Release date:  30 September 2003
Release time: Immediate

HEAD OF SLMM WRONGLY QUOTED

Due to inaccurate news coverage and wrong quotes of some media of the meeting between SLMM and the political leadership of LTTE in Kilinochchi last Sunday, 28th September, SLMM finds it necessary to make the following clarification:
 

SLMM is an organization to monitor the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. SLMM is not an organization that has the authority or the role to recognize flags, although, of course, it pays due respect to flags of different organizations, including the flag of LTTE.
 

The Head of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, Major General Tryggve Tellefsen did not justify the hoisting of LTTE flags on public buildings in Government controlled areas.
 

SLMM has made a ruling about hoisting of the LTTE flag on public buildings and in public places in Government controlled areas. That ruling states clearly that such hoisting of the LTTE flag is a violation of the Ceasefire Agreement.

Released by:
SLMM HQ
Colombo