GL calls for ‘immediate action’ by France over LTTE stamps
January 3, 2012 09:05 pm
External Affairs Minister Professor G.L. Peiris on Tuesday called in the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka Christine Robichon, to “register Sri Lanka’s acute concern” on the issue of four stamps published by the French Postal services ‘La Poste’ depicting images related to the LTTE including its insignia.
Minister Peiris had observed that while the publishing of these stamps had not been facilitated by the Government of France, however, it is its responsibility to ensure that such publication should not have happened and their circulation be cancelled with immediate effect.
He emphasized that this action by a front organization of the LTTE would portray the French attitude to global terrorism in an erroneous manner as France has unambiguously postulated its opposition, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The Minister had expressed the confidence that action would be taken by the Government of France not to give credence to such moves by a terrorist front and had highlighted that the history and modus operandi of the LTTE and its leadership are well known and has been working for the “dismemberment of a friendly country”.
Proffesor Peiris however, stated that the Government of Sri Lanka has to take on board public opinion in Sri Lanka, especially since the remnants of the terrorist group is seeking to achieve their objectives through different means.
“Minister Peiris protested in the strongest possible terms, and urged the French Ambassador for her government to take immediate action for the non-circulation of the stamps.”
On inquiry by the Minister on the quantum of stamps already printed, the French Ambassador confirmed the publication of 360 stamps. While noting that le “Groupe La Poste” is an independent, public, industrial and commercial institution, Minister Peiris observed that it is an obligation on the part of the Government of France to ensure that moves of this nature do not take place.
“Referring to a news item appearing on the Website of the terrorist group, where it calls for these stamps to be used by its people when sending letters and parcels, as a duty to use them to preserve their pride and historical excellence, Prof. Peiris pointed out that this is a devious manner of fund raising by LTTE organization.
The Minister underlined the importance of ensuring the halt to fund raising activities abroad by the remnants of the terrorist group in order that there would not be an indulgence for acts of terrorism in the future.” the release further reads.
