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Sri Lankan Tamils

May 20, 2015

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Page 1: Sri Lankan Tamils

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Sri Lanka:Sri Lanka:

One Island, Two NationsOne Island, Two Nations

Presentation for:Presentation for:

Tamil Americans and Friends (TAaF)Tamil Americans and Friends (TAaF)

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Srilanka-IlankaiSrilanka-Ilankai (in Tamil)(in Tamil) / Lanka / Lanka (in Sinhala)(in Sinhala)

• An island located in the An island located in the Indian ocean, off the Indian ocean, off the southeast tip of Indiasoutheast tip of India

• Three times as larger than Three times as larger than the state of New Jersey - the state of New Jersey - 25,000 sq miles in area25,000 sq miles in area

• Shared History Dates Back to Shared History Dates Back to 500BC. 500BC. • Sinhala-speaking people - 77%, Sinhala-speaking people - 77%, • Tamil-speaking people - 23%Tamil-speaking people - 23%

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• When Portuguese took When Portuguese took possession of the possession of the island in island in 15051505 there there were were 3 Kingdoms3 Kingdoms

• Tamil KingdomTamil Kingdom in the in the North-East North-East - Tamil - Tamil Homeland - Homeland - (yellow) (yellow)

• Sinhalese KingdomsSinhalese Kingdoms in in the South-West (grey).the South-West (grey).

HistoryHistory

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HistoryHistory

Two different nations from a very ancient period have Two different nations from a very ancient period have divided between them the possession of the Island. divided between them the possession of the Island.

First the Sinhalese, inhabiting the interior of the First the Sinhalese, inhabiting the interior of the country in its Southern and Western parts, and country in its Southern and Western parts, and

secondly the Malabars (Tamils) who possess the secondly the Malabars (Tamils) who possess the Northern and Eastern Districts. These Northern and Eastern Districts. These two nationstwo nations

differ entirely in their religion, language and mannersdiffer entirely in their religion, language and manners..

The Cleghorn MinuteThe Cleghorn Minute

In 1799 June, Sir Hugh Cleghorn, the first British Colonial In 1799 June, Sir Hugh Cleghorn, the first British Colonial Secretary wrote to the British Government…Secretary wrote to the British Government…

““

””

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• 1505 -1658: Portuguese held the island1505 -1658: Portuguese held the island

• 1658 – 1796: Dutch usurped control 1658 – 1796: Dutch usurped control

• 1796: the British took over1796: the British took over

• Portuguese and Dutch ruled the Tamil and Sinhala Portuguese and Dutch ruled the Tamil and Sinhala Kingdoms Kingdoms separately,separately, but, the British artificially but, the British artificially joinedjoined them them for their administrative convenience for their administrative convenience only in 1833.only in 1833.

• On Feb. 4, 1948 - British left the Island leaving it as On Feb. 4, 1948 - British left the Island leaving it as one one countrycountry,, CEYLON, leaving political power in the hands of the CEYLON, leaving political power in the hands of the ‘majority’ Sinhalese.‘majority’ Sinhalese.

HistoryHistory

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THE PROBLEMTHE PROBLEM

Three Fundamental ElementsThree Fundamental Elements

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THE PROBLEM:THE PROBLEM: First ElementFirst Element

1.1. Two Historically Feuding Ethnic GroupsTwo Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups

•Tamils in the North-East Tamils in the North-East (Yellow)(Yellow)

•Sinhalese in the Central Sinhalese in the Central and South-West (Gray)and South-West (Gray)

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1.1. Two Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups.Two Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups.

2.2. Centralized Unitary Government.Centralized Unitary Government.

Citizens are not treated equally…Citizens are not treated equally… …Rights of the Tamils are violated …Rights of the Tamils are violated

‘‘Mistreatment’ of Tamils – 60 years!Mistreatment’ of Tamils – 60 years!

THE PROBLEM:THE PROBLEM: Second ElementSecond Element

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1.1. Two Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups.Two Historically Feuding Ethnic Groups.

2.2. Centralized Unitary Government.Centralized Unitary Government.

3.3. Constitutionally entrenched Sinhala Rule. Constitutionally entrenched Sinhala Rule.

SINHALESE COMMANDSINHALESE COMMAND

ABSOLUTE POWER ABSOLUTE POWER …and, it is PERMANENT! …and, it is PERMANENT!

THE PROBLEM: Third Element

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• 1948 – 1 million Tamils declared as non-citizens1948 – 1 million Tamils declared as non-citizens

• 1949 – Sinhalese colonization in traditional Tamil homeland1949 – Sinhalese colonization in traditional Tamil homeland

• 1956 – Sinhala made sole official language of the country1956 – Sinhala made sole official language of the country

• 1970 – “ethnic standardization” slashes university admission to Tamils1970 – “ethnic standardization” slashes university admission to Tamils– same entrance exam, but Tamils need to score 30% moresame entrance exam, but Tamils need to score 30% more

• 1972 – New constitution without Tamils participation1972 – New constitution without Tamils participation– Unilateral name change from Ceylon to Sri LankaUnilateral name change from Ceylon to Sri Lanka– Declaration of Srilanka as a republicDeclaration of Srilanka as a republic– Buddhism made state religionBuddhism made state religion

• 1977 - Prevention of Terrorism Act1977 - Prevention of Terrorism Act• State-sponsored anti-Tamil violence in 1956, 1958, 1961, 1974State-sponsored anti-Tamil violence in 1956, 1958, 1961, 1974

THE PROBLEM:THE PROBLEM: ‘Mistreatment’ of Tamils‘Mistreatment’ of Tamils

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TAMIL POLITICAL ACTIONTAMIL POLITICAL ACTION

NON-VIOLENCENON-VIOLENCE(1948 – 1976)(1948 – 1976)

Tamils Response to State Discrimination:Tamils Response to State Discrimination:

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TAMIL POLITICAL ACTIONTAMIL POLITICAL ACTION

Tamil Political Leaders protested against the “Sinhala only Act”,Tamil Political Leaders protested against the “Sinhala only Act”, in front of the parliament (5 June 1956)in front of the parliament (5 June 1956)

Sinhalese assaulted the picketers and the attack spread the whole island. Sinhalese assaulted the picketers and the attack spread the whole island.

NON-VIOLENCENON-VIOLENCE

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School Girls Marching against ethnic based standardization (1972)School Girls Marching against ethnic based standardization (1972)

TAMIL POLITICAL ACTIONTAMIL POLITICAL ACTION

NON-VIOLENCENON-VIOLENCE

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GOVERNMENT RESPONSE:GOVERNMENT RESPONSE:

VIOLENCEVIOLENCE(Since 1956)(Since 1956)

1.1. State Organized Sinhala Thugs:State Organized Sinhala Thugs:

• Repeated Anti-Tamil Pogroms: Ethnic cleansingRepeated Anti-Tamil Pogroms: Ethnic cleansing

2.2. Government Security Forces:Government Security Forces:

• killing Tamils with impunity99% of the Armed Forces are Sinhalesekilling Tamils with impunity99% of the Armed Forces are Sinhalese

TAMIL POLITICAL ACTION: NON-VIOLENCETAMIL POLITICAL ACTION: NON-VIOLENCE

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Systematic Systematic GenocideGenocide of Tamils of Tamils1956.. 1958.. 1961.. 1974.. 1977.. 1979.. 1981.. 1983.. .. 20081956.. 1958.. 1961.. 1974.. 1977.. 1979.. 1981.. 1983.. .. 2008

Anti-Tamil PogromAnti-Tamil Pogrom19831983

Government sponsored Sinhala Thugs tortured a Tamil Man, then poured gasoline on

him and burnt him alive(July 1983)

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TURNING POINTTURNING POINT - 1976 - 1976

TAMIL POLITICAL ACTION: TAMIL POLITICAL ACTION: NON-VIOLENCENON-VIOLENCE

GOVERNMENT RESPONSEGOVERNMENT RESPONSE:: VIOLENCEVIOLENCE

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TURNING POINTTURNING POINT - 1976 - 1976• Resolution for Independence: Vaddukoddai ResolutionResolution for Independence: Vaddukoddai Resolution

– 30 year struggle for equality denied.30 year struggle for equality denied.

– multiple pacts for regional autonomy not honored.multiple pacts for regional autonomy not honored.

– non-violent agitations by Tamils met by State violencenon-violent agitations by Tamils met by State violence

– The Elected Tamil Political Leaders convened and resolved to restore The Elected Tamil Political Leaders convened and resolved to restore Tamil Sovereignty by declaring an Independent Tamil state in the Tamil Sovereignty by declaring an Independent Tamil state in the North-East of Sri Lanka.North-East of Sri Lanka.

– 1977 Election: Tamils ratify the call for independence by 82% popular 1977 Election: Tamils ratify the call for independence by 82% popular votevote

• Tamil Legislators thrown out of parliament by the government.Tamil Legislators thrown out of parliament by the government.

• Tamil Armed Rebellion takes holdTamil Armed Rebellion takes hold Lead by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Lead by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)

• 1983 – State Sponsored Anti-Tamil Pogrom1983 – State Sponsored Anti-Tamil Pogrom

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Thimpu Talks Declaration – Thimpu Talks Declaration – July 13July 13thth 1985 1985

Mediated by Indian governmentMediated by Indian government failed failed

Statement by the Tamil Delegation (Elected and Rebel)Statement by the Tamil Delegation (Elected and Rebel)

Any meaningful solution to the Tamil national question must be Any meaningful solution to the Tamil national question must be based on the following four cardinal principles:based on the following four cardinal principles:

•Recognition of Recognition of Tamils as a Distinct NationTamils as a Distinct Nation..

•Recognition of the Recognition of the Tamil HomelandTamil Homeland and its Territorial Integrity. and its Territorial Integrity.

•Recognition of the right of Recognition of the right of Tamil National Self-DeterminationTamil National Self-Determination..

•Recognition of the Right to Recognition of the Right to Citizenship of all TamilsCitizenship of all Tamils..

““

””

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– Entire Tamil Nation rallied behind LTTE and carry out Entire Tamil Nation rallied behind LTTE and carry out armed struggle for independence.armed struggle for independence.

– 75,000 civilians died: 75,000 civilians died: 97% of them were Tamils, killed by 97% of them were Tamils, killed by the Sri Lankan armed forces.the Sri Lankan armed forces.

– Tamils sacrifice 18,000 youthsTamils sacrifice 18,000 youths to achieve parity of status to achieve parity of status with Sri Lanka.with Sri Lanka.

– LTTE becomes a formidable Tamil military force and the LTTE becomes a formidable Tamil military force and the sole-representatives of the Tamil people, gains control of sole-representatives of the Tamil people, gains control of significant areas of the North- East, and establishes civil significant areas of the North- East, and establishes civil administration services.administration services.

1983 - 20021983 - 2002

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TAMIL NATIONAL MILITARYTAMIL NATIONAL MILITARY(LTTE)(LTTE)

Today, a Conventional Tamil Armed Force.Today, a Conventional Tamil Armed Force.(Ground Forces, Naval Force, Air Force, Police, Intelligence Service)(Ground Forces, Naval Force, Air Force, Police, Intelligence Service)

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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDINGMEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING20022002

CeasefireCeasefire

Monitored by Scandinavian CountriesMonitored by Scandinavian Countries(Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission - SLMM)(Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission - SLMM)

Direct DialogueDirect Dialogue

Facilitated By the Royal Norwegian GovernmentFacilitated By the Royal Norwegian Government

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CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT Signed by the SL Government and the LTTE on Signed by the SL Government and the LTTE on 22 February 200222 February 2002

……forward defence localitiesforward defence localities (borders) (borders) have been established, the Sri have been established, the Sri Lankan armed forces and the Lankan armed forces and the Liberation Tigers’ fighting Liberation Tigers’ fighting formations shall hold their ground formations shall hold their ground positions…positions…

……Neither Party shall engage in any Neither Party shall engage in any offensive military operation nor offensive military operation nor shall move munitions, explosives shall move munitions, explosives or military equipment into the area or military equipment into the area controlled bycontrolled by the other Party. the other Party.

““

””LTTE Northern Com. Col. Theepan &LTTE Northern Com. Col. Theepan &

SL Northern Com. Maj. Gen. Fonseka SL Northern Com. Maj. Gen. Fonseka

[at the northern FDL February 2002][at the northern FDL February 2002]

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THE OSLO DECLARATION:THE OSLO DECLARATION:Signed by the SLG and the LTTE on 25 November 2002Signed by the SLG and the LTTE on 25 November 2002

……the parties have agreed to the parties have agreed to explore a political solution explore a political solution founded on the founded on the principle of principle of internal self-determinationinternal self-determination in in areas of historical habitation areas of historical habitation of the Tamil-speaking of the Tamil-speaking people, people, based on a federal based on a federal structurestructure within a united Sri within a united Sri Lanka.Lanka.

In the presence of US Deputy Sec. of State Mr. Richard ArmitageIn the presence of US Deputy Sec. of State Mr. Richard Armitage, , NorwegianNorwegian Foreign Minister Mr. Jan Petersen, Foreign Minister Mr. Jan Petersen, UK UK Sec. of State Ms. Claire short, Sec. of State Ms. Claire short, Japan Japan Special Special

Envoy Mr.Yasusi AkashiEnvoy Mr.Yasusi Akashi

““

””LTTE’s Dr. Anton Balasingham,LTTE’s Dr. Anton Balasingham,

SLG’s Prof. G.L.eiris,SLG’s Prof. G.L.eiris,at the Oslo Conference, 25 Novemberat the Oslo Conference, 25 November

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BROKEN AGREEMENTSBROKEN AGREEMENTSWithin 3 years… 2002-2005

1. Dissolving High Security Zones – Withdrawing military

from Houses, School, Worshiping places (February 2002)

2. Sub-Committee for Immediate Humanitarian and Rehabilitation Needs in the North and East (SIHRN) (February 2002)

3. North East Reconstruction Fund (NERF) (November 2002)

4. Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) (31 October 2003)

5. Post Tsunami Operational Management Structure (PTOMS) (June 2005)

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November 2005November 2005Election of President RajapakseElection of President Rajapakse

Campaign promises:Campaign promises:• NoNo recognition of Tamil Homeland or right to Self-Rule. recognition of Tamil Homeland or right to Self-Rule.

• NoNo to Federal Solution to Federal Solution

• NoNo to International Mediation to International Mediation

Rajapaksa was elected as President by the Rajapaksa was elected as President by the Majority of Sinhala peopleMajority of Sinhala people..

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Supported by Extremist Buddhist Monks Party (JHU),Supported by Extremist Buddhist Monks Party (JHU),view Srilanka as a Sinhala-Buddhist nation, Burning Norway Flag view Srilanka as a Sinhala-Buddhist nation, Burning Norway Flag

Associated Press Photo November 2005

November 2005November 2005Election of President Rajapakse Election of President Rajapakse

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After the Election of President Rajapakse ESCALATION OF VIOLENCEESCALATION OF VIOLENCE

by the SL Armed Forces and Government sponsored Paramilitary.by the SL Armed Forces and Government sponsored Paramilitary.

• 47 humanitarian workers47 humanitarian workers were kidnapped and killed. were kidnapped and killed.

• 5 Tamil Parliamentarians were assassinated.5 Tamil Parliamentarians were assassinated.

• Many leading Tamil Journalists were murdered.Many leading Tamil Journalists were murdered.

• Hundreds of Tamils were abducted for ransom & killed.Hundreds of Tamils were abducted for ransom & killed.

• 17 Humanitarian Workers17 Humanitarian Workers of a French NGO (AFC) of a French NGO (AFC)Murdered by SL Army in an execution style on 5 August 2006Murdered by SL Army in an execution style on 5 August 2006

Chief of the Ceasefire Monitoring missionChief of the Ceasefire Monitoring missionMaj. Gen. Ulf Henricsson told:Maj. Gen. Ulf Henricsson told:

"I have experienced this in the Balkans before. When you're not let "I have experienced this in the Balkans before. When you're not let in, it's a sign that there's something they want to hide".in, it's a sign that there's something they want to hide".

[ Reuters; 12 Aug 2006][ Reuters; 12 Aug 2006]

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Violence after Election of President Rajapakse

Targeted Killing of Tamil CiviliansTargeted Killing of Tamil Civilians

Mother raped and killed. Children brutalized and Hanged. Mother raped and killed. Children brutalized and Hanged. Father forced to see all these, and shot dead.Father forced to see all these, and shot dead. ((Venkalai, 9 June 2006)Venkalai, 9 June 2006)

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Violence after Election of President Rajapakse

Targeted Killing of Tamil CiviliansTargeted Killing of Tamil Civilians

A Government minister acknowledged it, and argued, A Government minister acknowledged it, and argued, “There is nothing wrong in killing future child soldiers”.“There is nothing wrong in killing future child soldiers”.

• Sri Lankan jets Sri Lankan jets bombed a bombed a children's home in children's home in MullaithivuMullaithivu

• 67 schoolgirls 67 schoolgirls and 7 teachers and 7 teachers were killedwere killed

• 129 were 129 were wounded whenwounded when

(14 August 2006)(14 August 2006)

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SL government SL government de-mergedde-merged the Tamil Homeland. (North-East) the Tamil Homeland. (North-East)

Sri Lanka government officially Sri Lanka government officially unilaterally abrogatedunilaterally abrogated Ceasefire Ceasefire Agreement from January 16, 2008Agreement from January 16, 2008

Sri Lanka government is Sri Lanka government is intensifying a full scale warintensifying a full scale war on the Tamil on the Tamil Homeland to impose Military Solution & calling it as “War on Terror”Homeland to impose Military Solution & calling it as “War on Terror”

No No credible political solutioncredible political solution is under discussion by SL government. is under discussion by SL government. Tamil civilians being targeted: Disappearances, Daily aerial bombings, Tamil civilians being targeted: Disappearances, Daily aerial bombings,

Road-side bombs, Shelling, Extra-judicial killing.Road-side bombs, Shelling, Extra-judicial killing. Over 5000 Tamils have been killed since election .Over 5000 Tamils have been killed since election .

Average of 7 Tamils killed dailyAverage of 7 Tamils killed daily

After Election of President Rajapakse:After Election of President Rajapakse:

Current SituationCurrent Situation

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US Foreign Policy & RoleUS Foreign Policy & Role Toward Sri Lanka and Tamils Toward Sri Lanka and Tamils

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US Policy & Role US Policy & Role • In 1996 Sri Lanka influenced US to designate LTTE as FTO.In 1996 Sri Lanka influenced US to designate LTTE as FTO.

• In the post 9/11 scenario US sort partners for War on Terror.In the post 9/11 scenario US sort partners for War on Terror.

• SL depicted the Tamil armed struggle as acts of Terrorism.SL depicted the Tamil armed struggle as acts of Terrorism.

• SL declared its human rights violations as inevitable occurrences in the SL declared its human rights violations as inevitable occurrences in the War on Terror.War on Terror.

• US promotes democracy and freedom, and acknowledges Tamils’ US promotes democracy and freedom, and acknowledges Tamils’ legitimate aspirations for freedom.legitimate aspirations for freedom.

• In 2004 elections, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) accepted the LTTE In 2004 elections, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) accepted the LTTE as the National Leadership of the Tamils, and won 97% of Tamils’ votes.as the National Leadership of the Tamils, and won 97% of Tamils’ votes.

• However, since LTTE is in its FTO list, US is in a paradox that it is However, since LTTE is in its FTO list, US is in a paradox that it is unable to treat both parties equally and help Tamils achieve their unable to treat both parties equally and help Tamils achieve their legitimate aspirations for freedom.legitimate aspirations for freedom.

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R. Nicholas Burns, R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs,Under Secretary for Political Affairs,(Colombo, Sri Lanka - January 23, 2006)(Colombo, Sri Lanka - January 23, 2006)

We brand LTTE as terrorist organization for using violence as We brand LTTE as terrorist organization for using violence as a ‘political weapon’. But the a ‘political weapon’. But the Tamil population has legitimate Tamil population has legitimate grievances, and they must be respectedgrievances, and they must be respected by the majority by the majority population, and there has to be a way for the Tamils to be population, and there has to be a way for the Tamils to be able to articulate those grievances. able to articulate those grievances.

I must say that this long conflict is only going to come to an I must say that this long conflict is only going to come to an end when the LTTE and the government sit down and find a end when the LTTE and the government sit down and find a way forward to end this conflict.way forward to end this conflict.

The USA had placed LTTE on the FTO listThe USA had placed LTTE on the FTO list

““

””

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US ROLEUS ROLE

1.1. Military Assistance to SL ArmyMilitary Assistance to SL Army

• Stop ItStop It

2.2. Financial Aid to SL GovernmentFinancial Aid to SL Government

• Monitor itMonitor it

3.3. Public StatementsPublic Statements

• Be fair to both nationBe fair to both nation

4.4. ‘‘Diplomacy’Diplomacy’

• Treat both parties EquallyTreat both parties Equally

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US CONGRESSUS CONGRESS

Rep. Frank PalloneRep. Frank Pallone – On Autonomy of Tamils: – On Autonomy of Tamils:

• ““I echo this sentiment and support a solution that grants a level of autonomy to I echo this sentiment and support a solution that grants a level of autonomy to ethnic minorities like the Tamils. We have seen very similar successful ethnic minorities like the Tamils. We have seen very similar successful situations throughout the world. Places like Quebec in Canada, Wales and situations throughout the world. Places like Quebec in Canada, Wales and Scotland in Great Britain are all part of their Federal Nations but have Scotland in Great Britain are all part of their Federal Nations but have significant autonomy.significant autonomy. “ (September 2006) “ (September 2006)

Rep. Rush HoltRep. Rush Holt – On Human Rights Violations Against Tamils – On Human Rights Violations Against Tamils

• ““I urge US Secretary of State Dr. Rice to appoint a special envoy to emphasize I urge US Secretary of State Dr. Rice to appoint a special envoy to emphasize US's commitment to peace in Sri LankaUS's commitment to peace in Sri Lanka and to include in the envoy's and to include in the envoy's mandate efforts to increase monitoring of human rights violations," mandate efforts to increase monitoring of human rights violations," (September (September 2006)2006)

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US GOVERNMENTUS GOVERNMENTMr. Richard BoucherMr. Richard Boucher

Assistant US Secretary of StateAssistant US Secretary of State[Colombo; 26 June 2006][Colombo; 26 June 2006]

Though we reject the methods that the Tamil Tigers Though we reject the methods that the Tamil Tigers have used, there are have used, there are legitimate issueslegitimate issues raised by the raised by the Tamil community and they have a very legitimate Tamil community and they have a very legitimate desire, as anybody would, to control their own lives, desire, as anybody would, to control their own lives, to rule their own destinies, and to to rule their own destinies, and to govern themselves govern themselves in their homeland, in the areas they’ve traditionally in their homeland, in the areas they’ve traditionally inhabited.inhabited.

--

““””

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Richard L. ArmitageRichard L. ArmitageDeputy Secretary of StateDeputy Secretary of State [December, 2002[December, 2002

… … the United States is greatly encouraged that the LTTE has the United States is greatly encouraged that the LTTE has made a commitment to the political solution and has agreed to made a commitment to the political solution and has agreed to settle this conflict through peaceful means... settle this conflict through peaceful means...

… … the United States government is also encouraged by the vision the United States government is also encouraged by the vision of the of the LTTE as a genuine political entityLTTE as a genuine political entity. If the LTTE can make a . If the LTTE can make a convincing case that it is committed to a political solution, the convincing case that it is committed to a political solution, the United States will certainly consider United States will certainly consider removingremoving the LTTE from the the LTTE from the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations, as well as any other list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations, as well as any other terrorism-related...terrorism-related...

… … A US – LTTE direct contact is worth Trying.A US – LTTE direct contact is worth Trying.

US GOVERNMENTUS GOVERNMENT

““

””

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Maj. Gen. Ulf HenricssonMaj. Gen. Ulf HenricssonChief of the Ceasefire Monitoring Mission.Chief of the Ceasefire Monitoring Mission.[ Reuters; 12 Aug 2006][ Reuters; 12 Aug 2006]

EU can't say they didn't know or at least have any signal about EU can't say they didn't know or at least have any signal about what could happen, I think the EU thought that the government what could happen, I think the EU thought that the government of Sri Lanka was a responsible government, who could take the of Sri Lanka was a responsible government, who could take the appropriate decision and work for peace instead of war...appropriate decision and work for peace instead of war...

……I would say, EU’s I would say, EU’s decision to ban the LTTE is a mistake, it decision to ban the LTTE is a mistake, it was a wrong decisionwas a wrong decision, because the LTTE and the government , because the LTTE and the government have signed the ceasefire agreement as equal partners.”have signed the ceasefire agreement as equal partners.”

EU followed US and placed LTTE on the FTO listEU followed US and placed LTTE on the FTO list

““

””

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Teresita C. Schaffer Teresita C. Schaffer Former US Ambassador to Sri LankaFormer US Ambassador to Sri Lanka(June 2005)(June 2005)

The United States’ designation of the LTTE a The United States’ designation of the LTTE a ‘Foreign Terrorist Organization’ has ‘Foreign Terrorist Organization’ has affected U.S. affected U.S. diplomacy in Sri Lanka…diplomacy in Sri Lanka…

……The effect of U.S. terrorism law and of the The effect of U.S. terrorism law and of the terrorist organization list has been a problem for terrorist organization list has been a problem for U.S. diplomacy, and one that has not always been U.S. diplomacy, and one that has not always been wisely handled.”wisely handled.”

US DIPLOMATUS DIPLOMAT

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Rep. Brad ShermanRep. Brad ShermanMarch 15, 2006March 15, 2006

I’ve urged the State Department to design a road I’ve urged the State Department to design a road map for the Tamil Tigers, so that they would know map for the Tamil Tigers, so that they would know what steps they would need to take to get off the what steps they would need to take to get off the terrorist list…terrorist list…

… …What is the difference between terrorism on the What is the difference between terrorism on the one hand, and waging a legitimate guerrilla struggle one hand, and waging a legitimate guerrilla struggle on the other?..on the other?..

Seeking some degree of Seeking some degree of autonomy for North-Eastautonomy for North-East Sri Lanka is not a terrible objective.Sri Lanka is not a terrible objective.

US CONGRESSUS CONGRESS

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Jeffrey LunsteadJeffrey LunsteadFormer US Ambassador to Sri LankaFormer US Ambassador to Sri Lanka[May 2007][May 2007]

…Direct US-LTTE links would have helped in convincing the LTTE to move away from terrorism…

… direct communication with the LTTE would have had concrete benefits including the ability to deliver a clear U.S. message about possible delisting of the LTTE as an FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organization)

US DIPLOMAT US DIPLOMAT

““

””

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60 Years... The result: 60 Years... The result: • More than 100,000 Tamils Killed and DisappearedMore than 100,000 Tamils Killed and Disappeared

• More than 20,000 Tamil orphaned childrenMore than 20,000 Tamil orphaned children

• More than 35,000 Tamil widowsMore than 35,000 Tamil widows

• Hundreds of Thousands of schools, houses, hospitals, churches, Hundreds of Thousands of schools, houses, hospitals, churches, temples, villages and livelihood destroyed.temples, villages and livelihood destroyed.

• More than 600,000 Tamils Internal RefugeesMore than 600,000 Tamils Internal Refugees

• Nearly 1 Million Tamils made to flee the countryNearly 1 Million Tamils made to flee the country

Fighting for Survival is NOT Terrorism…Fighting for Survival is NOT Terrorism…

If this is not ETHNIC CLEANSING, then what is?If this is not ETHNIC CLEANSING, then what is?

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A Struggle for Freedom – NOT TerrorismA Struggle for Freedom – NOT Terrorism

• Two Ethnic Nations, separated byTwo Ethnic Nations, separated by– History, Language, Culture, Economic Life, Territorial Homeland.History, Language, Culture, Economic Life, Territorial Homeland.

• A Tamil Conventional Military fighting the Sri Lankan Military.A Tamil Conventional Military fighting the Sri Lankan Military.– Defense against genocide of TamilsDefense against genocide of Tamils

• A large enough Tamil TerritoryA large enough Tamil Territory– Defensible and sustainable for self governanceDefensible and sustainable for self governance

– Roughly the same size as Israel or Kuwait or Slovenia.Roughly the same size as Israel or Kuwait or Slovenia.

– Bigger in area (19,509 sq. km.) than at least 41 countries in the UN Bigger in area (19,509 sq. km.) than at least 41 countries in the UN (including Singapore)(including Singapore)

• A De facto Tamil GovernmentA De facto Tamil Government– Police, Judicial, Finance, Economic-Developments,etc, …in existence.Police, Judicial, Finance, Economic-Developments,etc, …in existence.

– Bigger in population (3.6 million – in 1979 - ) than at least 59 countries Bigger in population (3.6 million – in 1979 - ) than at least 59 countries in the UN in the UN

A Struggle for Freedom – NOT TerrorismA Struggle for Freedom – NOT Terrorism

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The Future…The Future…

If the Sri Lanka government does not accept If the Sri Lanka government does not accept Tamil Homeland, Tamil Homeland, Tamil Nationhood and Tamil self-ruleTamil Nationhood and Tamil self-rule, the basic and cardinal , the basic and cardinal principles, that have been guiding the Tamils in their struggle principles, that have been guiding the Tamils in their struggle to find a peacefully-negotiated political arrangement…and…to find a peacefully-negotiated political arrangement…and…

If the Sri Lankan government not willing to share power with the If the Sri Lankan government not willing to share power with the Tamils under a Tamils under a Con-FederalCon-Federal system or some form of a system or some form of a two-two-statestate solution… solution…

Tamils will be forced to continue their struggle for their Tamils will be forced to continue their struggle for their National Self-Determination and a Separate StateNational Self-Determination and a Separate State..

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Kosovo & Tamil EelamKosovo & Tamil EelamWhat is good for Kosovo is good for Tamil EelamWhat is good for Kosovo is good for Tamil Eelam

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What the Tamil Americans expect from theWhat the Tamil Americans expect from theGovernment of the United States:Government of the United States:

Play a leadership role to find a political solution Play a leadership role to find a political solution to the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil People.to the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil People.

Remove the LTTE from the Foreign Terrorist Remove the LTTE from the Foreign Terrorist Organizations list, Organizations list, and and Treat both parties equallyTreat both parties equally..

Recognize the Tamil National Self Determination.Recognize the Tamil National Self Determination.

Permit Tamil people to choose their destiny in Permit Tamil people to choose their destiny in internationally supervised plebiscite.internationally supervised plebiscite.

Facilitate the birth of the Tamil Nation, Tamil Eelam Facilitate the birth of the Tamil Nation, Tamil Eelam

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