Front Page   

Separation only if autonomy is denied: LTTE

By V.S. Sambandan

SATTAHIP (Thailand) SEPT. 18. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam said today that it was ready to accept "autonomy and self-governance'' in northern and eastern Sri Lanka and asserted that separation was only "the last resort''.

Terming as "irrelevant" the description that the Tigers were fighting for separation, the LTTE's chief negotiator, Anton S. Balasingham, said autonomy and self-governance could be worked out "if both the parties agree to a particular political system or model".

The LTTE, he said, was operating along the principles of self-determination. "You must understand the current U.N. literature on self-determination. We operate through those principles. Saying that the LTTE is fighting for an independent state has no relevance because we operate on different categories and concepts."

Mr. Balasingham's elaboration on the LTTE's position during a press conference at the end of the three-day Sattahip talks brought the first round of negotiations to a positive end. Welcoming the position, the head of Colombo's delegation, Gamini Lakshman Peiris, said it would be possible to fulfil the LTTE's aspirations "within one country".

Asked whether the Tigers had given up their separatist demand, Mr. Balasingham said: "the LTTE does not operate in the concept of a separate state. We operate on concepts and categories entirely different from what you assume to be a separate state. We operate on the concept of homeland and self-determination. Homeland does not mean separate state as such. It means a state where the Tamil and the Muslim people live. "When we use the concept of self-determination, the concept entails substantial autonomy or self-government in the historical areas where we live. That position can be worked out if both the parties agree to a particular political system or model.'' However, he made it clear that the Tigers had not renounced separation. "If our demand for regional autonomy and self-governance is rejected and if conditions of oppression continue, then, as a last resort, our people have no option other than to fight for political independence and statehood. That will be the last resort."

The sense of optimism was also evident from Prof. Peiris reply to a query. Asked to comment on the criticism that an interim administration would be a stepping-stone to a separate Tamil Eelam, he said: "we know that that is not the objective of the LTTE. They have categorically stated on this occasion that a separate state is not the aspiration now." The LTTE's quest for international recognition was also clear. Refuting charges that the Tigers wanted an interim administration as a step to an independent Eelam, Mr. Balasingham said: "we already have a permanent administration. What we are seeking is international legitimacy for an administrative structure where we can work with the Government of Sri Lanka''.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• President's rule only option in Gujarat: EC
• Separation only if autonomy is denied: LTTE
• `India backs peace process'
• Gujarat Govt. ready to make Modi tape public
• Two NC workers shot dead
• Seize the opportunity, Mehbooba tells Kashmiris
• Decision on hiking FDI deferred
• Sanjay Dutt in court
• Naveen not `perturbed' over developments
• Quake again
• Water to T.N. stopped
• `Implement CRA decision'

Copyright © 2002, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu