LTTE leaders to meet in Zurich for 'strategic discussion'

COLOMBO, Feb 13 (UNI) Key leaders of the Tamil Tiger rebels will meet today in Switzerland to "workout strategic actions" in response to the sudden political developments in Colombo, mainly the dissolution of Parliament and the forthcoming general elections, scheduled to be held on April 2.

A Colombo-based Tamil daily, reported today that LTTE's London-based chief negotiator and political advisor, Anton Balasingham along with his Australian-born wife, Adale Anne, was scheduled to fly to Zurich today for a two-day strategic meeting with the rebels' political wing head, S.P.

For this crucial meeting, Thamilselvan, who is presently on a tour to European and Scandinavian countries seeking direct financial assistance for the war-ravaged North-East region, has flown in to Zurich last night from Italy.

"Among several matters, the key rebel leaders will discuss the damage caused to the peace process and to the Tamil people as a result of the Southern political infightings, counter strategies to save the peace process, actions to continue urgent humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance to the people and matters concerning the conduct of polls in the rebel-held areas, the Sudar Oli reported.

According to the media report, both the leaders would also discuss the future impact of diplomatic actions if some interested parties backed by executive power centers, tried to repeat the election violence in the North-East region like in the past election.

Norwegian peace envoy, Eric Solheim is also reportedly scheduled to arrive in Zurich on Sunday morning for a meeting with these LTTE leaders.

The media report also said the Thamilselvan would cut short his tour to European nations and is scheduled to fly back to the Wanni on Sunday to brief LTTE's chief, Velupillai Prabhakaran on the outcome of discussions with Balasingham.

Thamilselvan would hold an extensive discussion with the four-party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in the Wanni only after his meeting with the LTTE chief, who would make the final decision as how the TNA and the LTTE should act before, during and after the general elections.