Peoples’ Tribunal on Sri Lanka - Session III

Washington Seminar: US excludes LTTE

Washington D.C. Richard L. Armitage, Deputy Secretary of State, Opening Remarks at Loy Auditorium, Washington, DC "And while you will have a chance to hear from Sri Lanka, Norway, and Japan today about progress in the negotiations and the next steps, there is one partner to peace that is today conspicuous in its absence, and that is the LTTE. Now I know the Tigers are unhappy about their exclusion today, but let me explain their absence. The United States placed the LTTE on our list of foreign terrorists organizations back in 1997. That designation carries with it legal restrictions including a prohibition on issuing visas to members of the organization for entry into the United States. And while it is safe to say that the United States is encouraged by the recent behavior of the LTTE, we do not yet see a rationale for lifting the designation as a foreign terrorist organization. Our position is crystal clear. The LTTE must unequivocally renounce terrorism, in word and in deed, if we are to consider withdrawing the designation. I think it is fair to say with the way the current negotiations are going, the United States can see a future for the LTTE as a legitimate political organization, but it is still up to the LTTE to change this situation. It is up to them to demonstrate that they are capable and worthy of such legitimacy." https://2001-2009.state.gov/s/d/former/armitage/remarks/19615.htm

2003-04-14