|
Tiger networks still intact |
|
Sunday, 31 May 2009 01:50 |
SRI Lanka appealed Sunday for support in dismantling the Tamil Tigers' international support network after declaring victory over the rebels following the decades-long conflict.
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told a high-level security forum in Singapore that the global organisation of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) remained 'largely intact'. 'Many of the operatives have clearly cultivated powerful, political lobbies in certain capitals with a view to resurrecting the LTTE,' he said.
'It is important for the international community to take all measures to assist the government of Sri Lanka to track down the global network of the LTTE,' he told an annual forum of defence and military officials organised by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Sri Lanka's military claimed complete victory over the separatist Tamil Tigers after wiping out the guerrillas' leadership nearly two weeks ago, but has been dogged by accusations that thousands of civilians were killed in the final weeks of the campaign.
The LTTE launched a campaign in 1972 to create a Tamil homeland in the Sinhalese-majority island. Much of its funding came from Tamils overseas.
Mr Bogollagama dismissed allegations that heavy weapons were used by the military in civilian areas as part of the 'propaganda of genocide against the Tamil people.' 'This was both fictional and well-fabricated, with ulterior and sinister motives in order to discredit the armed forces as well as to embarrass the government of Sri Lanka,' he added.
'Sri Lanka will no doubt enter the annals of history as a classic textbook example of a nation that successfully prevailed over the scourge of terrorism, whilst tenaciously upholding the cherished values of democracy and human rights that have been deeply engraved in the psyche of our people,' he said.
|
