US Congressman raps LTTE

COLOMBO: US Congressman Scott Garrett has charged the LTTE with continued acts of violence despite the current Ceasefire Agreement.

"Despite the fact that the cease-fire remains in effect ,over the past year, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have continued to commit acts of violence against the legitimate Government of Sri Lanka," he told the 109th Congress Session on December 8.

He traced the recent spate of violence to the assassination of former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar in August last year adding that the LTTE stepped up attacks on unarmed civilians after President Rajapaksa assumed office," including fragmentation bombs against a bus killing 64 and injuring 80.

He also referred to the attempt on the life of Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka and the assassination of the Deputy Chief of Staff and the attack on the convoy of off-duty sailors killing 94 and injuring many more, carried out assassination.

"In my time in Congress, I have had the opportunity to visit our South Asian ally, Sri Lanka. This small island nation has directly suffered both the devastating effects of the 2004 tsunami and the continuing threat of homegrown terrorism, which has experienced a recent resurgence".

He said many years before the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Sri Lanka was confronting the grim spectre of suicide terrorism.

In fact, many of the suicide tactics utilised by terrorists in the Middle East originated with the LTTE. Because of this and because of their ties with other international terrorist groups, the Tigers pose a threat to Americans around the globe as well.

He said the LTTE has cultivated a worldwide network of weapons suppliers. In the United States, the FBI was able to apprehend Tiger agents who attempted to purchase surface-to-air missiles in New York and Maryland.

Tiger agents have been arrested here for attempting to bribe customs agents and funnel illicit funds through charities.

While the LTTE continues their attempts to operate in the United States, federal authorities are vigorously investigating and prosecuting those who are recruiting support for terrorism in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan Government gives every indication that it is committed to a peaceful settlement to this conflict within their nation's borders. Even after an attempt on the life of Defence Secretary Rajapaksa, the President's brother, the Government refuses to institute an outright ban on the Tigers.

Norwegian peace negotiators, who had presided over the current ceasefire agreements, continue their efforts to bring the LTTE to the peace table but, unfortunately, Tiger leader Prabhakaran has called for full resumption of hostilities.

The Government is ready to accept the Tigers as a peaceful political party but not as a purveyor of violence.

"Sri Lanka is a beautiful nation filled with hopeful people who wish to live in peace, and I am hopeful that they will soon see a resolution to these dangerous difficulties."