ancient tamil eelam

8/14/2019 Ancient Tamil Eelam

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Sri Lanka:Sri Lanka:

One Island, Two NationsOne Island, Two Nations

Presentation for:Presentation for:

Tamil Americans and Friends (TAaF)Tamil Americans and Friends (TAaF)


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Srilanka-IlankaiSrilanka-Ilankai(in Tamil)(in Tamil) / Lanka/ Lanka (in Sinhala)(in Sinhala)

An island located in theAn island located in theIndian ocean, off theIndian ocean, off thesoutheast tip of Indiasoutheast tip of India

Three times as larger thanThree times as larger thanthe state of New Jersey -the state of New Jersey -25,000 sq miles in area25,000 sq miles in area

Shared History Dates Back toShared History Dates Back to500BC.500BC. Sinhala-speaking people - 77%,Sinhala-speaking people - 77%,

Tamil-speaking people - 23%Tamil-speaking people - 23%


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When Portuguese tookWhen Portuguese took

possession of thepossession of the

island inisland in 15051505 therethere

werewere

3 Kingdoms3 King

doms

Tamil KingdomTamil King

dom in thein the

North-EastNorth-East - Tamil- Tamil

Homeland -Homeland - (yellow)(yellow)

Sinhalese KingdomsSinhalese Kingdoms inin

the South-West (grey).the South-West (grey).

HistoryHistory


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HistoryHistory

Two different nations from a very ancient period haveTwo different nations from a very ancient period have

divided between them the possession of the Island.divided between them the possession of the Island.

First the Sinhalese, inhabiting the interior of theFirst the Sinhalese, inhabiting the interior of the

country in its Southern and Western parts, andcountry in its Southern and Western parts, and

secondly the Malabars (Tamils) who possess thesecondly the Malabars (Tamils) who possess the

Northern and Eastern Districts. TheseNorthern and Eastern Districts. These two nationstwo nations

differ entirely in their religion, language and mannersdiffer entirely

in their religion, language and manners..

The Cleghorn MinuteThe Cleghorn Minute

In 1799 June, Sir Hugh Cleghorn, the first British ColonialIn 1799 June, Sir Hugh Cleghorn, the first British Colonial

Secretary wrote to the British GovernmentSecretary wrote to the British Government


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1505 -1658: Portuguese held the island1505 -1658: Portuguese held the island

1658 1796: Dutch usurped control1658 1796: Dutch usurped control

1796: the British took over1796: the British took over

Portuguese and Dutch ruled the Tamil and SinhalaPortuguese and Dutch ruled the Tamil and SinhalaKingdomsKingdoms separately,sep

arately, but, the British artificiallybut, the British artificiallyjoined

joined themthemfor their administrative conveniencefor their administrative convenience only in 1833.only

in 1833.

On Feb. 4, 1948 - British left the Island leaving it asOn Feb. 4, 1948 - British left the Island leaving it as oneonecountrycountry

,, CEYLON, leaving political power in the hands ofCEYLON, leaving political power in the hands of

the majority Sinhalese.the majority Sinhalese.

HistoryHistory


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THE PROBLEMTHE PROBLEM

Three Fundamental ElementsThree Fundamental Elements


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THE PROBLEM:THE PROBLEM:First ElementFirst Element

1.1. Two Historically Feuding Ethnic GroupsTwo Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups

Tamils in the North-EastTamils in the North-East

(Yellow)(Yellow)

Sinhalese in the CentralSinhalese in the Centraland South-West (Gray)and South-West (Gray)


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1.1. Two Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups.Two Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups.

2.2. Centralized Unitary Government.Centralized Unitary Government.

Citizens are not treated equallyCitizens are not treated equallyRights of the Tamils are violatedRights of the Tamils are violated

Mistreatment of Tamils 60 years!Mistreatment of Tamils 60 years!

THE PROBLEM:THE PROBLEM:Second ElementSecond Element


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1.1. Two Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups.Two Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups.

2.2. Centralized Unitary Government.Centralized Unitary Government.

3.3. Constitutionally entrenched Sinhala Rule.Constitutionally entrenched Sinhala Rule.

SINHALESE COMMANDSINHALESE COMMAND

ABSOLUTE POWERABSOLUTE POWERand, it is PERMANENT!and, it is PERMANENT!

THE PROBLEM:Third Element


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1948 1 million Tamils declared as non-citizens1948 1 million Tamils declared as non-citizens

1949 Sinhalese colonization in traditional Tamil homeland1949 Sinhalese colonization in traditional Tamil homeland

1956 Sinhala made sole official language of the country1956 Sinhala made sole official language of the country

1970 ethnic standardization slashes university admission to Tamils1970 ethnic standardization slashes university admission to Tamils same entrance exam, but Tamils need to score 30% moresame entrance exam, but Tamils need to score 30% more

1972 New constitution without Tamils participation1972 New constitution without Tamils participation Unilateral name change from Ceylon to Sri LankaUnilateral name change from Ceylon to Sri Lanka Declaration of Srilanka as a republicDeclaration of Srilanka as a republic

Buddhism made state religionBuddhism made state religion

1977 - Prevention of Terrorism Act1977 - Prevention of Terrorism Act

State-sponsored anti-Tamil violence in 1956, 1958, 1961, 1974State-sponsored anti-Tamil violence in 1956, 1958, 1961, 1974

THE PROBLEM:THE PROBLEM: Mistreatment of TamilsMistreatment of Tamils


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TAMIL POLITICAL ACTIONTAMIL POLITICAL ACTION

NON-VIOLENCENON-VIOLENCE(1948 1976)(1948 1976)

Tamils Response to State Discrimination:Tamils Response to State Discrimination:


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Tamil Political Leaders protested against the Sinhala only Act,Tamil Political Leaders protested against the Sinhala only Act,in front of the parliament (5 June 1956)in front of the parliament (5 June 1956)

Sinhalese assaulted the picketers and the attack spread the whole island.Sinhalese assaulted the picketers and the attack spread the whole island.

NON-VIOLENCENON-VIOLENCE


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School Girls Marching against ethnic based standardization (1972)School Girls Marching against ethnic based standardization (1972)


NON-VIOLENCENON-VIOLENCE


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GOVERNMENT RESPONSE:GOVERNMENT RESPONSE:

VIOLENCEVIOLENCE(Since 1956)(Since 1956)

1.1. State Organized Sinhala Thugs:State Organized Sinhala Thugs:

Repeated Anti-Tamil Pogroms: Ethnic cleansingRepeated Anti-Tamil Pogroms: Ethnic cleansing

1.1. Government Security Forces:Government Security Forces:

killing Tamils with impunity99% of the Armed Forces are Sinhalesekilling Tamils with impunity99% of the Armed Forces are Sinhalese

TAMIL POLITICAL ACTION: NON-VIOLENCETAMIL POLITICAL ACTION: NON-VIOLENCE


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SystematicSystematic GenocideGenocide of Tamilsof Tamils1956.. 1958.. 1961.. 1974.. 1977.. 1979.. 1981.. 1983.. .. 20081956.. 1958.. 1961.. 1974.. 1977.. 1979.. 1981.. 1983.. .. 2008

Anti-Tamil PogromAnti-Tamil Pogrom

19831983

Government sponsored

Sinhala Thugs tortured a Tamil

Man, then poured gasoline onhim and burnt him alive(July 1983)


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TURNING POINTTURNING POINT - 1976- 1976

TAMIL POLITICAL ACTION:TAMIL POLITICAL ACTION: NON-VIOLENCENON-VIOLENCE

GOVERNMENT RESPONSEGOVERNMENT RESPONSE:: VIOLENCEVIOLENCE


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TURNING POINTTURNING POINT - 1976- 1976

Resolution for Independence: Vaddukoddai ResolutionResolution for Independence: Vaddukoddai Resolution 30 year struggle for equality denied.30 year struggle for equality denied.

multiple pacts for regional autonomy not honored.multiple pacts for regional autonomy not honored.

non-violent agitations by Tamils met by State violencenon-violent agitations by Tamils met by State violence

The Elected Tamil Political Leaders convened and resolved to restoreThe Elected Tamil Political Leaders convened and resolved to restoreTamil Sovereignty by declaring an Independent Tamil state in theTamil Sovereignty by declaring an Independent Tamil state in theNorth-East of Sri Lanka.North-East of Sri Lanka.

1977 Election: Tamils ratify the call for independence by 82% popular1977 Election: Tamils ratify the call for independence by 82% popularvotevote

Tamil Legislators thrown out of parliament by the government.Tamil Legislators thrown out of parliament by the government.

Tamil Armed Rebellion takes holdTamil Armed Rebellion takes holdLead by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)Lead by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)

1983 State Sponsored Anti-Tamil Pogrom1983 State Sponsored Anti-Tamil Pogrom


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Thimpu Talks Declaration Thimpu Talks Declaration July 13July 13thth 19851985

Mediated by Indian governmentMediated by Indian government failedfailed

Statement by the Tamil Delegation (Elected and Rebel)Statement by the Tamil Delegation (Elected and Rebel)

Any meaningful solution to the Tamil national question must beAny meaningful solution to the Tamil national question must be

based on the following four cardinal principles:based on the following four cardinal principles:

Recognition ofRecognition ofTamils as a Distinct NationTamils as a Distinct Nation..

Recognition of theRecognition of the Tamil HomelandTamil Homeland and its Territorial Integrity.and its Territorial Integrity.

Recognition of the right ofRecognition of the right ofTamil National Self-DeterminationTamil National Self-Determination..

Recognition of the Right toRecognition of the Right to Citizenship of all TamilsCitizenship of all Tamils..


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Entire Tamil Nation rallied behind LTTE and carry outEntire Tamil Nation rallied behind LTTE and carry outarmed struggle for independence.armed struggle for independence.

75,000 civilians died:75,000 civilians died: 97% of them were Tamils, killed by97% of them were Tamils, killed by

the Sri Lankan armed forces.the Sri Lankan armed forces.

Tamils sacrifice 18,000 youthsTamils sacrifice 18,000 youths to achieve parity of statusto achieve parity of status

with Sri Lanka.with Sri Lanka.

LTTE becomes a formidable Tamil military force and theLTTE becomes a formidable Tamil military force and thesole-representatives of the Tamil people, gains control ofsole-representatives of the Tamil people, gains control of

significant areas of the North- East, and establishes civilsignificant areas of the North- East, and establishes civil

administration services.administration services.

1983 - 20021983 - 2002


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TAMIL NATIONAL MILITARYTAMIL NATIONAL MILITARY

(LTTE)(LTTE)

Today, a Conventional Tamil Armed Force.Today, a Conventional Tamil Armed Force.(Ground Forces, Naval Force, Air Force, Police, Intelligence Service)(Ground Forces, Naval Force, Air Force, Police, Intelligence Service)


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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDINGMEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING20022002

CeasefireCeasefire

Monitored by Scandinavian CountriesMonitored by Scandinavian Countries

(Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission - SLMM)(Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission - SLMM)

Direct DialogueDirect DialogueFacilitated By the Royal Norwegian GovernmentFacilitated By the Royal Norwegian Government


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CEASEFIRE AGREEMENTCEASEFIRE AGREEMENTSigned by the SL Government and the LTTE onSigned by the SL Government and the LTTE on 22 February 200222 February 2002

forward defence localitiesforward defence localities (borders)(borders)have been established, the Srihave been established, the SriLankan armed forces and theLankan armed forces and theLiberation Tigers fightingLiberation Tigers fightingformations shall hold their groundformations shall hold their groundpositionspositions

Neither Party shall engage in anyNeither Party shall engage in anyoffensive military operation noroffensive military operation nor

shall move munitions, explosivesshall move munitions, explosivesor military equipment into the areaor military equipment into the areacontrolled bycontrolled by the other Party.the other Party.

LTTE Northern Com. Col. Theepan &LTTE Northern Com. Col. Theepan &

SL Northern Com. Maj. Gen. FonsekaSL Northern Com. Maj. Gen. Fonseka

[at the northern FDL February 2002][at the northern FDL February 2002]


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THE OSLO DECLARATION:THE OSLO DECLARATION:

Signed by the SLG and the LTTE on 25 November 2002Signed by the SLG and the LTTE on 25 November 2002

the parties have agreed tothe parties have agreed toexplore a political solutionexplore a political solutionfounded on thefounded on the principle ofprinciple ofinternal self-determinationinternal self-determination ininareas of historical habitationareas of historical habitationof the Tamil-speakingof the Tamil-speaking

people,people, based on a federalbased on a federalstructurestructure within a united Sriwithin a united SriLanka.Lanka.

In the presence of US Deputy Sec. of State Mr. Richard ArmitageIn the presence of US Deputy Sec. of State Mr. Richard Armitage,,NorwegianNorwegian Foreign Minister Mr. Jan Petersen,Foreign Minister Mr. Jan Petersen, UKUK Sec. of State Ms. Claire short,Sec. of State Ms. Claire short, JapanJapan SpecialSpecial

Envoy Mr.Yasusi AkashiEnvoy Mr.Yasusi Akashi

LTTEs Dr. Anton Balasingham,LTTEs Dr. Anton Balasingham,

SLGs Prof. G.L.eiris,SLGs Prof. G.L.eiris,

at the Oslo Conference, 25 Novemberat the Oslo Conference, 25 November


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BROKEN AGREEMENTSBROKEN AGREEMENTS

Within 3 years 2002-2005

1. Dissolving High Security Zones Withdrawing militaryfrom Houses, School, Worshiping places (February 2002)

2. Sub-Committee for Immediate Humanitarian andRehabilitation Needs in the North and East (SIHRN)(February 2002)

3. North East Reconstruction Fund (NERF) (November 2002)

4. Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) (31 October 2003)

5. Post Tsunami Operational Management Structure(PTOMS) (June 2005)


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November 2005November 2005

Election of President RajapakseElection of President Rajapakse

Campaign promises:Campaign promises:

NoNo recognition of Tamil Homeland or right to Self-Rule.recognition of Tamil Homeland or right to Self-Rule.

NoNo to Federal Solutionto Federal Solution

NoNo to International Mediationto International Mediation

Rajapaksa was elected as President by theRajapaksa was elected as President by the

Majority of Sinhala peopleMajority of Sinhala people..


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Supported by Extremist Buddhist Monks Party (JHU),Supported by Extremist Buddhist Monks Party (JHU),

view Srilanka as a Sinhala-Buddhist nation, Burning Norway Flagview Srilanka as a Sinhala-Buddhist nation, Burning Norway Flag

Associated Press Photo November 2005

November 2005November 2005

Election of President RajapakseElection of President Rajapakse


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After the Election of President Rajapakse

ESCALATION OF VIOLENCEESCALATION OF VIOLENCEby the SL Armed Forces and Government sponsored Paramilitary.by the SL Armed Forces and Government sponsored Paramilitary.

47 humanitarian workers47 humanitarian workers were kidnapped and killed.were kidnapped and killed.

5 Tamil Parliamentarians were assassinated.5 Tamil Parliamentarians were assassinated.

Many leading Tamil Journalists were murdered.Many leading Tamil Journalists were murdered.

Hundreds of Tamils were abducted for ransom & killed.Hundreds of Tamils were abducted for ransom & killed.

17 Humanitarian Workers17 Humanitarian Workers of a French NGO (AFC)of a French NGO (AFC)Murdered by SL Army in an execution style on 5 August 2006Murdered by SL Army in an execution style on 5 August 2006

Chief of the Ceasefire Monitoring missionChief of the Ceasefire Monitoring missionMaj. Gen. Ulf Henricsson told:Maj. Gen. Ulf Henricsson told:

"I have experienced this in the Balkans before. When you're not let"I have experienced this in the Balkans before. When you're not let

in, it's a sign that there's something they want to hide".in, it's a sign that there's something they want to hide".

[ Reuters; 12 Aug 2006][ Reuters; 12 Aug 2006]


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Violence after Election of President Rajapakse

Targeted Killing of Tamil CiviliansTargeted Killing of Tamil Civilians

Mother raped and killed. Children brutalized and Hanged.Mother raped and killed. Children brutalized and Hanged.

Father forced to see all these, and shot dead.Father forced to see all these, and shot dead.((Venkalai, 9 June 2006)Venkalai, 9 June 2006)


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Violence after Election of President Rajapakse

Targeted Killing of Tamil CiviliansTargeted Killing of Tamil Civilians

A Government minister acknowledged it, and argued,A Government minister acknowledged it, and argued,

There is nothing wrong in killing future child soldiers.There is nothing wrong in killing future child soldiers.

Sri Lankan jetsSri Lankan jets

bombed abombed a

children's home inchildren's home in

MullaithivuMullaithivu

67 schoolgirls67 schoolgirls

and 7 teachersand 7 teachers

were killedwere killed

129 were129 were

wounded whenwounded when

(14 August 2006)(14 August 2006)


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SL governmentSL government de-mergedde-merged the Tamil Homeland. (North-East)the Tamil Homeland. (North-East)

Sri Lanka government officiallySri Lanka government officially unilaterally abrogatedunilaterally abrogated CeasefireCeasefireAgreement from January 16, 2008Agreement from January 16, 2008

Sri Lanka government isSri Lanka government is intensifying a full scale warintensifying a full scale waron the Tamilon the TamilHomeland to impose Military Solution & calling it as War on TerrorHomeland to impose Military Solution & calling it as War on Terror

NoNo credible political solutioncredible political solution is under discussion by SL government.is under discussion by SL government.

Tamil civilians being targeted: Disappearances, Daily aerial bombings,Tamil civilians being targeted: Disappearances, Daily aerial bombings,

Road-side bombs, Shelling, Extra-judicial killing.Road-side bombs, Shelling, Extra-judicial killing. Over 5000 Tamils have been killed since election .Over 5000 Tamils have been killed since election .

Average of 7 Tamils killed dailyAverage of 7 Tamils killed daily

After Election of President Rajapakse:After Election of President Rajapakse:

Current SituationCurrent Situation


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US Foreign Policy & RoleUS Foreign Policy & RoleToward Sri Lanka and TamilsToward Sri Lanka and Tamils


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US Policy & RoleUS Policy & Role

In 1996 Sri Lanka influenced US to designate LTTE as FTO.In 1996 Sri Lanka influenced US to designate LTTE as FTO.

In the post 9/11 scenario US sort partners for War on Terror.In the post 9/11 scenario US sort partners for War on Terror.

SL depicted the Tamil armed struggle as acts of Terrorism.SL depicted the Tamil armed struggle as acts of Terrorism.

SL declared its human rights violations as inevitable occurrences in theSL declared its human rights violations as inevitable occurrences in theWar on Terror.War on Terror.

US promotes democracy and freedom, and acknowledges TamilsUS promotes democracy and freedom, and acknowledges Tamilslegitimate aspirations for freedom.legitimate aspirations for freedom.

In 2004 elections, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) accepted the LTTEIn 2004 elections, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) accepted the LTTEas the National Leadership of the Tamils, and won 97% of Tamils votes.as the National Leadership of the Tamils, and won 97% of Tamils votes.

However, since LTTE is in its FTO list, US is in a paradox that it isHowever, since LTTE is in its FTO list, US is in a paradox that it isunable to treat both parties equally and help Tamils achieve theirunable to treat both parties equally and help Tamils achieve theirlegitimate aspirations for freedom.legitimate aspirations for freedom.


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US ROLEUS ROLE

1.1. Military Assistance to SL ArmyMilitary Assistance to SL Army

Stop ItStop It

1.1. Financial Aid to SL GovernmentFinancial Aid to SL Government Monitor itMonitor it

1.1. Public StatementsPublic Statements

Be fair to both nationBe fair to both nation

1.1. DiplomacyDiplomacy

Treat both parties EquallyTreat both parties Equally


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US CONGRESSUS CONGRESS

Rep. Frank PalloneRep. Frank Pallone On Autonomy of Tamils: On Autonomy of Tamils:

I echo this sentiment and support a solution that grants a level of autonomy toI echo this sentiment and support a solution that grants a level of autonomy toethnic minorities like the Tamils. We have seen very similar successfulethnic minorities like the Tamils. We have seen very similar successfulsituations throughout the world. Places like Quebec in Canada, Wales andsituations throughout the world. Places like Quebec in Canada, Wales and

Scotland in Great Britain are all part of their Federal Nations but haveScotland in Great Britain are all part of their Federal Nations but havesignificant autonomy.significant autonomy. (September 2006) (September 2006)

Rep. Rush HoltRep. Rush Holt On Human Rights Violations Against Tamils On Human Rights Violations Against Tamils

I urge US Secretary of State Dr. Rice to appoint a special envoy to emphasizeI urge US Secretary of State Dr. Rice to appoint a special envoy to emphasizeUS's commitment to peace in Sri LankaUS's commitment to peace in Sri Lanka and to include in the envoy'sand to include in the envoy'smandate efforts to increase monitoring of human rights violations,"mandate efforts to increase monitoring of human rights violations," (September(September2006)2006)


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US GOVERNMENTUS GOVERNMENT

Mr. Richard BoucherMr. Richard BoucherAssistant US Secretary of StateAssistant US Secretary of State

[Colombo; 26 June 2006][Colombo; 26 June 2006]

Though we reject the methods that the Tamil TigersThough we reject the methods that the Tamil Tigershave used, there arehave used, there are legitimate issueslegitimate issues raised by theraised by theTamil community and they have a very legitimateTamil community and they have a very legitimatedesire, as anybody would, to control their own lives,desire, as anybody would, to control their own lives,to rule their own destinies, and toto rule their own destinies, and to govern themselvesgovern themselves

in their homeland, in the areas theyve traditionallyin their homeland, in the areas theyve traditionallyinhabited.inhabited.

--


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Richard L. ArmitageRichard L. Armitage

Deputy Secretary of StateDeputy Secretary of State[December, 2002[December, 2002

the United States is greatly encouraged that the LTTE hasthe United States is greatly encouraged that the LTTE hasmade a commitment to the political solution and has agreed tomade a commitment to the political solution and has agreed to

settle this conflict through peaceful means...settle this conflict through peaceful means...

the United States government is also encouraged by the visionthe United States government is also encouraged by the visionof theof the LTTE as a genuine political entityLTTE as a genuine political entity. If the LTTE can make a. If the LTTE can make aconvincing case that it is committed to a political solution, theconvincing case that it is committed to a political solution, theUnited States will certainly considerUnited States will certainly considerremovingremoving the LTTE from thethe LTTE from thelist of Foreign Terrorist Organizations, as well as any otherlist of Foreign Terrorist Organizations, as well as any otherterrorism-related...terrorism-related...

A US LTTE direct contact is worth Trying.A US LTTE direct contact is worth Trying.

US GOVERNMENTUS GOVERNMENT


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Maj. Gen. Ulf HenricssonMaj. Gen. Ulf Henricsson

Chief of the Ceasefire Monitoring Mission.Chief of the Ceasefire Monitoring Mission.[ Reuters; 12 Aug 2006][ Reuters; 12 Aug 2006]

EU can't say they didn't know or at least have any signal aboutEU can't say they didn't know or at least have any signal aboutwhat could happen, I think the EU thought that the government ofwhat could happen, I think the EU thought that the government ofSri Lanka was a responsible government, who could take theSri Lanka was a responsible government, who could take theappropriate decision and work for peace instead of war...appropriate decision and work for peace instead of war...

I would say, EUsI would say, EUs decision to ban the LTTE is a mistake, it wasdecision to ban the LTTE is a mistake, it was

a wrong decisiona wrong decision, because the LTTE and the government have, because the LTTE and the government havesigned the ceasefire agreement as equal partners.signed the ceasefire agreement as equal partners.

EU followed US and placed LTTE on the FTO listEU followed US and placed LTTE on the FTO list


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Rep. Brad ShermanRep. Brad ShermanMarch 15, 2006March 15, 2006

Ive urged the State Department to design a roadIve urged the State Department to design a roadmap for the Tamil Tigers, so that they would knowmap for the Tamil Tigers, so that they would know

what steps they would need to take to get off thewhat steps they would need to take to get off theterrorist listterrorist list

What is the difference between terrorism on theWhat is the difference between terrorism on theone hand, and waging a legitimate guerrilla struggleone hand, and waging a legitimate guerrilla struggle

on the other?..on the other?..

Seeking some degree ofSeeking some degree ofautonomy for North-Eastautonomy for North-EastSri Lanka is not a terrible objective.Sri Lanka is not a terrible objective.

US CONGRESSUS CONGRESS


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Jeffrey LunsteadJeffrey LunsteadFormer US Ambassador to Sri LankaFormer US Ambassador to Sri Lanka[May 2007][May 2007]

Direct US-LTTE links would have helped inconvincing the LTTE to move away from terrorism

direct communication with the LTTE would havehad concrete benefits including the ability to deliver a

clear U.S. message about possible delisting of theLTTE as an FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organization)

US DIPLOMATUS DIPLOMAT


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60 Years... The result:60 Years... The result:

More than 100,000 Tamils Killed and DisappearedMore than 100,000 Tamils Killed and Disappeared

More than 20,000 Tamil orphaned childrenMore than 20,000 Tamil orphaned children

More than 35,000 Tamil widowsMore than 35,000 Tamil widows

Hundreds of Thousands of schools, houses, hospitals, churches,Hundreds of Thousands of schools, houses, hospitals, churches,

temples, villages and livelihood destroyed.temples, villages and livelihood destroyed.

More than 600,000 Tamils Internal RefugeesMore than 600,000 Tamils Internal Refugees

Nearly 1 Million Tamils made to flee the countryNearly 1 Million Tamils made to flee the country

Fighting for Survival is NOT TerrorismFighting for Survival is NOT Terrorism

If this is not ETHNIC CLEANSING, then what is?If this is not ETHNIC CLEANSING, then what is?


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A Struggle for Freedom NOT TerrorismA Struggle for Freedom NOT Terrorism

Two Ethnic Nations, separated byTwo Ethnic Nations, separated by

History, Language, Culture, Economic Life, Territorial Homeland.History, Language, Culture, Economic Life, Territorial Homeland.

A Tamil Conventional Military fighting the Sri Lankan Military.A Tamil Conventional Military fighting the Sri Lankan Military.

Defense against genocide of TamilsDefense against genocide of Tamils

A large enough Tamil TerritoryA large enough Tamil Territory

Defensible and sustainable for self governanceDefensible and sustainable for self governance

Roughly the same size as Israel or Kuwait or Slovenia.Roughly the same size as Israel or Kuwait or Slovenia.

Bigger in area (19,509 sq. km.) than at least 41 countries in the UNBigger in area (19,509 sq. km.) than at least 41 countries in the UN(including Singapore)(including Singapore)

A De facto Tamil GovernmentA De facto Tamil Government

Police, Judicial, Finance, Economic-Developments,etc, in existence.Police, Judicial, Finance, Economic-Developments,etc, in existence.

Bigger in population (3.6 million in 1979 - ) than at least 59 countries inBigger in population (3.6 million in 1979 - ) than at least 59 countries inthe UNthe UN

A Struggle for Freedom NOT TerrorismA Struggle for Freedom NOT Terrorism


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The FutureThe Future

If the Sri Lanka government does not acceptIf the Sri Lanka government does not accept Tamil Homeland,Tamil Homeland,Tamil Nationhood and Tamil self-ruleTamil Nationhood and Tamil self-rule, the basic and cardinal, the basic and cardinalprinciples, that have been guiding the Tamils in their struggleprinciples, that have been guiding the Tamils in their struggleto find a peacefully-negotiated political arrangementandto find a peacefully-negotiated political arrangementand

If the Sri Lankan government not willing to share power with theIf the Sri Lankan government not willing to share power with theTamils under aTamils under a Con-FederalCon-Federal system or some form of asystem or some form of a two-two-statestate solutionsolution

Tamils will be forced to continue their struggle for theirTamils will be forced to continue their struggle for theirNational Self-Determination and a Separate StateNational Self-Determination and a Separate State..

K & T il E lK & T il E l


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Kosovo & Tamil EelamKosovo & Tamil EelamWhat is good for Kosovo is good for Tamil EelamWhat is good for Kosovo is good for Tamil Eelam


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What the Tamil Americans expect from theWhat the Tamil Americans expect from the

Government of the United States:Government of the United States:

Play a leadership role to find a political solutionPlay a leadership role to find a political solution

to the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil People.to the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil People.

Remove the LTTE from the Foreign TerroristRemove the LTTE from the Foreign Terrorist

Organizations list,Organizations list, andand Treat both parties equallyTreat both parties equally..

Recognize the Tamil National Self Determination.Recognize the Tamil National Self Determination.

Permit Tamil people to choose their destiny inPermit Tamil people to choose their destiny in

internationally supervised plebiscite.internationally supervised plebiscite.

Facilitate the birth of the Tamil Nation, Tamil EelamFacilitate the birth of the Tamil Nation, Tamil Eelam


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ancient tamil eelam

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