EU actively implementing LTTE ban - Defence Spokesman

by Ranil Wijayapala

COLOMBO: The arrest of six LTTE activists in Paris was a clear indication that the European Union is turning the LTTE proscription into action without confining it into mere words, Government Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

"The EU has proved that it is not for the sake of a ban they have proscribe the LTTE, they have activated it," Minister Rambukwella pointed out.

The Minister said never in history had this type of arrest taken place in Paris, considered a haven for Tiger activities.

The French Counter Terrorism Sub Directorate has conducted series of raids on three LTTE organisation in Paris and arrested 17 Tiger activists.

They had raided the offices of Comite' de Coordination Tamoul France (CCTF), the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation and Makkal Kadai and arrested 17 Tiger activists.

The Minister said though it was not apparent the EU was taking many measures to curb Tiger activities in EU countries following the proscription.