SLMM claims LTTE violated Agreement 
[July 16, 2002 - 11.00 GMT]

Referring to Saturday’s incident and the alleged use of force on two ceasefire monitors by the LTTE, Major General Trond Furuhovde the Head of the Monitoring Mission said, “This is a serious violation of the Ceasefire Agreement and a major blow to the trust the SLMM had in the LTTE”. 

After this irresponsible behaviour it is clear said Furuhovde that the LTTE will have a lot to do in rebuilding people’s confidence in their organization. I hope we will be able to find ways to keep walking towards peace and I hope that the LTTE is still ready to do so.

On Saturday afternoon the Sri Lankan navy spotted two LTTE trawlers in the Palk Straits, south of Jaffna and intercepted them for investigation, but one of the trawlers fled the scene raising suspicion. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) was then invited to carry out an on board check for possible presence of arms.

“SLN sought the advice and assistance of SLMM Naval Monitors in Jaffna around 18.00. At 2010 hours, with the full approval of the LTTE’s Political Leadership in Kilinochchi, two SLMM Naval Monitors went on board the trawler,” a statement issued by the SLMM on the incident said.

Finding only communication equipment on board the trawler manned by four LTTE cadres, the Monitors recommended that the navy take custody of the trawler and release its occupants. But the LTTE cadres rejected the offer and began moving the trawler towards LTTE-controlled shores, with two navy personnel and two monitors still on board, the statement said.

However the two navy personnel had managed to jump into a SLN trawler moving alongside, the two truce monitors were held "against their will" and "physically hindered from leaving the trawler". They were later released on shore in Kilinochchi district.

A pro-LTTE website quoting LTTE political wing leader Tamilchelvam said the LTTE trawler was engaged in fishing in the Iranaitivu seas near Mannar, when it was fired on by SLN ‘Dvora’ gunboats and damaged.

But the Navy Commander Daya Sandagiri denied LTTE allegations that the Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) ‘rammed’ the LTTE trawler and forcibly detained it. The Navy chief has also refuted LTTE claims that the trawler was engaged in ‘fishing’, the Navy found no fish on board but only two unused dry fishing nets. 

When contacted by the PRIU today Mr.Hagrup Haukland deputy Chief Monitor said, "Trond Furhovde, met Tamilchelvam today at the LTTE headquarters in Killinochchi, to discuss the issue in greater detail."

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Last Updated Date: July 16, 2002  - 11.00 GMT.