US tells LTTE to renounce terrorism 

[August 08, 2003 - 10.00 GMT] 

The United States called on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to renounce terrorism, to cease terrorist acts, ‘including political assassination’ and to ‘comply with the terms of the ceasefire agreement they signed’.

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka, Wednesday, August 6, quoted U.S. Department of State’s Deputy Spokesman, Philip T. Reeker as saying the US noted with concern the activity by the Tamil Tigers, which was undermining the confidence in the peace process.

“More than three dozen persons- all of whom were alleged to be political opponents of the Tamil Tigers of anti-Tiger informants-have been assassinated in Sri Lanka so far this year. Also, the Tigers continue to maintain a military camp in Trincomalee District, identified by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission as a violation of the February 2002 ceasefire agreement”, he said.

The LTTE pulled out of peace talks April this year, accusing the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) of failing to deliver on promises made during the previous six rounds of talks.

Reeker said, “The US looks forward to a timely resumption of peace talks in Sri Lanka” and added, “With a constructive approach and willingness to compromise, a negotiated solution to the conflict is possible”.

The GOSL made a fresh proposal July 17, granting greater political and financial powers to the LTTE in a bid to resume the stalled peace talks. The LTTE are currently reviewing the proposals and are reported to release their views by end August.

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Last Updated Date: August 08, 2003  -10.00 GMT.