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EU ban: Where will Norway’s money go?
By Thalif Deen at the United Nations
NEW YORK - Norway, which has been subsidising the LTTE Peace Secretariat to the tune of about Rs. 1.2 billion every year since its creation in January 2003, may have to look elsewhere to channel its generosity.

The monies were mostly earmarked for the purchase of air tickets and hotel accommodation for LTTE leaders on their peace safaris overseas.

"And since last week's European Union (EU) declaration bars LTTE delegations from flying into EU capitals, the Norwegians may be forced to cut down on their generous subsidies", one political source told The Sunday Times.
Jo Becker, the Children's Rights Advocacy Director of the New York-based Human Rights Watch, praised the EU for taking a strong stand against the recruitment of child soldiers.

"This is a welcome signal to the LTTE that its continued use of political killings and child recruitment cannot be tolerated," Ms. Becker told The Sunday Times. "The EU should continue to refuse LTTE delegations until political killings and child recruitment stop. We also urge other UN member states to consider similar action," she added.

Last week Norway announced it would provide 23.9 million rupees to the Muslim Peace Secretariat--- a measly sum compared to the 1.2 billion rupees to the LTTE.

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