Vital victory for Lanka

The European Parliament's recommendation to its member states that new, drastic and increased curbs and controls be clamped on the LTTE, points to a heightening awareness on the part of the world community of the need to compel the Tigers to fall in line with the requirements of Lanka's conflict-resolution effort.

It is a certain sign that the terroristic nature of the LTTE is being recognised by the EU in particular and the West in general and that sooner rather than later the EU listing of the LTTE as a terrorist organisation would be a reality.

The EU recommendation of freezing LTTE-related assets and financial resources, in particular, in EU member countries, when implemented, could be expected to deal a fatal blow to a vital life line of the LTTE.

For, it is abundant financing from the LTTE support base abroad that has to an extent, kept the organisation ticking. Besides, sections of the Tamil diaspora in the West have been coerced by LTTE terror squads into parting with their hard-earned money to replenish Tiger arsenals.

Quick action by the states concerned on the EU recommendations, coupled with the listing of the LTTE as a terrorist organisation, could greatly diminish the Tigers' capacity for trouble-making and terror.

Accordingly, we urge swift follow-up action on these recommendations because time is of the essence and the peace process needs to be put back on track.

It is also immensely encouraging to learn that the EU is firmly behind President Mahinda Rajapaksa and this country in their efforts to meet the challenges ahead of us and, of course, resolving our conflict is chief among these.

This development, coupled with the EU's support for "a fair and sustainable solution" to our conflict, should enthuse the Lankan State into forging steadily ahead towards a fair and honourable settlement of the National Question.

Equally encouraging is the EU position that the LTTE does not represent the whole of the Tamil populace and that it must make way for "political pluralism" and "alternate democratic voices". This means that the LTTE's repression of the Tamil people is totally unacceptable to the democratic world.

If the LTTE is to receive a hearing in the West it would need to drastically change it ways and begin to respect and practise democratic institutions and values.

We need hardly say that these ground-breaking EU recommendations are a major triumph for the Sri Lankan State and its peace-loving sections which have been advocating a political solution to our conflict which respects the legitimate aspirations of all our communities.

We could now satisfy ourselves that the sane voices of this country are finally being heeded by a considerable section of the international community.

While the world community should from now on turn the heat on the Tigers, the Lankan State should ensure steady progress towards resolving the conflict. The pressure on the Tigers should be steadily sustained and we hope this would be done in earnest.