Italy continuing anti-LTTE probe - Lankan envoy

The recent arrests of LTTE operatives in Italy is a severe blow to the organisation, Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Italy Hemantha Warnakulasuriya said. The raids were conducted by the Anti-terrorism squad of Italy (DIGOS).

"All major suspects linked with the terrorist organisation living in Italy are in custody. If convicted under new anti-terrorist laws they could be sentenced upto 20 years. The Anti Terrorist Squad in Napoli has conducted investigations during the last two years using the most sophisticated electronic equipment and has gathered material," Ambassador Warnakulasuriya said.

"Ponguthamil organisers had deceived authorities and obtained sanction to stage a cultural pageant in Milan but they violated Italian laws. They raised the Eelam flag, exhibited the Eelam map and Prabhakaran's photographs which clearly demonstrated that the LTTE used Italian soil to propagate terrorism and fund raising," he added.

According to Ambassador Warnakulasuriya, now in Sri Lanka on a short visit, all important suspects involved in fund raising for the LTTE are now in custody. "At the same time, this is only the first phase of the investigations and DIGOS is expected to continue their investigations throughout the country."