Government of Sri Lanka lifts ban on the LTTE. The lifting of the ban meets one of the main demands made by the Tigers for peace talks to start. The LTTE was last banned in January 1998 following its attack on the temple of the tooth.
Source
Colombo lifts ban on Tamil Tigers, BBC, 26 August 2002..
Quotations
“We have noted that the Government of Sri Lanka has lifted its ban on the LTTE. This is entirely a matter for the Government of Sri Lanka and does not directly affect the proscription of the LTTE in the UK. Before the proscription of the LTTE in the UK could be reconsidered by the British Government, the LTTE would have to demonstrate a complete and convincing renunciation of terrorism. We hope that the LTTE will indeed conclude that violence no longer has a part to play in resolving Sri Lanka’s problems and that they will renounce terrorism once and for all.” British Foreign Office, Press statement, Government of Sri Lanka’s decision to lift ban on the LTTE, 4 September 2002.
“The US understands and supports Sri Lanka’s decision to lift the ban on the LTTE in the context of moving forward with negotiations to end the conflict. [But the] US listing of the LTTE as a foreign terrorist organisation will remain in effect until the group renounces terrorism in word and deed.” US Embassy in Sri Lanka.
“The international opprobrium against terror acts has worked in Sri Lanka’s favour. We have to take advantage of the mood after September 11. … A re-imposition [of the ban] will be necessary only if there is a total breakdown and I am optimistic that it will not happen. There may be stutters and breakdowns as talks of this nature often experience, but I don’t see a total breakdown of the process.” Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister.
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