LTTE Headquarters,
                                                Tamil Eelam.
                                                07. July 1997

PRESS RELEASE 
NEWS FROM TAMIL EELAM
                                           
UNHCR CLOSES DOWN "SAFE HAVEN" SAYING IT IS UNSAFE
	A tentative attempt by the UN's refugee agency UNCHR to establish
	a "safe haven" for displaced Tamil people in Vanni has been
	aborted after Sinhala armed forces bombed the place within days
	of it being set up. The UN's flag has rapidly been taken down
	from Puthur Puthuvilankulam to signify that it is no longer a
	UN-sponsored security zone. The fate of thousands of Tamil men,
	women and children who have to remain here is again uncertain. No
	alternative arrangements have yet been made for them and they are
	being left to fend for themselves. This remarkable incident
	clearly illustrates the kind of war Sri Lanka is carrying out
	against Tamils behind its media blockade. If the UNHCR was not
	able to sustain a safe haven for Tamils for more than a few days
	due to vicious raids by Sri Lanka's armed forces, it is not hard
	to imagine what is taking place against Tamils out of view of the
	international agencies.
	
NEW DETENTION CHAMBER FOR TAMIL YOUTH
	Sri Lanka has grown tired of transporting "arrested" Tamils from
	occupied Jaffna to Sinhala districts for the purpose of
	displaying them in front of the media to titillate the gloating
	public. Exhibiting like cattle innocent Tamil youth tagged
	"terrorists" seemed to become something close to a sport for
	Sinhala military officials. But the sport seems to have lost its
	thrill. Now, such Tamil "prisoners" are being immediately put
	into a hospital-turned-prison in Tellipalai (Jaffna). Fences,
	barbed wire and earthworks are being erected around the outer
	rim.
	
MILKMAN SLASHED TO DEATH ON ARMY BRIDGE
	An 18-year old Tamil milkman was recently stabbed to death by
	Sinhalese soldiers on Mahilady Bridge, in occupied Batticaloa.
	The unprovoked attack on Selliah Karunanithy took place on the
	bridge itself while the young man was doing his rounds. His body
	- which had been sliced to pieces - was deposited at Batticaloa
	hospital.
	
UNSEEN HUMAN CRISIS IN VANNI WORSENS SHARPLY - IMMINENT FAMINE
	Many thousands of displaced Tamils whose food supply lines have
	been cut by the Government of Sri Lanka - a signatory to the
	Geneva Conventions - are finding themselves increasingly
	desperate. One meal a day is unlikely for many of the people, as
	dry rations needed to relieve civilians displaced by the
	government's own military offensives are being held back
	deliberately. Undoubtedly, food is being used here as a weapon of
	war. The massive demonstrations being held by the hungry in Vanni
	- screened off by the government's media ban - are testimony to
	the state of affairs. There is a growing sense among the civilian
	population that their plight has been forgotten. Sri Lankan
	authorities - by the lack of condemnation - are clearly feeling
	encouraged to continue with their food-siege.
	
BLACK TIGER CELEBRATIONS IN TRINCO
	Trincomalee's residents have gathered in large numbers to
	celebrate Black Tigers' Day. The main event was held in the
	dockyard school premises with Mr. Thangan - head of the LTTE's
	political division in Trincomalee - in the chair. Tamil Eelam's
	national flag was raised by Mr. Prakash, deputy head of the
	Tamapalakamam division. Members of the public and school children
	participated in the proceedings and portraits of the Black Tigers
	- considered highly for the ultimate sacrifice they made for
	their people's sake - were garlanded with flowers. The gathering
	was followed by a sports meet and a Tamil cultural event.
	
	Celebrations were also held in Thatachana Maruthamadu (Mannar)
	and Skanthapuram (Vanni), where massive crowds also attended.
	Portraits of the total 105 Black Tigers were paraded publicly in
	a dramatic display of popular sympathy towards the Tamil struggle
	for national democracy. Members of Tamil Eelam's police force,
	school children, teachers, public servants and businessmen were
	present. Tamil Eelam's national flag was raised to music and
	there followed later a public meeting.
	
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)