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LTTE gags TULF amid library row
Anandasangari’s participation at meeting with Balasingham uncertain
The LTTE has reportedly warned the TULF not to issue statements on its own regarding important issues amidst reports of a split in the main Tamil political party and the possibility of a pro-LTTE leader taking over. The Sunday Times learns that at a meeting between LTTE political wing leader S. P. Thamilchelvan and a TULF delegation led by the pro-LTTE Mavai Senathirajah, the TULF was told that statements should not be issued without the consent of the LTTE.

This came in the wake of the major controversy over the reopening of the Jaffna library, with the LTTE wanting it postponed and the TULF President V. Anandasangari backing the Jaffna Municipal Council in the push for the reopening as scheduled.

Mr. Senathirajah told The Sunday Times that a TULF delegation held a separate meeting with Mr. Thamilchelvan after a meeting was held with all TNA members. He declined to give details but The Sunday Times learns they were told they should not issue contradictory statements as the LTTE was also fighting for the 'rights of the Tamils' and the TULF should not disrupt the process by issuing such statements.
The LTTE told the TULF that they should take a common stand on all issues, party source said.

Mr. Senathirajah also said the Jaffna library dispute figured prominently at the discussions with the LTTE. "Generally what happens is that when there is a problem within the Municipal Council , the party leadership advises the Mayor, but in this case it was not conveyed in the right manner," Mr Senathirajah said.
TULF leader Anandasangari was not present at the Kilinochchi meeting as he was out of the country. He was due back yesterday but there was no indication that he would attend a meeting between TNA leaders and LTTE Chief Negotiator Anton Balasingham in Kilinochchi on Friday.

The Sunday Times learns that there are moves within the party to oust Mr. Anandasangari. If that happens, the leadership could go to Mr. Senathirajah.
Dr. Balasingham is due to fly to Colombo today and will be taken by helicopter to Kilinochchi for consultation with LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. Reports said Norwegian Foreign Minister Jan Paterson and Chief facilitator Vidar Helgeson are also due to visit Sri Lanka on March 12 for talks in Colombo and Kilinochchi before the next session of the peace talks in Japan later this month.

In a related development, two Jaffna Municipal Council members who supported the reopening of the Jaffna Library have complained to the Human Rights Commission that their lives are under threat.

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