Resolution of the Central Committee of Tamil United Liberation Front condemng attacks on LTTE leaders and offices June 23, 2002

There have been two separate attacks on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the second fortnight of June 2002. In one, there was an attempt to abduct LTTE leaders in Kayts isalnd, and in the second, the LTTE's political-wing offices came under attack in Trincomalee district. Condemning these two incidents, the moderate Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) passed a resolution. TULF is also the leading partner in the four-party Tamil coalition, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which has the blessings of the LTTE. Presented below is the full text of the resolution.

"The public thwarted an attempt by a group of Sri Lanka Navy personnel and members of a para military Tamil group to abduct some senior leaders of the Liberation Tigers after having severely assaulted them on June 21 night at Velanai in Kayts electorate.

"On June 21 night the Muttur political office of the LTTE in Trincomalee district had been attacked by some anti-social elements.

"The central working committee vehemently condemns the two attacks as cowardice, totally unwarranted and provocative acts.

"The central working committee considers these attacks not only as ceasefire violations but also a premeditated action to derail the peace process by provoking the Liberation Tigers to launch counter attacks.

"The TULF requests the government to initiate immediate action to conduct impartial inquiries into these attacks and to bring the culprits before the court of law.

"The TULF congratulates the LTTE for restraining themselves during these attacks. The TULF further requests the LTTE to be alert and not to fall into traps by the mischievous elements."