LTTE irked over surveillance flights

Published May 17, 2002

COLOMBO, May 16: Unrest has risen among the LTTE ranks about surveillance flights carried out by the Sri Lankan government over the LTTE controlled regions.

Written complaints have been made by the LTTE political wing leader Tamilchelvam in this regard to the international mission monitoring the truce between the government and the LTTE.

Deputy Head of the International Ceasefire Monitoring Mission, Hagrup Haukland told Dawn on Thursday said the mission had ‘in no uncertain terms’ informed the government that surveillance flights were ‘not in keeping with the spirit of the ceasefire’.

He said the government was of the view that it was merely attempting to find out ‘what was going on’ in the LTTE-controlled areas.