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SLMM gets tough with LTTE
By Shelani Perera
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission has called on the LTTE to respect its authority and abide by its ruling if the LTTE wants it to play the role envisaged in the ceasefire agreement.

The SLMM reacting to the LTTE's delay in releasing an Army soldier and a police constable, in a strongly-worded letter to LTTE political wing leader S. P. Thamilchelvan said the monitors did not accept the LTTE's assurance that the captives would be released after the court case.

"We told the LTTE that we don't accept its assurance and we want the LTTE to obey our ruling. We told them that we would rethink our role, if the LTTE refuses to abide by our ruling. We feel very strongly about it," SLMM Deputy Chief Hagrup Haukland told The Sunday Times.

The release of the servicemen was also taken up at a meeting between Defence Secretary Austin Fernando and LTTE Eastern leader Karuna. The LTTE is reportedly holding the two servicemen to obtain the release of six of its members arrested by the Navy. The SLMM has insisted the release of the servicemen should be unconditional.

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