LTTE Headquarters,
                                                Tamil Eelam.
                                                09. August 1997

PRESS RELEASE 
NEWS FROM TAMIL EELAM

We regret to note that the UNHCR has issued a statement accusing the
LTTE of hindering its efforts to transport displaced civilians to
Jaffna peninsula, thereby blocking humanitarian assistance to the
affected population. This accusation is false and malicious and based
on a misconception of our concern about the safety and security of
Tamil civilians under Sri Lankan military occupation in Jaffna.

On the instigation of the Sri Lankan government, the residential
representative of the UNHCR met us and requested our co-operation to
transport displaced Tamil civilians to Jaffna peninsula. While
appreciating this offer of assistance, we sought guarantees from the
UNHCR for the safety and security of the people to be transported to
Jaffna.  We have explained the appalling human rights situation in
Jaffna, particularly the large-scale disappearances of persons
recently returned to their villages in the peninsula. We have also
pointed out the nature of harassment to which the returnees are
subjected to ie. detention in special camps, interrogation and
torture. In this context, we have also pointed out several cases of
refugees transported from India to Jaffna by the UNHCR who have lost
their lives as a consequence of Sri Lankan military offensive
operations. The representative of the UNHCR showed no sympathy to our
concerns and refused to offer any guarantee to the safety of the
returnees. Therefore, we have no alternative other than to turn down
their offer of transport.

We also wish to point out that the UNHCR is fully aware of the
conditions of existence of the displaced civilians in the Wanni area.
Having intensified the military offensive operations in the region,
the government has cut down the food and medical supplies and
suspended relief assistance to the displaced people with the
calculated aim of forcing the displaced population to flee the area.
In these circumstances, we are disappointed to note that the UNHCR
delegation in Sri Lanka has been observing studied silence over the
continuing military atrocities and economic embargoes in Tamil areas
but at the same time finds it appropriate to criticise the LTTE for
requesting legitimate guarantees for the safety and security of the
displaced Tamil civilians.

We deeply regret that on such a delicate issue concerning the
well-being of the Tamil civilians that the UNHCR has found it
necessary to raise the matter on the international forum prior to
exhaustive discussion and consultation with LTTE representatives and
without a proper balanced exposition of the contradiction.

Political Committee,
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
	
(English translation of the LTTE statement released by LTTE
International Secretariat, 211 Katherine Road, London E6 1BU,
United Kingdom.  Tel:0181- 503 4294)