The Jungle Telegraph

Move to get frozen LTTE funds released?
A VVIP dropped a bombshell during an informal chat with distinguished guests attending a religious event-cum-lunch at the official residence of a high-ranking official.
There were reported moves by a senior bureaucrat, one known for his eagerness to maintain cordial ties with Tiger guerrillas, to persuade a Western Government, through diplomatic channels to release LTTE funds frozen by them. The idea was to channel those funds to an organisation run by the guerrillas for "development work" in the North and East.

The VVIP, who was evidently agitated by the news, disclosed that an attempt was made to verify the matter at the highest levels of the United National Front. However, top rungers had expressed no knowledge about it.

Heightening concern over these reports was the fact that powerful radio broadcasting equipment for Tiger guerrillas went through the good offices of this bureaucrat and his close buddies in the system.

What is the amount that is being sought to be released?

According to the VVIP, it is said to be a staggering US dollars 250 million or Rs. 2400 billion - enough funds to bridge a budget deficit.

But there is no independent confirmation about the latest move or the amount involved. Diplomats from the country in question say they have not heard of any such move though one of their senior desk heads is now in the country meeting Tiger guerrilla leaders in the Wanni.

"Bank of Eelam" branches in the Wanni

The "Bank of Eelam," the banking service of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is to open a string of branches in the Wanni.

According to Wanni residents, buildings in several towns in the Wanni have already been earmarked and the staff recruited for the purpose.

At present there is one "Bank of Eelam" operating from a building in the Kilinochchi town.

LTTE soundings on an "office" in Thailand

Attempts by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to open an office in the Thai capital of Bangkok appear to be futile so far.

Though a formal official request has not been made so far, insiders say, informal soundings have been made.

This has, however, not met with a favourable response.

The reasons adduced for the need to open an office in Thailand are the ongoing peace talks in that country.

Such an office, it is claimed, would facilitate matters relating to the LTTE role in the peace talks, according to insiders.

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