are a practical politician, pragmatists, wanted to talk with the Tigers, and wanted adopt a new approach.
All right, when you extend the hand of friendship, we are not willing to discard you. I give you one opportunity, but could only give the shortest time .
What are you going to do within that time…?
Peace, cessation of hostilities, what type justice you wanted to provide to the Tamil people, we will wait for sometime and we will not enter into a fight.
We give you a short term. Next year if you come back without doing anything and in the name of talks try to adopt dilatory measure, then next year we will intensify our self determination struggle says our Leader.
After the release of our Leader 's statement some news agencies have distorted and published the statement that Prabakaran has given an ultimatum to come up with a solution within this month and he will commence the war at the end of the month.
Our leader said nest year. Next year means may be in the middle of next year may be in the beginning of next year.
But they have distorted the news . Prabakaran has not said that. Prabakaran has not given one month ultimatum. He says a short period or next year. He has not fixed a date. But he has also told that he cannot tolerate a long period of time.
Our Leader has said importantly that whatever the hindrance there may be, whatever calamities may befall , whatever challenges we face we will fight against them .Our Leader had said finally "We will redeem the freedom of our homeland."
This concludes Anton Balasingham 's speech to commemorate the dead cadres at the Heroes day celebration held at Alexandra Place, Woodgreen, London, on 27 November, 2005.
- Asian Tribune -
(http://www.asiantribune.com/show_news.php?id=16347)
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