PNM against supplying sea planes to LTTE

COLOMBO: The Patriotic National Movement (PNM) in a press release issued yesterday requested the Government to desist from supplying sea planes to the LTTE to transport Eastern leaders to the Wanni for consultations until the LTTE provided an acceptable guarantee that it would cease all terrorist attacks against the government forces and civilians in the future.

The release signed by PNM President Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera said the Army Commander who was critically injured in the LTTE assassination attempt is still receiving treatment at the National Hospital ICU. Many other members of the armed forces subjected to LTTE terrorist attacks were killed.

The LTTE is continuing its terrorism by directing attacks on security forces personnel and civilians almost daily.

In this situation a government in its proper senses will not intervene to provide sea planes to the LTTE to transport its Eastern leaders to the Wanni. Furthermore it's improper on the part of the government to provide transport facilities to LTTE cadres at a time the security forces and the people have made a firm resolve to defeat LTTE terrorism. The release further said it wished to draw the government's attention to the Editorial comment made by the Island on its yesterday's (May 2) issue.

It said:-

"The LTTE cyber arm Tamil Net said that on Sunday the outfit had successfully transported a group of unnamed cadres to Millaitivu by sea in defiance of the Navy.

So if it is desirous of talks why cant it 'successfully transport' via the same route, the leaders whom Prabhakaran wants to meet for pre talks consultation. (This is the first time Prabhakarn wants to make a decision in consultation with others) On the other hand, if the LTTE could smuggle a suicide bomber into Army Headquarters, taking its leaders from a jungle to another, either by sea or overland, must be child's play.

It is clear that the LTTE demand for transporting its leaders to Killinochchi from the East is only a 'dilatory tactic.'