Diplomats seek increased security

Following Tuesday’s LTTE attack in Batticaloa:

Manjula FERNANDO

COLOMBO: In the aftermath of the LTTE’s callous attack on diplomats in Batticaloa on Tuesday, four Ambassadors have sought increased security in their missions and residences, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said yesterday.

Bogollagama met Colombo based diplomats and Humanitarian Agency Heads at his Ministry yesterday where the request for increased security was put forward.

Addressing the media after the briefing with the diplomats, the Minister brushed aside accusations that the Government acted irresponsibly when taking the envoys to the East, and stressed it was important for the international community to get first hand experience on the ground situation.

“US Ambassador Robert O. Blake and the others were fully aware of the risks involved,” he said.

The minister said this should be a basis to exert greater pressure on the LTTE to give up terrorism, return to the democratic fold and display greater respect for the rule of law.

He said this was in fact the third in a series of acts directed by the LTTE against diplomats. The visiting Italian Deputy Foreign Minister and the Pakistan High Commissioner were similarly attacked.

Cutting short his visit to China which was to be continued until tomorrow, the Minister returned last morning to meet the diplomatic community.

At the meeting, he told the Envoys that “Tuesday’s attack on the diplomats indicated the LTTE’s growing frustration over increasing international isolation of the group.”

Brushing aside the LTTE claims the‰y were ignorant of the diplomats’ arrival, Bogollagama said these claims were intended to confuse the world.’

“It clearly expressed the LTTE’s displeasure over the Government’s efforts to provide relief to the people and develop the region with International community, help and possibly fearful of losing their grip over the North and East Tamils.’

Bogollagama visited Italian Ambassador Pio Mariani’s official residence soon after arrival to check on the envoy’s health.

“I was encouraged to find the ambassador in good spirits,” he said. Mariani also attended last evening’s meeting. Among others present were Indian High Commissioner and the Deputy High Commissioner and Ambassadors from Japan, Norway, Cuba, France, Iran, Egypt and Kuwait.

The Minister responded in the negative, when asked if there were complaints by the diplomats or humanitarian agency representatives present at the meeting if there was a security lapse in the trip to Batticaloa.

“They went to Jaffna with Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe before the Batticaloa trip and the delegates were well aware of the risk involved,” he said.

The Minister also urged the diplomatic community to take effective measures to eliminate fund raising and weapon procurement until there is a change in the LTTE’s ruthless acts.