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Mr.
Thamilselvan (R) addressing a packed news conference in Kilinochchi
yesterday. Pic by Lakshman Gunathilake
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LTTE seeks sweeping
powers
From Anthony David in Kilinochchi
Tiger guerrillas yesterday demanded an Interim Self Governing Authority
(ISGA) with autonomous powers and outside the constitution to rule
the north-east for five years.
With "absolute majority" of guerrilla appointees, the
ISGA will comprise members appointed by the Government and Muslim
representatives.
The eight-page
proposals of the LTTE for the first time since the "armed conflict"
were made public at a news conference by its Political Wing leader
S.P. Thamilselvan.
The proposals
call for the immediate vacation to "rightful owners" of
land occupied by the armed forces. It says compensation must be
paid for dispossession of their land. The ISGA shall have control
over the marine and offshore resources of the adjacent seas and
the powers to regulate access thereto. This in effect will allow
free movement to Sea Tigers, the sea going arm of the LTTE.
Here are some
of the highlights of the LTTE demands: n The ISGA shall have plenary
powers for the governance of the North-East including powers in
relation to re-settlement, rehabilitation, reconstruction and development,
including raising revenue, imposition of taxes, levies and duties,
law and order, over land. These powers shall include all powers
and functions in relation to regional administration exercised by
the Government in and for the North-East.
- Separate
institutions for the administration of justice shall be established
for the North-East and political powers shall be vested in such
institutions.
- Government
agrees that any and all of its expenditures for the North-East
shall be subject to the control of the ISGA.
- The ISGA
shall have powers to borrow internally and externally, provide
guarantees, receive aid directly, and engage in or regulate internal
and external trade.
- The ISGA
will appoint its own Auditor General to audit or and monitor all
moneys received from international sources.
- As part
of the exercise of its executive powers, the ISGA shall have the
direction and control over any and all administrative structures
and personnel in the North-East.
- The ISGA
will have the power to alienate and determine the appropriate
use of all land in the North-East that is not privately owned.
- The ISGA
will have control of the natural resources of the North-East region.
- Elections
shall be held at the expiry of five years of the coming into force
of this agreement, if no final settlement is reached during the
five years. An Independent Election Commission, appointed by the
ISGA, shall conduct free and fair elections.
- No religion
shall be given the foremost place in the North and East.
- No bribery
and corruption will be permitted.
- Human Rights
will be accorded under international human rights laws.
- International
principles regarding the use of water from river systems.
(Full text
of proposals Situation report) |
