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LTTE offers redress to North-East Muslims
LTTE political wing leader S. P. Thamilselvan has said that at a time when the group has strengthened itself and grown into a powerful force, it could offer redress to grievances of the Muslims.

Speaking to a group of 40 Eastern Province journalists who visited Wanni on Friday, Mr. Thamilselvan said, "It is erroneous to say that we have not made mention of Muslim representation in the draft proposals for the interim self governing authority. We admit that we have not included in our proposals the decisions of the Muslims to meet their political expectations and aspirations. Yet we have included a clause that we would take decisions on Muslim representation after having talks with their representatives."

Mr. Thamilselvan said the LTTE regretted the circumstances that caused the Muslims to be sent out of the Jaffna peninsula 12 years ago. "We were forced to take such a decision when Sinhala chauvinists attempted to create dissension, confrontations and complications among us, and in the absence of an alternative, we were forced to take an unfortunate and unavoidable decision. We are aware that the decision seriously affected the Muslims in the north. We are not trying to justify that action," he said.

"We are examining the confrontations and crises that have taken place between the Tamils and the Muslims in Trinco and other places. The interference of the chauvinists is found in great measure in this matter. The JVP, the Sihala Urumaya and the likes have begun to intensify their activities in Trinco. We find that these forces are actively involved in causing division in the Tamil-Muslim relationships to create problems and confrontations to the extent of threatening the ceasefire agreement and creating a war situation.

Mr. Thamilselvan assured that the LTTE would, when necessary, include the representatives of the Muslims as an independent party in the peace talks.
"We are aware that the Muslims have goals and aspirations. It is not a problem to arrive at a consensus that would guarantee their future and security. But we regret that these grievances and aspirations are sometimes being used for political gains or political power," he said.

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