“The Geneva Talks Expose LTTE”

1. LTTE’s True Agenda Exposed from the Geneva Talks
2. The Government’s Plan for the Increasing Number of Surrendering LTTE Cadres

Essential Services Commissioner General Mr. Divarathna detailed:
1. The Humanitarian Aid Provided to People in the North

The Military Spokesman Brigadier Samarasinghe briefed on:

1. Claymore Mine Attack on SLA Truck in Poowarasankulam
2. The Continuous Attack in Muhamalai
3. Return of the Stranded Fishermen from Palavi
4. Forced LTTE Recruits Continue to Surrender to SLA
5. SLA Opens 14 Welfare Shops

1.  LTTE’s True Agenda Exposed from the Geneva Talks

Touching briefly on the history of this road’s closure, the Defense Spokesman stressed that it was not the government’s decision to close A9. However, A9 had to be closed from 11th August, 2006 due to the continuous attacks on the troops with mortar and artillery. In one instance, one attack went on for 24 hours the Minister reminded the audience. The continuous attacks have left no opportunity for the government to even repair the damages caused by these attacks.

The Defense Spokesman then questioned the true objectivity of LTTE for wanting this A9 road opened. The Minister analyzed the real reasons of LTTE for wanting A9 opened:
a. Create a band of Mercenaries
b. Use Civilians as a Shield
c. Control the flow of food and other essential items
d. Extort Money on the Goods Transported

a. Create a band of Mercenaries
If A9 was opened at this point, Muhamalai, it would enable LTTE to force students from Jaffna University into LTTE training camps in LTTE-controlled areas and release them back to Jaffna as mercenaries. This unit is called makkalpade – that is, according to the category of atrocity committed, LTTE would pay the perpetrator.

b. Use Civilians as a Shield
Attack the Government Front Defense Lines (FDL), whilst civilians are moving between the two points. The aim is to provoke the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) to open fire, which then could be capitalized in the International arena.

c. Control the flow of food and other essential items
In the face of the recent defeats faced by LTTE, they want the people to undergo hardship that they could blame on the government.

d. Extort Money on the Goods Transported
The Minister refused to call it a tax as only 3 Government institutions may impose a tax and LTTE does not fall into any of these 3 institutions.

The Defense Spokesman then critically analyzed the 7 points on the Government agenda, which are namely:
 Democracy
 Multi-party system
 Pluralism
 Human rights
 Child recruitment
 Development of the North & East
 Devolution – divided as:
     i. Administration
     ii. Political

The Minister asked to take any of these 7 points and to question if these are not valid to address the problems Tamil people are facing for the last 25 years. However, the LTTE was not interested in discussing any one of these points – only the re-opening of A9 on humanitarian grounds.

However, the Minister pointed out that if LTTE is genuinely interested in humanitarian issues, then they would allow ICRC to ship food and other essential commodities to these affected areas. ICRC requires their flag to be flown, which the LTTE is not agreeable. Hence, the only way that these items have made to its destination is under the protection of the SLA and Sri Lanka Navy (SLN). Therefore, it is very clear that LTTE is not interested in the needs of the civilians, but of their own selfish, sinful needs.
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2.  The Government’s Plan for the Increasing Number of Surrendering LTTE Cadres

In the last 3 days, 27 LTTE forced recruits have surrendered themselves to SLA. They are now in the process of been handed over to the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation. Here they would undergo a vocational training course and in due course be sent for jobs overseas.

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In Essential Services Commissioner General Mr. Divarathna details:

1. The Humanitarian Aid Provided to People in the North

Mr. Divarathna stressed that in all LTTE controlled areas such as Killinochchi and Mulathew there are no problems in the flow of goods. He said that it is considered that there are 600,000 people in Jaffna – though the real figures are not really known. Even so, he said the goods sent are sufficient for these estimated 600,000 people. He noted that currently, Jaffna has enough stock to last for another 4 – 5 days.

Elaborating on shortages, he said that there is a shortage on spices and other items such as infant products, which will be sorted out by the ship that has set sail today. This ship would reach Point Pedru in 2 days time. He informed that another ship is being loaded with flour from the deck of Prima, which too would immediately leave for Jaffna. There is also a small shortage on fuel he said. However, another ship from Trinco IOC is to set sail with 5,000 barrels (i.e. 1 million liters) of fuel.

Speaking on logistical problems, he said that there is a shortage of ships. Though Indian ships were invited, none has come forth due to LTTE threats. If LTTE is indeed interested on any humanitarian grounds, then they would allow these ships to sail under the ICRC flag. Currently, all these ships are sailing under the protection of the SLN.

However, he said that the H.E. President has instructed to buy two ships and the government has already called for tenders for new ships and a new container ship that carries 400 containers is already obtained and it is hoped to ship rice in this ship. He calculated that this would take about 10 days. Another ship is due in the Colombo port he said and all suppliers are thus notified and this ship too would leave before rains.

He noted that though there are few shortages, the flow of goods is maintained quite successfully and there is always a ship either en route to or from Jaffna.

The LTTE he said however are determined to prevent people from obtaining these essential items. Therefore, LTTE has prevented the functioning of shops, which are carrying these goods at the same prices as that in Colombo. As the government considers this is done under humanitarian grounds, the goods are not levied any charge despite the massive expense the government bears on transportation.

On Brigadier Samarasinghe’s address:

1. Claymore Mine Attack on SLA Truck in Poowarasankulam

This morning there was a claymore mine attack on a SLA truck this morning at 7.50 AM said the Military Spokesman. Elaborating on the attack, he said that 4 were injured and 1 killed.

2. The Continuous Attack in Muhamalai FDL

LTTE continues to attack the Muhamali FDL with mortar and artillery. Military Spokesman denied LTTE’s claim that SLA are building troops for another attack.

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3. Return of the Stranded Fishermen from Palavi

46 fishermen, who were stranded in Palavi – between Poonarim and Mannar – returned under the protection of white flags. These fishermen were unable to return home due to the change of security situation. However, they decided to try and return as they and their boats faced increasing threats from LTTE. They estimate that another 110 are still likewise stranded.

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4. Forced LTTE Recruits Continue to Surrender to SLA

In the last 3 days, 27 LTTE cadres surrendered to SLA. All of these have been recruited by force and most are under the age of 18. 09 of them will be brought to MCNS this afternoon to allow the media to interview them.

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5. SLA Opens 14 Welfare Shops

SLA opened 14 welfare shops to enable civilians to purchase their essential goods at normal prices. LTTE has prevented other shops from functioning as they want the civilians to starve and thereby get a mark from the International community. The Military Spokesman stressed that this exercise does not generate any profit to SLA.

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