Monday, Apr 21, 2003
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By V.S. Sambandan
The SLMM also mooted setting up two "maritime committees'' and the monitoring of communications between the Navy and the Sea Tigers through an open communication frequency (channel 16), mandatory under international law. The two sides have been asked to mark their vessels in accordance with the United Nations Law of the Sea. This would require rebel ships to display the port of registry on the hull and fly a flag, normally that of the country that gave it the permit. The suggestions are in an initial discussion paper prepared on the request of the Government and the LTTE at the last round of talks to prevent clashes at sea. According to a report in the Sunday Times, "in the spirit of the ceasefire agreement (CFA) the Government, especially the Navy, should recognise the LTTE Sea Tigers as a de facto naval unit'', the paper said. Tamil political leaders opposed to the LTTE criticise the ideaas one that would give the outfit its much-required legitimacy. "The safeguards mentioned don't mean anything for the Tigers''. The proposals have also drawn flak in sections of the media in that it ``undermines sovereignty and territorial integrity'' and was akin to delineating a line of control at sea. Terming these "an over-reaction'' the SLMM spokesperson, Teitur Torkelsson, said the suggestions were only a ``basis for discussions'' and "there is nothing from the SLMM on an LoC at sea''. The suggestions are against the backdrop of a spurt of incidents at sea. Last year's ceasefire agreement distinguishes between Government and rebel-held territories on land, but not at sea, and prohibits the two sides from moving "munitions, explosives or military equipment into the area controlled by the other party''. As there is no sea demarcation, frequent confrontations occur between the Navy and the Sea Tigers. On February 7, the LTTE sank its own boat in a suicide explosion, after SLMM monitors found at least one anti-aircraft gun hidden on board, destroying the evidence. On March 10, the Navy sank an LTTE merchant vessel, reportedly carrying an arms load, in the high seas off the eastern shores. Since then, the LTTE has been demanding greater clarity on the sea situation. The SLMM has approached the issue from the concept of "balance of forces'', which it sees as the basis for the current ceasefire. Emphasising that the Navy's "legitimate task'' to carry out inspections was "undebatable'', the discussion paper said "an intercepted vessel must accept peaceful and legal inspection by the Navy, monitored by the SLMM.'' It also said that "destruction of evidence'' and "suicide to avoid inspection will be considered grave violations of the CFA''. With the Government and the Tigers wanting "much more than what they have now'', a difficult phase of discussions on this issue is expected on April 24. The two sides are to meet for the the next round of talks between April 29 and May 2.
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