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Ranil Expresses concern over political killings in north-east
Colombo, July 18: Sri Lankas Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed concern over a series of politicalkillings in the north-east, allegedly by Tamil Tigers, saying theyhave now become a ``controversial issue`` in the ongoing peace process.
Colombo, July 18: Sri Lankas Prime Minister Ranil
Wickremesinghe has expressed concern over a series of political
killings in the north-east, allegedly by Tamil Tigers, saying they
have now become a ``controversial issue`` in the ongoing peace
process.
According to local media reports, the Prime Minister made the observation yesterday during his meeting with the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) delegation led by its head Tryggve Tellefsen at temple tress. During the meeting, the SLMM chief, who just completed his three-day visit to the LTTE`s Wanni Heartlands, briefed Mr Wickremesinghe on his visit and the outcome of negotiations with LTTE leaders on the outstanding disputes related to truce violations.
Mr Tellefsen also told Mr Wickremesinghe that the issue of political killings in the north-east was also taken up with the LTTE leaders, who denied their involvement.
Over 30 anti-LTTE ex-militant activists and military informants have been killed so far, allegedly by the LTTE, although no arrests have been made in this connection so far.
Mr Tellefsen said he discussed, with LTTE`s special commander of the sea Tiger wing, Soosai, over the SLMM`s proposal to prevent skirmishes between sea Tigers and the navy.
There was obvious interest from both parties (sea tigers and navy) in reaching an agreement on a final set of proposals that will prevent clashes in future, the state-run `daily news` quoted Mr Tellefsen as saying to the Prime Minister.
Government`s key peace negotiator minister Milinda Moragoda, secretary to the Ministry of Defence Austin Fernando and the service chiefs were also present at the meeting.
Refusing to give a final word on the SLMM`s ruling, the LTTE`s political wing chief, S P Thamilselvan informed SLMM chief that the organisation wanted an LTTE team from Wanni to directly inspect the location of the camp before coming to a conclusion on this controversial issue.
Bureau Report
According to local media reports, the Prime Minister made the observation yesterday during his meeting with the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) delegation led by its head Tryggve Tellefsen at temple tress. During the meeting, the SLMM chief, who just completed his three-day visit to the LTTE`s Wanni Heartlands, briefed Mr Wickremesinghe on his visit and the outcome of negotiations with LTTE leaders on the outstanding disputes related to truce violations.
Mr Tellefsen also told Mr Wickremesinghe that the issue of political killings in the north-east was also taken up with the LTTE leaders, who denied their involvement.
Over 30 anti-LTTE ex-militant activists and military informants have been killed so far, allegedly by the LTTE, although no arrests have been made in this connection so far.
Mr Tellefsen said he discussed, with LTTE`s special commander of the sea Tiger wing, Soosai, over the SLMM`s proposal to prevent skirmishes between sea Tigers and the navy.
There was obvious interest from both parties (sea tigers and navy) in reaching an agreement on a final set of proposals that will prevent clashes in future, the state-run `daily news` quoted Mr Tellefsen as saying to the Prime Minister.
Government`s key peace negotiator minister Milinda Moragoda, secretary to the Ministry of Defence Austin Fernando and the service chiefs were also present at the meeting.
Refusing to give a final word on the SLMM`s ruling, the LTTE`s political wing chief, S P Thamilselvan informed SLMM chief that the organisation wanted an LTTE team from Wanni to directly inspect the location of the camp before coming to a conclusion on this controversial issue.
Bureau Report