LTTE targets Sri Lankan Army and Karuna by P.K. Balachandran

Seriously violating the Ceasefire Agreement, the LTTE has attacked the Sri Lankan Army in the northern district of Jaffna, killing 13 soldiers over the last 48 hours.

It has also attacked the dissident Karuna group in the Eastern district of Amparai, killing a top commander, Iniyabharathy.

The attacks have taken place in the context of a volatile political situation in which the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE have taken diametrically opposite positions on how to solve the ethnic conflict in the country.

While President Mahinda Rajapaksa wants a solution within a "unitary" state, the LTTE and the Tamils want a "federal" state at the very minimum in lieu of full independence for their "Homeland" in the North-East.

After killing six Sri Lankan soldiers in Kondavil near Jaffna with a claymore mine on Sunday, the LTTE killed another seven in the same manner, in Irupalai near Jaffna, on Tuesday. Among the killed was an officer. One soldier was critically injured.

In an operation in Kanchikudichcha Aru in the Eastern district of Amparai on Tuesday, the LTTE killed Iniyabharathy, one of the top most commanders of the dissident Karuna group, which had broken away from the LTTE in March 2004, and had allegedly been working in collaboration with the Sri Lankan armed forces since then.

The Tamilnet website reported that three other cadres of the "paramilitary" group led by Iniyabharathi were also killed. They were identified as Suman from Eravur, Thevan from Kaluvankerny, and Suresh from Vavunathivu.

Tamilnet quoted the LTTE's Amparai district political wing leader Daya Mohan as saying that the "para military" group led by Iniyabharathy had been intending to ambush the LTTE and that the LTTE counter attacked.

According to Tamil sources, the attacks on the Sri Lankan army in Jaffna were in retaliation to the killing of two Tamil farmers in Neervely in Jaffna. It is not clear as to who killed the farmers. But the Tamils believe that the army or a pro-government paramilitary group had done it.

Asked if the LTTE was intent on breaking the ceasefire by these actions, a Sri Lankan military spokesman said: "We do not know their intentions yet."

On Monday, the United States condemned the killing of six Sri Lankan soldiers in Kondavil. US State Department's Deputy Spokesman Adam Ereli said in Washington that such violence was "inconsistent with LTTE claims to be committed to the peace process."

(http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/7598_1566166,000500020002.htm)

Karuna's group pooh-poohed allegation by the LTTE on the Akkarapattu mosque attack

Colombo, 07 December, (Asiantribune.com): Tamil Eela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal emphasized that Akkaraipattu mosque grenade attack was done by the LTTE assailants, and none of their cadres surrendered to the LTTE. They also confirmed that one of their commanders Inniyabarathy is not dead. TamilEela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal, an outfit led by Colonel Karuna pooh-poohed the allegation by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam claiming that two paramilitary cadres of the Karuna group surrendered to them and has disclosed that Karuna group was responsible for the grenade attacks against Muslims worshippers at Akkataipattu on the morning of 18 November, where four Muslim worshippers died. The spokesman for the TMVP told the “Asian Tribune” that it was a fabricated and distorted Goebbles propaganda and will not be believable by the people in the Eastern province, especially by the Muslims in the region as they know very well that it was the LTTE that was responsible for this mosque attack. The spokesman further added that the LTTE assailants hurled grenades into mosque at Akkaraipattu, which was crowded with devotees attending the early morning on Friday prayers. In the grenade attack Ibraheem, Abubaker, died on the spot and M.I.M Mustafa and Noordeen later succumbed to their injuries. According to the statement of the TMVP, none of their cadres surrendered to the LTTE and it was a stage-managed ploy to distract and dilute the severity of the condemnation of LTTE’s heinous crime against humanity. The spokesman confirmed that there was an ambush by the LTTE at the Kanchikudichchan Aru in the Amaparai district where two of their cadres Suman and Thevan died. He added that one of their commanders Inniyabarathi sustained gunshot injuries but he is undergoing treatment and his condition is stable at the time of posting this news report. - Asian Tribune - (http://www.asiantribune.com/show_news.php?id=16353)

Prabhakaran will give time till next year not one month -- Anton Balasingham

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)

Two paramilitary cadres surrender, say Karuna group responsible for attacks against Muslims

Two paramilitary cadres, Mr. Gnanatheepan and Mr. Puhalventhan, have surrendered to the Liberation Tigers (LTTE) in Amparai following the counter-attack on Karuna Group cadres where four paramilitary cadres were killed Tuesday, Mr. Daya Mohan, political head of the LTTE in Amparai told TamilNet. The surrendered cadres have confirmed the death of the key operative Iniyabarathy, and have revealed that the paramilitary cadres led by Iniyabarathy were behind the recent attacks against Muslims in Amparai district, including the grenade attack on Akkaraipattu Mosque where four Muslim worshippers were killed, said Daya Mohan.

The surrendered cadres further had said that the paramilitary group was operating from the Sri Lankan Special Task Force (STF) camp in Pannalagama in Amparai district, Mr. Daya Mohan added.

Gnanatheepan and Puhalaventhan will talk to the media in a press conference soon, said LTTE's Amparai political head.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=16483)

Key Karuna Group operative, 3 paramilitary cadres killed in East

A key operative of the paramilitary Karuna Group, Iniyabarathy alias Barathy, was killed Monday night when the Liberation Tigers launched a counter attack on a group of paramilitary cadres who were on an ambush mission towards Kanjikudichcha Aaru forward defence post of the Tigers, Mr. Daya Mohan, LTTE's political head in Amparai told TamilNet Tuesday. Iniyabarathy was killed with three other paramilitary cadres in the no-man zone between the Sri Lanka Army held Manthoddam and the LTTE held Kanjikudichcha Aaru, located 5 km east of Siyambalanduwa near the border of the Moneragala and Amparai Districts.

Iniyabarathy was from Kaluwankerny in Eravur, Daya Mohan said.

The three paramilitary cadres killed along with Iniyabarathy were identified by the LTTE as Mr. Suman from Sithandy, Eravur Mr. Thevan from Kaluwankerny, Eravur and Mr. Suresh from Vavunatheevu in Batticaloa.

The counter attack took place at 2:20 a.m Tuesday when a group of more than ten persons were moving towards the LTTE forward defence posts located around one kilometer from the Sri Lankan Special Task Force (STF) positions, he added.

The paramilitary operative Iniyabarathy was allegedly behind many abductions and killings in the east. He was also known for issuing telephone death threats, sources said.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=16480)

Anton Balasingam's speech in London draws fire from Tamil expatriates

Siva Chelliah from London., December 1. LTTE's chief negotiator Anton Balasingam's speech at the Hero's day event has drawn strong criticism among Tamil expatriates living in Europe. LTTE's annual Hero's day event was held last Sunday (November 27th) at the Wembley Arena in the outskirts of London. Mr. Balasingam was the keynote speaker at the event in London and spoke at length about the peace talks and the last presidential elections. He said that the LTTE was more worried about Ranil Wickeramasinghe whom he referred to as a "dangerous snake in hiding". Mr. Balasingam said LTTE was not serious about the peace talks, but was forced to attend the talks. Though he did not mention who forced LTTE, Mr. Balasingam said that participation in the peace-talks "took some pressure off on the LTTE".

Mr. Balasingam further said EU's travel ban has little or no effect on the LTTE. Further elaborating on the issure he stated "We anticipate that the EU might ban LTTE. But the Tamil people here strongly believe in us and support the LTTE. Even if the EU bans us, the Tamils won't give up on us. For the things we have to do in public, openly, we have to find some other way. So the ban will not affect us. I will not have any problems to travel, as I carry a British passport. I can go there anyhow. Only people from Wanni, like Thamilselvan and Pulithevan won't be able to visit Europe". Mr. Balasingam said he moves around in London openly and alone, and some friends had asked why he is taking such a risk. He said "if I die inside the house from heart attack nobody will care. But if someone kills me while I walk around, then I will be a Hero". Mr. Balasingam is rarely seen in public in London, where he lives with his wife in a guarded house.

During his long speech Mr. Balasingam also blurted out some 'behind-the-scene' details about the participants at the peace talks that drew harsh criticism from several pro-LTTE Tamils in Europe. Referring to the talks held in Thailand, Mr. Balasingam said, "Only me and G.L Pereis were struggling about the Federal political system. By afternoon, all our boys who were there would sneak out and come back very late in the night. I wanted to know where they were all going, and found out that they were going to shopping centers looking for Thai girls. But I couldn't do anything" and went on to comment about his Australian born wife. Mr. Balasingam alleged that Mr. Milinda Meeragoda and the then UNP government might have thought by showing foreign countries and the lifestyles there, they can weaken the minds of the LTTE cadres. He said although these boys had seen what was 'available' in Bangkok, they returned back to Kilinochchi where they are committed to the LTTE. Mr. Balasingam, along with Mr. V. Rudrakumar, LTTE's legal advisor, Dr. Jay Maheswaran, a rehabilitation and development expert, Mr. S.P. Thamilchelvan, Head of the Political section of the LTTE, Colonel Karuna, then LTTE's special commander for Batticalo and Mrs. Adele Balasingam represented LTTE on October 2002, in the city of Nakhon Pathom, 35 miles west of Bangkok.

Mr. Balasingam started his speech with a chilling warning to the TULF leader Mr. Anadasangaree. He said that "Pottu Amman has built a star hotel in Kilinochchi and the TULF leader can enjoy the 'hospitality' of Pottu Amman there".

Tamil expatriate communities in Europe are deeply agitated about some of the utterances of Mr. Balasingam in his speech in London. His admission that LTTE cadres visited Thai girls during the peace talks and his boasting that because of his British passport he will be able to go anywhere and Tamilselvan and Pulithevan will have problems, drew criticism from Tamils. Audio files of Mr. Balasingam's entire speech in London is available at several pro-LTTE web-sites, including the Norway funded Nitharsanam.

(http://www.theacademic.org/)

Tamils stuck in Prabhakaran’s terrorism – Col Karuna

Colombo, 27 November, (Asiantribune.com): Declaring that the Tamils have lost their freedom struggle because they are stuck in terrorism V. Muralitharan (Col. Karuna) President of the Tamileelam Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) has asked the new government of Mahinda Rajapakse to:

1. revise the Ceasefire Agreement that paved the way for the LTTE to kill Tamils, Muslims and Armed Forces;

2. reconsider the role of Norway and

3. LTTE should be disarmed before commencing any talks.

Muralitharan raised these and other issues in exposing Prabhakaran’s anti-democratic terror tactics in his Heroes’ Day speech.

Here is the full text of his speech:

On a day when we dedicate ourselves to the memory of our fighters who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Tamil Elam we have to pray for the liberation of our Tamil people.

We have before us the duty to ensure that the valour and sacrifices of our fighters are not made meaningless.

We had with us many intellectuals and leaders to lead and guide our people. But, we have lost all of them. Therefore it is our foremost duty to safeguard the lives of our remaining intellectuals and learned men and women.

I very much regret the fact that we who started a freedom struggle to liberate our people are fighting our own youth instead of fighting the enemy.

I never wanted our youth to fight among themselves and get mutually destroyed. I have seen for myself how wrong this is. That is why I sent all my young fighters to their homes. However, the LTTE killed all those whom we sent home without remorse or mercy. They were killed even when they were asleep and by treachery. We cannot call this an act of valour.

They have forgotten that their struggle is for the liberation of our people and these evil men who engage in nothing but murder have not left alone our younger generation. In order to save our youths and our people from the LTTE leadership we had to ask our cadres who were sent home to take up arms again in order to defeat and chase out these traitors to our cause.

I wanted to be on the sidelines at least for some time but the murderous acts of Pirabaharan had brought me back to the scene. We had been conducting some defensive attacks on the LTTE for the past one and a half years. Sadly those who were killed in these attacks were all Tamils. We have to think why this situation was created.

It is clearly evident for us that the leadership of our people and its liberation has got entrapped in the hands of wrong leaders. It is now several years since this leadership was rejected by the international community. Even now some countries are trying to ban this leadership. We should carefully consider why this has happened.

The reason is clear. It is because our liberation struggle has deteriorated into terrorism. We have still not achieved liberation because Pirapaharan’s terrorism stands in the path of our liberation struggle blocking its advance.

We should not forget the fact that the one single obstacle to our liberation is Pirapaharan. Only those people who have benefited by his terrorism are trying to hide this fact.

Pirapaharan has thrust upon the Tamil people a totalitarian control. He is camouflaging his dictatorship with the Tamil Eelam label. One example of his dictatorship was the violent force he had used to stop the people of North East from participating in the election held on the 17th. He demonstrated that he alone has the full dictatorial control over events in North East and that the Tamil people have no rights of their own. This has once again proved that our people do not know how to get out of the clutches of these evil men who run a dictatorial regime. This is nothing new. It was happening for years. He will allow the people to go to vote whenever he wants them to vote and stop them from exercising their voting rights whenever he wants them not to vote. This is how dictators behave. It is in the hands of our people to accept him or reject him.

He praised Ranil Wickremasinghe as a good and able person. Then at the elections he stabbed him in the back. Ranil did not give what he bargained for. That was the reason why he ensured Ranil’s defeat.

He created a long lasting enmity within the Tamils by the killing members of other Tamil groups and Tamil leaders. In order to end this enmity we are now forced to turn our guns against him. This makes me wonder where we are heading for.

I wonder whether all the sacrifices of our young men are meaningless. We should not allow their sacrifices to be wasted. Therefore we should get together to save the lives of our youth.

We would like to make one request to the cadres who are now supporting the LTTE leadership which is entrenched in Vanni. Reject this leadership and join us. We lost our fighters all these years in our struggle for freedom. But, we have not achieved the freedom we longed for. Our people who taught arts and culture to the world are now tottering without an able leadership to lead them forward. We should pose to think as to who created this situation.

I once thought that Pirapaharan and his men are travelling on the path of Tamil Eelam. I never looked into his other side. As I had an unshakable confidence in the liberation of our people I could not then see any shortcomings. I am one of those who were disillusioned because I believed that everything was done for the liberation of our people.

Except warfare nothing else interested me. Only now I realise how far we are behind in politics. By killing all those who were perceived as enemies we did not achieve liberation or political advantage. What remained was the name tag “terrorist”. These talks about peace and dialogue are in order to remove this stigma and the ugly label “terrorist”.

They have not really changed. On the outside they talk about peace but in the sly they continue to engage in murders. What is most ludicrous is that having murdered Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar they are trying to fool us by calling for inquiries into his killing and for the punishment of the perpetrators. They believe they could whitewash everything by telling lies. In the end our liberation itself will become a big lie.

There is no point in reminding again again about the past. At the same time we should not forget the past.

Let us on this Heroes Day once more dedicate ourselves for the liberation of our people for which our young men and women sacrificed their lives having reposed their believe in our goal and policies. The international community has recognised that we are a separate nation.

The policies of those who claim to be the sole representatives of the Tamils our political rights have been pushed backwards. However, we will win the rights of our people. We will continue our fight until such time we satisfactorily achieve the rights of our people.

We wish to settle the differences between the two communities by dialogue. Because of the rights issue, the two communities in Ceylon have suffered in many ways. The Sinhalese leaders too have learnt some lessons. Continuing the war will take the country backwards but not forward.

Though some parties are rejecting the rights of the Tamil people, those who have come to power understand the reality. Sinhala parties have different policies. We need not worry about that. Let them have their policies. But if we stand firm on our policies we can win back our rights.

At this juncture we have to stand between terrorism and opportunism and continue our struggle to win back our rights. The Sinhala people and Tamil people have so far failed to reach a solution. We cannot find a solution through agents.

In order to find a solution, those countries who knew very well our histories and who are in touch with our people should come forward to assist us. There are only two such countries that fall into this category. They are India and Britain. Only these two countries understand our problems very well. We would welcome only their mediation. In particular, India is the country which should come forward to settle our problem. Britain is a country that ruled us and later transferred the administration in the hands of the Colombo people.

It is Pirapaharan who is preventing these two countries from interfering in our problem.

All the countries feel that finding a solution at this stage will only strengthen the hands of Pirapaharan and his organisation. If Pirapaharan’s hands are strengthened, it would strengthen the hands of terrorism. Pirapaharan’s organisation is considered by the international community as a terrorist group. This is why his organisation is banned as a terrorist group. Thus, it is very clear that the only obstacle to find a solution to our problem is Pirapaharan.

However, if our people can unite together we can achieve freedom very soon.

We are prepared to make concessions. We need intellectuals and leaders to lead our people. They should shed their fears of the Vanni LTTE leadership and come forward to unite together.

The path to our liberation is very clear. We lost our freedom struggle because we were stuck in terrorism. The real freedom lovers should come forward in unison to defeat terrorism and to achieve our freedom. Our people’s problem is not one man’s problem. All of us have a role in finding a solution to the national problem of our people. No one person can claim the sole right to lead our freedom struggle. Therefore I call upon all the Tamil groups that loved our freedom and made sacrifices with the lives of their cadres and all Tamil people to unite together.

From the start of the freedom struggle until today all Tamil groups have made sacrifices with the lives of their members. It is nothing but dictatorial to claim that one single group had made sacrifices.

I am not claiming to lead our people and I am not asking you to follow me. My request to all of you is to get together so that we could lead a common struggle to achieve our freedom.

There are many people who have made greater sacrifices than the sacrifices I have made. We have to recognise those sacrifices. In our selfishness we should not belittle those sacrifices by calling them traitors and thereby hurt the struggle of our people.

Our Tamileelam Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) organisation and the Eelam National Democratic Liberation Front (ENDLF) came together last year to form the Tamileelam Ikkiya Viduthalai Munnani (TIVM).

We formed this joint organisation in order to demonstrate that North and East are together in our struggle for liberation and to show our unity and friendliness. This showed that no one is big or small but that all of us should work together by forgetting our differences in size or importance for the sake of a common cause.

We should very soon establish the real representation of our people. That representation would include all eligible persons. That representation should take our problem to India and Europe in order to find the correct solution.

No one should fear the armed intimidation of Pirapaharan. Time will give him an answer. My request to all Tamil groups is that as we understand our people’s problem very well we all should join together. All of us have to share the responsibility for the deaths of our people. If we have led our freedom struggle in the correct path we would have achieved freedom a long time ago. We need not have lost so many lives.

On an occasion when we remember the sacrifices of our fighters we have to find ways to save the lives of our young men from death and destruction and to make them live longer. The future of our people is in the hands of the youth. By leading them on the correct path we could make our people stand high in this world and make them the backbone of the modern scientific world.

Our problem is inter-related to the problems of the Muslims. Only a comprehensive solution to the problems of all Tamil speaking peoples could help establish a permanent peace in this country. The ethnic problem will continue so long as the rights of the Muslims are denied.

In the meantime, we wish to ask the newly elected Government to immediately revise the ceasefire agreement that had paved the way for the LTTE to kill Tamils, Muslims and the Armed Forces. The government should also re-consider the role of Norway which had facilitated the agreement. We wish to tell the Government that if there is to be true peace in this country, LTTE should be disarmed before commencing any talks with them.

At this time when we are remembering our heroic youths, I request the Tamil speaking people to make a determination to save the lives of our youths.

Nanri, (Thanks.) Vanakam.

V.Muralithran (Karuna)
President
Tamileelam Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP)

(http://www.asiantribune.com/show_news.php?id=16265)

Sri Lanka: LTTE Heroes Day speech reveals an organisation in crisis

Each year the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), V. Prabhakaran, delivers a "Heroes Day Speech" that is regarded a major statement of policy. This year’s speech on November 27 revealed an organisation in deep political turmoil, caught between a return to war and a "peace process" that has no resolution in sight.

Well aware of mounting hostility among Tamils and frustration in his own ranks, Prabhakaran was compelled to warn, particularly as the day was to mark the sacrifice of the LTTE's fighters that the current impasse could not continue indefinitely if peace talks did not resume.

However, prospects for renewed negotiations are bleak. The speech came just a week after Mahinda Rajapakse of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) was elected the new Sri Lankan president. He won the election with the backing of two Sinhala extremist parties—the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU)—which insisted on a series of ultimatums to the LTTE.

Rajapakse announced this week that he would revise the current ceasefire agreement signed in 2002, scrap a joint mechanism with the LTTE for the distribution of tsunami aid agreed last year, and discuss peace with "all parties involved in the crisis". If the LTTE agreed to any or all of these measures, it would involve a humiliating back down on previously stated positions.

In his speech, Prabhakaran warned: "Our people have lost patience, hope and reached the brink of utter frustration. They are not prepared to be tolerant any longer. The new government should come forward soon with a reasonable political framework that will satisfy the political aspirations of the Tamil people." This was “an urgent final appeal," he declared, and, if rejected, the LTTE "will, next year, intensify ... the struggle for self-determination, to establish self-government in a [Tamil] homeland."

The LTTE’s frustration stems from the fact that it agreed to a ceasefire in February 2002 with the United National Front (UNF) government. In subsequent negotiations, it abandoned its central demand for a separate Tamil state in return for a power sharing arrangement with Colombo—in essence, a deal between the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim ruling elites for the mutual exploitation of the working class.

But the peace talks broke down in April 2003 after a series of provocations by the Sri Lankan armed forces. The UNF government confronted an aggressive campaign against the ceasefire and the negotiations, involving President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Sinhala extremists such as the JVP and sections of military and state bureaucracy. Kumaratunga arbitrarily dismissed the UNF government in February 2004 on the basis that it was “undermining national security".

Under pressure from the major powers and the corporate elite in Colombo, Kumaratunga then reversed her decision and sought to restart the "peace process". In June, she signed a joint agreement with the LTTE to distribute aid in the North and East which was viewed a step toward new talks. The JVP, however, denounced the deal as a "betrayal of the nation" and quit the ruling alliance. The Supreme Court finally scuttled the agreement’s implementation by ruling that its core clauses were unconstitutional. Prabhakaran declared the decision "killed the last hope" for resuming talks.

Among ordinary Tamils, discontent is on the rise, not only with the Colombo government and the military, but also with the LTTE. Despite the ceasefire, living conditions have not substantially improved. Hundreds of thousands of people still live in refugee camps or with relatives and friends. The military has insisted on maintaining extensive high security zones in the North and East, preventing thousands of people from returning to their homes, land and businesses. On top of this, the LTTE's own taxes are a huge double burden, which is compounded by the thuggish methods used by the organization to maintain its false claim to be "the sole representative" of the Tamil people.

Despite his rhetoric about "intensifying the struggle," Prabhakaran’s speech revealed a marked reluctance to return to war. He is conscious that there is no enthusiasm for war among any section of the Sri Lankan population, including Tamils in the North and East. Despite the aggressive stance of Rajapakse and the sabre-rattling of his chauvinist allies, Prabhakaran declared that the LTTE had "decided to wait and observe for some time" if the new government offers "a reasonable political framework".

A futile appeal

Prabhakaran’s moderate tone was bound up with the central thrust of his speech—an appeal to "the international community" to "understand" the LTTE’s problems and to press Colombo for the resumption of peace talks. The LTTE, he said, wanted to participate in peace talks to "secure legitimacy” and "to internationalise the struggle and win the support and sympathy of the international community"

In a revealing comment, Prabhakaran declared that the LTTE had been "compelled by unprecedented historical circumstances to participate in peace talks with the Sinhala state," first by the "Indian regional superpower" and "by the pressure of the international community at a later period". The "circumstances" were the eruption of US militarism following the September 11 attacks on the US. The LTTE, confronted with the prospect of being included in the Bush administration’s list of targets for its "war on terrorism", rapidly agreed to a ceasefire and the start of negotiations.

While it has backed the “peace process”, Washington has openly sided with Sri Lankan governments in demanding that the LTTE "renounce violence" and begin the process of disarmament prior to any political settlement. By refusing to remove the LTTE from its list of "terrorist organizations," the US has maintained a thinly veiled threat to assist the Sri Lankan military if war should resume. Over the past three years, there has been a steady stream of US officials—including military top brass—through Colombo.

The Bush administration’s support for the peace process in Sri Lanka has nothing to do with any concern for the impact of the 20-year war on the population. Having ignored the war for years, Washington wants an end to what is a continuing source of instability on the Indian subcontinent where the US has growing strategic and economic interests. The US along with India, Europe and Japan have made it abundantly clear that the LTTE can only expect a relatively minor role out of any final political settlement.

Far from "understanding" the LTTE's problems, the "international community" is ratcheting up the pressure on it. In September, the European Union imposed a travel ban on the LTTE after the assassination of the Sri Lankan foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar—despite the lack of conclusive proof that the LTTE was responsible. Following the November 17 presidential poll, the US sharply criticized the LTTE for its “clear campaign of intimidation” in imposing an informal election boycott.

Yet Prabhakaran was reduced in his speech to making a rather pathetic appeal to the same "international community". The LTTE is treading a well-worn path that over the past decade or so has seen "national liberation movements," such as the PLO in the Middle East and the ANC in South Africa, accommodate to the demands of the imperialist powers in return for a minor place within the capitalist order.

It is not from lack of trying that the LTTE leaders have failed to complete the transition from jungle fatigues to business suits. At the first round of talks in 2003, Anton Balasingham, the LTTE’s chief negotiator, said the hopes of Sri Lankan leaders to convert the country "into a successful Tiger economy" could “best be realised by embracing the Tamil Tigers as their equal partners”. In his latest speech, Prabhakaran explained that the LTTE had on offer a "formidable" administrative structure, a powerful military force and a "police force and a judicial system to maintain law and order".

From Prabhakaran’s standpoint, the LTTE has gained absolutely nothing, in spite of its concessions, in the three years since the ceasefire was signed. Boxed into a corner, the LTTE may well decide to return to war. Just as politicians in Colombo are stirring up anti-Tamil chauvinism to divert attention from the deepening social crisis confronting ordinary people, so the LTTE leadership is increasingly whipping up anti-Sinhala communalism in a desperate attempt to shore up its social base.

In his speech, Prabhakaran repeatedly equated the Sinhala ruling elites with the mass of ordinary working people, who are not to blame for the anti-Tamil discrimination of successive Colombo governments. He declared that the "Sinhala nation continues to be entrapped in the Mahavamsa mindset" and failed to recognize the “historically constituted nation of Tamil people” and their "homeland".

Prabhakaran’s resort to communalism is an admission of political bankruptcy. Like its Sinhala counterparts in Colombo, the LTTE is incapable of offering a progressive solution to the island’s devastating war, let alone ending the social misery facing millions of people in the North and East. Its only answer to the aggressive stance of the Rajapakse government is to respond in kind: by poisoning the political atmosphere with reactionary chauvinist rhetoric and threatening a return to bloody fighting.

- World Socialist Web Site -

(http://www.asiantribune.com/show_article.php?id=2884)

Colonel Karuna on Prabakaran’s duplicity

Colombo, 19 November, (Asiantribune.com): Colonel Karuna alias Venayagamoorthy Muralitharan , the leader of the breakaway group from the LTTE, in an exclusive interview with Asian Tribune, said that Tamil National Force, TamilEela Makal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) and the Tamils are ready to work with the President elect Mahinda Rajapakse to search for an acceptable solution along with other like - minded Tamil groups and Tamil leaders.

He said that he wishes to send through ‘Asian Tribune’ his congratulations to the President-elect, Mahinda Rajapakse. He has also conveyed his best wishes on his 60th birthday.

Colonel Karuna said that he expects that during Mahinda Rajapakse’s Presidency the issues connected with the Tamils and Tamil speaking people in this country would be solved and a sustainable peace with honor and dignity would be found once and for all.

Colonel Karuna stressed that the new President should come forward without delay to amend the Ceasefire Agreement which gave immense power to Prabakaran to kill the Tamils and that Tamil group opposes to his self centered politics of violence, terror and mayhem.

He said: "The new Ceasefire Agreement should effectively enforce the decommissioning of arms and ammunitions of Prabakaran and his men, All the so - called political offices in the areas under the control of the Sri Lanka government should be disbanded forthwith and A-9 road has to be brought under the control of the newly formed Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission.

"Government of Norway which spent millions of US Dollars to prop-up the candidature of Ranil Wickremasinghe and also keep on pumping millions of dollars on anti - Sri Lankan and anti-Tamil campaigns should be condemned openly, “Karuna pointed out.

Norwegian Embassy in Colombo which functions as the paymaster of monies to all the anti-Tamil, anti-Karuna and anti-Mahinda NGO’s should stop channeling secret funds forthwith. Otherwise we may be compelled to take necessary political actions to stop pumping funds and organizing the smuggling of lethal weapons to kill the Tamils and to disrupt peace and stability in the country, Colonel Karuna warned.

"Also we request that the present toothless Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission led by Norwegian retired Army personnel which is biased and bent only on supporting the LTTE should be disbanded and a new monitoring mission of SAARC countries be formed to monitor any violations of the future amended the Ceasefire Agreement ," he said.

When commenting about the election, he said whatever said and done Prabakaran and Ranil Wickremasinghe combine was unable to stop Mahinda Rajapakse winning the Presidential election.

Colonel Karuna told that the Tamils in the North and East have shattered the myth that LTTE led by Prabakaran is the sole representatives of the Tamils.

This has enraged the LTTE and Prabakaran and he was forced to unleash the unprecedented threat, terror and violence on the Tamil peoples to prevent the Tamils from voting and depriving them the opportunity to express their choice and denying their fundamental democratic rights of exercising their franchise.

If Prabharan was so sure that the Tamils would listen to his words and if they really recognized him as their sole representative and were not willing to participate in the voting according to his Aanai – edict, then there was no need for him apply fear tactics and send his murderous cadres even into a mosque in Akkaraipattu to lob two grenades and kill the innocent Muslim worshippers, with the view to create tension between the Tamils and Muslims in the East and create ethnic clashes in the East.

Furthermore Karuna said, “We are fully aware that two batches of 20 special intelligent cadres in each batch were dispatched to the East from Vanni and they were with Bhanu at Karadiyanaru where they were given the necessary plans and instructions to disrupt the election and they were the ones responsible for the terror and mayhem that were let loose at Prabharan’s behest in the East on the polling day.”

Colonel Karuna pointed out that one more time Prabakaran has amply exhibited to the international community by his acts that he is of course a terrorists and would never change. “I condemn him for his terrorists’ activities and for denying the Tamils their basic rights of exercising their franchise” Karuna admonished.

(http://www.asiantribune.com/show_news.php?id=16183)

Karuna fled with UNP support, because he feared the disciplinary action -- Eelanatham Editorial.

Colombo, 13 November, (Asiantribune.com): The latest editorial of Eelanatham, the official Tamil language daily of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam published from Kilinochchi , has come down hard on Karuna, the breakaway rebel from the LTTE, and the UNP.

The editorial refutes the UNP claim that it split the LTTE into Karuna and Prabhakaran camps. It states : " Ranil did not split Karuna from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, but Karuna fled fearing the disciplinary action and may be UNP would have given him the refuge. "

In an editorial titled “Traitors and Guardians” states :

United National Party (UNP) has begun to make haughty claims that it was Ranil Wickremasinghe who was responsible for Karuna leaving the LTTE . The UNP claims that Karuna left after they took him on tours abroad and showed him the outside world.

The same view has been expressed by one of the leaders of the ruling UPFA. Repeating his previous statements, Mangala Samaraweera confirmed that it was UNP that created Karuna.

It is necessary to state initially that the UNP’s claim and the confirmation by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party were designed to serve their own purposes. The UNP has claimed this to satisfy the Sinhala racial chauvinist and to influence their vote bank.

ON the other hand, SLFPers are happy that they were able to shatter whatever a small degree of trust the Tamils had on Ranil Wickremasinghe. They are attempting to exploit this situation to prevent the minorities, especially the Tamils, from voting in support of Ranil Wickremasinghe.

Nobody has expected that UNP would make such an announcement because there was a healthy climate in the north and the east for the UNP to win the Tamil votes. But now there are doubts as to whether the UNP would be able to get at least a small percentage of the votes of the Tamils. The two UNP claims of breaking up the LTTE and helping Karuna to arrive safely in Colombo have caused the Tamils to turn away from the UNP and the Ranil. It is possible that Ranil is likely to get fewer votes than what he expected.

But it must be emphasized that there is no connection for Karuna’s departure and the UNP, as claimed by these two political parties. The truth is that, as usual, the successive Sri Lanka governments gave support and patronized the anti-social elements and traitors. Similarly they gave support and protection to Karuna. This was done when UNP was in power. The UPFA would have done the same if it was in power.

It is far from truth to claim that Karuna left because he had visited foreign countries or because he had confidence in the Sri Lanka Government. Karuna fled from the Tiger organization because the Tiger leadership was getting ready to take disciplinary action against Karuna. Karuna fled because he was not able to face the charges and the disciplinary action.

However, it cannot be denied that when Karuna was in a difficult situation it was UNP that saved him and brought him to Colombo. When Karuna was trying to flee and was trying to establish contacts with the Sri Lanka Government, it was UNP that provided the necessary contacts.

Therefore, it is meaningless for one section to claim that they weakened the Tigers and for the other side to repeat the same. The truth remains that it was Sri Lanka Government that is providing the necessary protection and the support to one who has been accused of violating the rules of the LTTE was facing disciplinary inquiry.

The reality was that when Tigers took action against Karuna, Sri Lanka rulers thought that they may be able to gain political mileage by supporting Karuna but Karuna failed to live up to their expectation.

If those who anticipated that they would be able to bring an end to the struggle of the Tamils by making use of Karuna, then it is evident that Karuna has disappointed them, states the editorial.

(http://www.asiantribune.com/show_news.php?id=16122)

Colonel Karuna’s TVMP denies involvement in threat campaign against any presidential election candidates.

Colombo, 31 October, (Asiantribune.com):Tamil Eelam Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TVMP), the political formation led by V. Muralitharan alias Colonel Karuna has slammed a newspaper report emanating from Colombo for publishing news report alleging them of involved in a threat campaign against the UNP Presidential election candidate.

“We are not planning any campaign of threat against the UNP candidate Ranil Wickremasinghe, “emphasised TVMP.

While vehemently denying the news report, the press statement released by the TVMP pointed out, “We believe the report appearing in a Sri Lankan English language daily newspaper was planted with ulterior motives to win sympathy for the UNP candidate by some interested groups.”

The statement reminded, “Unlike the Vanni based LTTE, we respect the democratic rights of the Tamils of North East of Sri Lanka to exercise their franchise freely in which ever way they wish.”

TVMP in its statement announced that they have so far not finalised to whom to support in the forthcoming presidential elections and categorically stated that the news reports appearing in a section of print and electronic media was misleading and incorrect.

“Our party has still not decided whether to support any candidate in the forthcoming Sri Lankan Presidential Elections. If ever we so decide, we will annnounce our decision openly. “

The press statement pointed out that there is now no such entity called “Karuna faction”.

It clarified, “After breaking away from the LTTE, we formed the Tamil Eelam Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) under the leadership of Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan (formerly known as Colonel Karuna).”

“We function as a politico-military organisation in North East Sri Lanka. Our military program is presently aimed at wiping out the Vanni based LTTE under the leadership of Velupillai Prabaharan from the Eastern Province,” the statement underlined.

“Our military wing has recently carried out several attacks on the LTTE camps and destroyed some of them forcing LTTE to retreat to certain pockets in the western shore of Batticaloa and Vaharai in the Batticaloa district,” the statement revealed.

The full text of the press statement released by Tamil Eelam Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TVMP) is given below:

The contents of a news item prominently appearing in a Sri Lanka’s English language daily newspaper dated 29 October 2005 (not Asian Tribune) has been brought to our attention.

This report stated that Karuna faction is planning to dirsupt the forthcoming Presidential election and that a phamphlet warning those who would vote for the UNP candidate is to be released by the Karuna faction shortly. We categorically deny this report which is attributed to Karuna faction sources in Batticaloa.

There is now no such entity called “Karuna faction”. After breaking away from the LTTE, we formed the Tamil Eelam Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) under the leadership of Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan (formerly known as Colonel Karuna). We function as a politico-military organisation in North East Sri Lanka. Our military program is presently aimed at wiping out the Vanni based LTTE under the leadership of Velupillai Prabaharan from the Eastern Province. Our military wing has recently carried out several attacks on LTTE camps and destroyed some of them forcing LTTE to retreat to certain pockets in the western shore of Batticaloa and Vaharai in the Batticaloa district.

Our political wing is dedicated to democratic principles. We have no intention whatsoever to arbitrarily interfere in the political process in Sri Lanka or to disrupt the forthcoming Presidential election. We are not planning any campaign of threat against the UNP candidate Ranil Wickremasinghe. We believe the report appearing in a Sri Lanka English language daily newspaper was planted with ulterior motives to win sympathy for the UNP candidate by some interested groups. Unlike the Vanni based LTTE, we respect the democratic rights of the Tamils of North East Sri Lanka to exercise their franchise freely in which ever way they wish.

Our party has still not decided whether to support any candidate in the forthcoming Sri Lankan Presidential Elections. If ever we so decide, we will annnounce our decision openly.

Tamil Eelam Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TVMP)

(http://www.asiantribune.com/show_news.php?id=15999)

Karuna faction kills top LTTEers

Nov 15, Colombo: The Karuna faction reportedly shot and killed two senior LTTE members, including a LTTE military commander for Ampara, Suresh, in the early hours yesterday at LTTE-held Akkaraipattu.

Informed sources said that Suresh and his associate were ambushed and kidnapped by Karuna’s men and later shot and killed at Akkaraipattu. The attackers also took away two micro pistols and two mobile phones.

Suresh had led several attacks against the government forces during the war and also carried out several killings during the ceasefire period.

(http://www.colombopage.com/archive/November15131805JV.html)

Top Sri Lankan peace broker resigns ahead of poll

COLOMBO (Reuters) - The Sri Lankan government's top peace broker, a candidate to become the next U.N. secretary-general, resigned on Wednesday, a week before a presidential election.

Jayantha Dhanapala, head of the government's Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process, will step down at the end of November, the secretariat's deputy secretary general, John Gooneratne, told Reuters.

"He was appointed by the government and there's an election coming, and he feels whoever comes in should have their own choice," Gooneratne added.

Outgoing President Chandrika Kumaratunga had accepted the resignation.

"He has other plans that he needs to work on," Gooneratne said, referring to Dhanapala's publicly announced bid to succeed U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Dhanapala's resignation comes just days ahead of the November 17 presidential vote, which pivots on how to jumpstart Sri Lanka's bid to convert a 2002 truce with the Tamil Tigers into a definitive end to a two-decade civil war that killed more than 64,000 people.

However, peace talks have been suspended since the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) pulled out of them in 2003, and Dhanapala's departure was not expected to have any immediate impact.

Kumaratunga is in the twilight of her second term and cannot run again, leaving Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and main opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to face off for the presidency in a race seen too close to call.

PEACE BID DEADLOCKED

However, the peace process that Dhanapala helped marshal is at its lowest ebb since the truce was brokered, strained by a rash of attacks that the rebels and military blame on each other and which culminated in the August assassination of the foreign minister.

The Tigers, who deny involvement in the killing, are refusing to resume peace talks because they are not ready for a long-term deal, analysts say.

The Tigers, who have de facto rule over the 15 percent of Sri Lanka they control, want to carve out a homeland for minority Tamils, who they say are discriminated against by Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese and are striving for autonomy.

Truce monitors say a return to a full-blown war is unlikely, but analysts expect the peace impasse to continue whoever wins the election.

Dhanapala angered the Tigers in August when he said the government would not subdue a splinter rebel faction which is mounting attacks against the mainstream guerrillas in the east.

The Tigers accuse the military of helping the Karuna faction, a charge the military denies, and insist the government abide by the cease-fire and disarm paramilitaries.

"They do not qualify as a paramilitary group because they were not there prior to the cease-fire agreement ... This is an internal problem of the LTTE," Dhanapala said at the time.

(http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2005-11-09T173033Z_01_
WRI962951_RTRUKOC_0_UK-SRILANKA-PEACE.xml&archived=False)

Surrendered cadres expose SLA complicity with Karuna group

Two underage youths, Suresh Kandasamy (16) and Babu Selvam (15), and another foreign returnee Shanmugam Sarwarajah (21), recruited with promise of financial incentives by paramilitary Karuna Group surrendered to the Liberation Tigers and talked to media Monday evening at Solaiyaham Conference Centre in the LTTE controlled area of the Batticaloa district. The cadres said they were under continuous monitoring by Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and decided to surrender when they were sent on missions to attack LTTE posts.

Suresh and Selvam from the Tamil village of Karapola in the Polannaruwa district, were kidnapped by Karuna Group cadres in August of 2005. Suresh said, he was kept inside a bunker for six days by a key operative of the Karuna Group, Jim Kelly Thatha, at the Sri Lanka Army camp (SLA) located in Kakachiaveddai. Suresh was promised Rs 6000 a month to work for the group.

Suresh said he was given training on operating guns at the SLA camp and was engaged in missions against the Tigers. A few days ago, Suresh surrended to the LTTE when he was sent with a pistol to gundown a person at Mandoor bridge, he said.

Selvam kidnapped by the paramilitary cadres riding in a Dolphin van was taken to a paramilitary camp in Thivuchenai, Welikanda, located close to an SLA base. He said the paramilitary cadres were also involved in robberies in Oddamavadi area in Valaichenai. He was also given 6000 rupees as salary. Selvam said he knew of at least seven Tamil youths who were brought to the camp and were killed there.

Shanmugam Sarwarajah (21) from Kokkaddicholai said Karuna operative Markkan convinced him to return from Qatar and join their group. According to Sarwarajah, there were at least 65 persons in the paramilitary camp in Thivuchenai where he was given training. He was also recruited for payment.

Sarwarajah said that after a month of training he was taken to Chenaipuram SLA base in Welikanda in a Buffel RPC vehicle and introduced to Capt. Kumarasinghe, the head of the base. The paramilitary group received supplies, instructions and was under complete supervision of the SLA, he added.

The press conference arranged by the LTTE at Solaiayakam,15 kilometres southwest of Batticaloa town, began at 3:30 pm. and ended at 5:00 pm.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=16284)

Iraqi insurgents raise toll with tech-fueled bombs By Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - U.S. and British troops are being killed in Iraq by increasingly sophisticated insurgent bombs, including a new type triggered when a vehicle crosses an infrared beam and is blasted by armor-piercing projectiles.

The technology, which emerged during guerrilla wars in Lebanon and Northern Ireland, has been used in recent roadside bombings that have killed dozens of Americans and at least eight British soldiers.

The alarming efficiency has led many British and a few U.S. officials to argue that rogue groups in Iran and perhaps Lebanon are giving expertise to Iraq's insurgents. But others caution against that idea, saying the technology is available to those who know where to look.

Either way, the Pentagon is scrambling to find countermeasures, says Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, a senior U.S. military officer in Iraq.

Anthony Cordesman, a military analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said Iraq's insurgents are likely just tapping a pool of common bombmaking technology, none of which requires special expertise.

Elsewhere . . .

HUSSEIN'S DEFENSE: Lawyers for Saddam Hussein on Wednesday said they had ceased to work with the tribunal and considered the next court date to be canceled. Khalil Dulaimi, head of the defense team, said the defense considers the Nov. 28 trial date "null and void" after attacks on several of the attorneys unless there are security guarantees.

CHALABI IN D.C.: Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Chalabi offered Wednesday to be questioned by the Senate on his role in prewar Iraq but refused to apologize for fueling allegations that Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. Accorded a warm reception by the Bush administration, Chalabi meets several Cabinet officers this week and next.

(http://www.sptimes.com/2005/11/10/news_pf/Worldandnation/
Iraqi_insurgents_rais.shtml - Published November 10, 2005)

LTTE Intelligence deploys saboteurs countrywide by Norman Palihawadana and Gamini Perera

Twenty-two personnel of the LTTE intelligence service have moved out of the Wanni areas and had taken positions in various parts of the country, Army intelligence sources told The Island. Information is that the LTTE plans to explode bombs in various parts of the island during the Presidential election. Police stations have been advised to set-up special operational units to combat these strategies. In two bombs attacks by an LTTEer in Trincomalee, an Army officer and two soldiers were injured.

(The Island 08 Oct 2005 )

Chandrika holds secret talks with the LTTE to attack Karuna’s break-away group in the east

Colombo, 16 October, (Asiantribune.com):In an exclusive interview with the Asian Tribune, V. Muralitharan nom de guerre Col Karuna, the leader of the break-away group in the east who has been a thorn in Prabakaran’s flesh, revealed that President Chandrika Kumaratunga has had secret talks with the LTTE apparatchiks in Paris and promised to help the LTTE to attack his forces in the east. He maintained that the Sri Lankan governments too, like Prabakaran, have been prolonging the war for their own survival. Here is the full text of the interview: Question : There is concern in all quarters about the escalating tension in the east. Why are your cadres engaged in this mini-war in the east? Col. Karuna: We try to avoid the fratricidal wars in the beginning. That is why we sent our cadres back home and avoided attacking the Vanni Tigers earlier. But at present we are compelled to take up arms against the Vanni Tigers when Tiger Leader Prabakaran continued to kill our unarmed cadres who were sent back by us earlier to their homes. Many unarmed and innocent Tamil civilians have been the victims of Prabakaran’s vindictive politics. We were not left with any other choice, other than to involve in a self defence campaign and fight them. Question : Norwegian go-betweens like Erik Solheim, SLMM and Gen. Furdohove repeat the accusation of the LTTE that your “para-military forces” are escalating tensions in the east. Have you made representations to the Norwegians about the situation in the east? Col. Karuna: We have made it known to the Norwegian government repeatedly about the killing of our cadres and requested them to put to end the killing of our cadres. Unfortunately, Norway failed to pay heed to our repeated appeal. This has placed us in a delicate position to take up to arms to fight Prabakaran and his gangs and now the situation has worsened and we are involved in fighting Prabakaran and his men in north, east and south. Our fight-back campaigns have successfully confined them to their bunkers and camps in the east and the same situation will follow soon in the south and north. I can assure that there can be no turning back until we effectively contain the Vanni Tigers. Even recently Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission representatives came and had discussions with our representatives in the east. This talk was held in the area under our control and they also talked with us in a peaceful environment in the area controlled by us. They even had meals with us before leaving. When they left we saw them leave the region under our control without any problems. After the meeting with us the SLMM representatives showed their true colors as a partial monitoring group. They reported back that they met us to find out the existence of the para-military forces in the army control areas. Question : Since the LTTE will not allow rival Tamil parties to participate does it mean that the prospects of peace are dwindling? Col. Karuna: No Government will be able to negotiate for a peaceful settlement of the Tamil issues without our participation. We will not either accept or tolerate Prabakaran claiming himself as the sole representatives of Tamils in the country. We have told the SLMM representatives who met us that we have not accepted this ceasefire arrangement as it favors the ruthless fascist organization led by Prabakaran to kill his rivals. Today the LTTE cadres are confined to their bases to safeguard their lives. Only a comprehensive peace solution can be reached which would remain sustainable. This is the pragmatic situation. To achieve this all the organizations, outfits and political parties representing the Tamils in the country must participate in the talks. Question : Do you think that the Ceasefire Agreement can be activated to restore peace? Col. Karuna: After the signing of the Ceasefire agreement in February 2002, Prabakaran has killed more than 600 Tamils belonging to his rival Tamil factions. Furthermore, by killing Laksman Kadirgamar Prabakaran has made the international community knows very clearly that he is a worst terrorists and a criminal. The international community offered Prabakaran the best opportunity to bring about a sustainable peace to Tamils in this country. He has not accepted any diplomatic initiative offered by the international community to solve any of the problems faced by the Tamils. His sole objective has been to safeguard himself, collect money from various countries, levy taxes on the poor innocent Tamil community and driving them to desperation and importing shiploads of arms and ammunition to fight the next war. Next to collecting arms the biggest obsession of Prabakaran is to collect money. He doesn’t care how it is done as long as his coffers are filled. Question : What is your reaction to the imposing of the travel ban by the EU on LTTE cadres? Col. Karuna: We fully endorse the travel ban imposed by the European Union against the Vanni Tigers - a decision which was long overdue by the international community. They should have taken it when the Denmark Government clamored for the ban after the visit of V. Balakumar to Denmark and spoke about the suicide squad in the country and propagated threats and terror in the midst of peace loving people of Denmark. I take this opportunity to appeal to Tony Blair; Prime Minister of United Kingdom who heads the European Union, that strong and firm action should be taken forthwith to proscribe the LTTE in the EU countries. The EU has to come up with a list of designated terrorists as adopted by United States of America and United Kingdom which includes Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. It is very disappointing and agonizing to note that EU initially failed to include the LTTE in the list of terrorist organizations under Norwegian pressure.I trust that EU will not succumb to further pressures of Norway in the future. Further I urge that the UN international Criminal Court to declare Prabakaran as an international terrorist and a criminal responsible for the killings of thousands of unarmed human beings. It is time that Prabakaran was indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity. I trust that India would initiate action against Prabakaran with the ICC, as he is also a proclaimed offender wanted by the Indian courts for the brutal killing of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Question : The presidential elections are due next month. What kind of president do you think can bring a solution to the national crisis? Col. Karuna: We consider the present Sri Lanka’s Presidential election schedule for polls on 17 November 2005 as an important event. So many important factors are involved in this election. The two leading contenders are fighting in this election to win over the country’s executive Presidency. We urgently need a strong and unwavering leader for Sri Lanka who would come forward to find a sustainable solution to the issues faced by the Tamils once and for all. Furthermore, we need a Sri Lanka President who would come forward to implement favorable proposals for the maintenance of peace and stability in the north and east and who would put forward proposals for the economic and educational advancement of the north and east. We need a Sri Lanka President who would put maximum pressure on Prabakaran and the LTTE and who could withstand the threat and intimidation posed by Prabakaran and not a meek leader who will bow down to the dictates of Prabakaran. Question : Are you taking sides? Col. Karuna: We are studying the Presidential election manifesto put out by the United National Party and we wait to analyze the manifesto of United People’s Freedom Alliance. Once we go through them and after going through the final exercises connected with our decision, after that we will openly announce our decision soon. The earlier Ceasefire Agreement signed between Prabakaran and Ranil Wickremasinghe has proved to be very weak. The Ceasefire Agreement referred mainly to the cessation of hostilities in the country. It was not a blue print to arrive at any reasonable solutions to the Tamils of this country. It has been a very ineffective instrument regarding the restoration of peace. At best, it has opened opportunities for Prabakaran to consolidate his one-man regime and a license to kill his opponents. Even after Ceasefire Agreement and the initial warnings by the EU and the imposition of the travel ban on the LTTE Prabakaran’s action indicate clearly that he is only interested in prolonging the war. His survival depends on prolonging the war. He can run his regime only on violence. He is fully aware that he has no place in a democratic organization. His tactic has been to declare unilateral cessation of hostilities whenever he is weak. He will then exploit the cessation of hostilities period to consolidate his power and rearm by smuggling into the country loads and loads of arms and ammunitions. It must also be mentioned that the Sri Lankans too follow the same pattern of Prabakaran. Successive Sri Lankan Governments had never showed any keen interest in solving the problems of the Tamils. Successive Sri Lankan Governments were keen that Prabakaran should continue with the war to safeguard their power and position. Sri Lankan Government leaders are keen on keeping Prabakaran in power for them to remain in power. They want to strengthen the power of Prabakaran for them to capture power and remain in power. One fine example was when the Indian Peace Keeping Forces was in the Country, the then President Premadasa took stern action to capture JVP leader Rohana Wijeweera and arranged his killing and determinedly put an end to JVP’s military might and forced them into the present democratic mainstream. But he had the opportunity to do same to the Prabakaran and LTTE. Instead of physically getting rid of Prabakaran, he gave money in billions and also gave arms and ammunition to fight the Indian Army and the rival Tamil groups and kept them going finally Premadasa dug his own grave by taking Prabakaran into his confidence. Furthermore Sinhalese leaders thought if JVP is allowed to grow militararily, they might one day usurp power and become the rulers of the country. That is why they were forced to weaken the JVP and kill the leaders and forced the JVP to take up to the Democratic way of politics. But as far as Prabakaran and LTTE were concerned Sinhala leaders are convinced that under no circumstances would Prabakaran be in a position to take over the Sri Lanka Government and proclaim himself as the ruler of Sri Lanka. That is why they support Prabakaran to continue with his hostility campaigns for them to remain in power. Question : That is a strong indictment of the Sri Lankan governments. Do you have any evidence of the current Sri Lankan government collaborating with the LTTE? Col. Karuna: Recently we learnt from our international intelligence sources that, when Sri Lanka President was recently in Paris participating in the annual UNESCO conference, two LTTE representatives met her and held secret talks with her. We further learnt that the Sri Lanka President has agreed to help the LTTE to get rid of us. Even earlier When Prabakaran sent his troops from Vanni by ship to attack us it was the same Chandrika Kumaratunga who allowed them to enter the Vaharai by allowing the LTTE to move their cadres unhindered through the sea and passing through the Government control area. At no given movement either Sri Lanka Government or Sri Lanka armed forces has ever helped us. Instead they have arrested many of our cadres on the instruction of the LTTE and put them in jail and helped them to kill our cadres while they were under detention in the Sri Lanka prisons. We have never, unlike Prabakaran and his men begged the Sri Lanka Government to provide security for our men to travel anywhere or we have never begged the Sri Lanka President to provide helicopters to ferry our sick and injured to hospitals either in Colombo or to anywhere else. Question: Do you see any useful effect coming out of the EU travel ban on the LTTE? Col. Karuna: Even last week Vanni tigers had killed two principals of the two leading colleges in Jaffna. While we condemn such inhuman acts we urged that international community should interfere immediately to stop these killings. Even last week LTTE killed many rival Tamil groups members. We lay the blame for the killings in the doors of Norway who as facilitators of the peace process opened the floodgates to water the killing fields of Prabakaran. I appeal to Jens Stoltenberg, the new Prime Minister of Norway to give up supporting Prabakaran and the LTTE and be impartial if they wish to continue to remain as the peace facilitators in this country. Post your comments - Asian Tribune - (Date : 2005-10-16)

(http://www.asiantribune.com/show_news.php?id=15875)

LTTE's auxilliary force cadre shot dead in Batticaloa

A cadre of Liberation Tigers National Auxilliary Force, Mr. Rasalingam Pugalenthiran, was shot and killed Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. by a group of men wearing military uniforms, according to Batticaloa District Political Head of the LTTE, Mr. Ilanthairayan (Marshall). The gunmen had moved beyond the no-man zone and fired at Pugalenthiran, Ilanthirayan told TamilNet.

The cadre was on duty at the time of the incident, he added.

LTTE's Batticaloa political head further said that the gunmen withdrew to Mavadyvembu Sri Lanka Army base following the incident.

The incident took place at the Mayilavedduvan, 3 km west of Sithandy in Eravur.

(www.tamilnet.com)

Armed men, LTTE cadres clash in Vavunathivu

A group of men in military fatigues launched an ambush on an LTTE convoy in Vavunathivu, 5 kilometers west of Batticaloa Monday night. LTTE sources in the East said three of their cadres sustained injuries in the counterstrike. The clash took place at the entrance to the LTTE controlled area in Vavunathivu around 10:00 p.m. on Monday. Vavunathivu is located 5 km west of Batticaloa.

Around 15 heavily armed men moved beyond the no-man zone in Vavunathivu attempting to target an LTTE convoy moving along the border.

LTTE sources said that their cadres launched a counterstrike at the group which withdrew towards Vavunathivu SLA camp.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Army sources, denying their involvement, said that the ambush targeted LTTE's Special Commander Col. Bhanu.

Continous firing was heard for more than 10 minutes, according to civilians in the area.

(www.tamilnet.com)

LTTE effects changes in eastern leadership by V.S. Sambandan

COLOMBO, SEPT. 20. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has brought in top level changes in the two troubled eastern districts — Batticaloa and Amparai — by replacing its Special Commander, Ramesh, with the rebel group's head of heavy mortar division, Bhanu.

According to sources in eastern Sri Lanka, `Col.' Ramesh, who was named as the Special Commander after the rebellion by the former Special Commander, V. Muralitharan (`Col.' Karuna) earlier this year, handed over charge of the two eastern districts to `Col.' Bhanu, who is from northern Sri Lanka. `Col.' Ramesh is scheduled to leave for rebel-held Kilinochchi in northern Sri Lanka.

The LTTE has not made any official statement on the situation and could not be reached for comment. According to security sources in eastern Sri Lanka, there has been no official intimation but ``ground reports'' confirmed the change in the eastern leadership.

`Shrinking space'

While sources close to the LTTE say that a person from Jaffna was brought in ``at the request of some senior eastern functionaries,'' critics of the LTTE say that the latest appointment points to the ``shrinking space for accommodation'' by the Tigers to `Col.' Karuna's rebellion.

After `Col.' Karuna's revolt in March, he was expelled from the organisation. Ramesh, his unranked deputy who hails from the eastern districts, was named as the Special Commander and was subsequently promoted to the rank of a `Colonel,' in the rebel fighting force.

After holding out for just over a month, `Col.' Karuna left Batticaloa for Colombo when the LTTE launched its Good Friday operation to ``get rid'' of its former military commander.

Since then, ``unidentified gunmen'' killed several LTTE senior functionaries, including the Batticaloa town political leader, Senadhi. The Tigers blamed Karuna's supporters and armed groups backed by sections of the military intelligence for the killings. The latest in the string of killings of senior LTTE functionaries was the gunning down of the Amparai district political leader, Bawa, last month.

The Government, which initially denied any involvement, subsequently conceded that ``sections of the armed forces'' could have played a role, but maintained that there was nothing official about it.

`Internal affair'

In the absence of any official statement by the LTTE, which is considering the leadership change as ``an internal affair,'' there has been intense media speculation in Colombo. Some reports suggest that `Col.' Bhanu was appointed to neutralise the supporters of `Col.' Karuna, while others indicate that `Col.' Ramesh was ``ineffective'' and hence the change.

Security sources in eastern Sri Lanka said there was no independent confirmation of these media reports.

Effigies burnt

Meanwhile the anti-LTTE Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) today protested against the ``continued killing'' of its political activists and burnt effigies of the LTTE leader, V. Prabakaran, and its political wing leader, S.P. Tamilchelvan, and blamed the Tigers and the Norwegian facilitators for the killings. The immediate reason for the protests is Saturday's killing of one of its senior functionaries — Sivakumaran — by unidentified gunmen in the northwestern Puttalam district. Sivakumaran had moved a fundamental rights case against the recently concluded Parliamentary elections in the northeast.

``The LTTE is treating the ceasefire agreement as a license to kill everybody, so we burnt their effigies,'' an EPDP spokesperson said.

The demonstrators, who carried a coffin to the Norwegian Embassy, raised slogans condemning the facilitators and the Tigers.

``Norway stop the killings or leave the peace process,'' said a slogan, while another said ``peace talks and internecine killings — two sides of the same coin.''

The EPDP, which has been a vocal critic of the LTTE, has been a major victim of internecine killings, and its leader, Douglas Devananda, escaped from an aborted suicide bomb attack this July.

(http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/21/stories/2004092101891401.htm)