PRESS RELEASE

Following is the text of a signed letter from Tamil Eelam's
national leader, V. Pirapaharan, welcoming the appointment of
honourable Tony Blair as Prime Minister of Great Britain.

                                         LTTE Headquarters
                                         Tamil Eelam
                                         03 May 1997

Hon. Tony Blair
Prime Minister of United Kingdom
London

Dear Sir

We wish to convey to you our sincere congratulations on your
assumption to the office of Prime Minister following the massive
electoral victory of your political party.

We are confident that under your able guidance and progressive
leadership Britain will play a constructive role in the creation
of a harmonious world order by alleviating global poverty, racial
oppression and social injustice.

The Tamil Nation in Sri Lanka, which has been engaged in a long
and determined struggle to freely choose its political status,
looks upon your new Government for support and sympathy to win
its legitimate political rights.

Our best wishes for your success.


Yours Sincerely

(Signed) V. Pirapaharan Leader,
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

(LTTE Leader V.Pirapaharan's letter is released by LTTE
International Secretariat, 211 Katherine Road, London E6 1BU,
Tel:0181- 503 4294 / Fax: 0181-470 8593)