"We will remain strong" - Balakumaran in Oslo

[TamilNet, Sunday, 29 August 2004, 03:01 GMT]
"LTTE has been successfully resisting attempts to weaken its military and political strength during the peace time with the same courage and bravery it displayed during the time of war. Tamils seek a just peace and not a peace with surrender. LTTE leadership will not relent until political and social dignity is restored to the lives of Tamil people," said Mr.V.Balakumaran, a senior member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), in his address as Chief Guest in the Silver Jubilee of the Tamil Sangam in Oslo Saturday .

The event was attended by more than 500 participants at Folkets Hus in Oslo, Norway's capital city.

"It is difficult to beat an intelligent and strong soldier. The Tamil community has matured to that state. We are charting our path successfully towards our nationhood and are in the verge of entering a new era. Every Tamil should be cognizant of our strength and be aware of where we are in our mission," said Mr. Balakumaran.

"Multinational forces were engaged in helping the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) during the military operation "Jaya Sikurui" ('Victory Assured' in Sinhala) launched by the Sri Lanka Armed Forces. Jaya Sikurui was not an internal war. Jaya Sikurui was thrust upon the Tamils with the backing of many countries that were directly and indirectly backing the war efforts of Colombo.

"We have not forgotten the hardships Tamil people faced during the war. No nation came forward to help the Tamil people. We successfully defended and inflicted heavy losses on our adversary with our own efforts, strength and sacrifices of our fighters," explained Mr. Balakumar while telling the audience the events, war-environment and the sacrifices of Tamil people during eelam wars.

"It was the bravery of the LTTE fighters, determination of the Tamil people and the skill of the LTTE leadership that defeated the enemy," Mr. Balakumaran said.

"For conducting meaningful peace negotiations a balance of power between the two competing groups is necessary. We have achieved this and are very confident of our military strength.

"I want to recall that it was our leader who took the initiative of declaring the cessation of hostilities unilaterally and paved the way for peace talks," he said.

"At this critical moment, we are keenly watching the commitment and the desire to promote a just and fair peace exhibited by the International Community," Mr. Balakumaran said in his speech.

He also compared the situation of Palastinians with that of Tamils. "Palastinians have a lot of resources and have the backing of many countries that support their political aspirations. Still they are politically weak and are not united. Liberation Tigers will not allow such a situation to develop in the Tamil homeland."

Explaining the LTTE leader's commitment to the peace process, Mr.Balakumar said that Mr.Pirapaharan expressed his willingness to face the interest-based-politics of the international community when he declared the unilateral cessation of hostilities in 2001. LTTE leader is keenly observing actions of the international community towards the peace process," Mr.Balakumaran further noted.




Dance performance at the event by Tamil children of Oslo



The Norwegian Prime Minister, Mr. Kjell Magne Bondevik in his message to the Tamil Sangam noted that "the Tamils from Sri Lanka have established in Norway in a positive way and they have made themselves conspicuous through their engagement in important areas including the activities for youth and children."

He also noted that Norway's role in the peace process in Sri Lanka is a difficult one and that it is important that all parties commit themselves to peace.

The Silver Jubilee committe also received greetings from Ms. Erna Solberg, Minster of Local Government, Mr. Per Ditlev-Simonsen, Mayor of Oslo, Mr. Erik Solheim and Ms. Lisa Golden, Special Advisors of Norwegian Foreign Ministry to Sri Lanka.