Erickassonfire
29 december 2006, 01:14
The Norwegians Against Terrorism (NAT) - an independent research
organization based in Oslo - has pin-pointed some of the underworld
activities of the LTTE in the South East Asian region. After the latest
survey of the terrorist activities of the LTTE Cambodia, Indonesia,
Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand NAT has highlighted the
following:
* The LTTE has difficulties buying sophisticated weapons in South East
Asia.
* The LTTE is active in Cambodia and utilize their Cambodian network
for purchase of small arms and explosives. Cambodia is a country
struggling with corruption and this attracts organizations like the
LTTE
* Despite of the terrorist listing the fundraising continues as usual
in Europe.
* In Norway the LTTE organizations receive both Governmental and
Municipal support. Most of the funds collected from the users of the
organizations end in the pockets of LTTE.
* Some of the teachings in the LTTE-controlled educational
organizations can only be described as promotion of hate against the
Sinhalese and the Tamil dissidents. Needless to say LTTE is not
teaching the SL history, but a falsified LTTE version of the SL
history.
* As Norwegian taxpayers it is sad to see our tax money is used to
promote hate, racism and poison the minds of small children with lies.
If any other group of immigrants or Norwegians had similar
organizational activities there is no doubt they would be banned an all
financial support removed. For some reason the LTTE is a "holy cow"
that do not need to comply with Norwegian rules and regulations.
* Norwegians Against Terrorism has started an international project
where they would focus on reducing the LTTE fundraising and create
obstacles for LTTE arms dealers.
Here is an edited version of the NAT report:
Summary
The International fight against the LTTE is of vital importance. A
substantial part of LTTE funding for its regional terrorism come from
extortion of the Tamil Diaspora and from criminal activities.
Terrorism experts estimate 70-90% of LTTE funds comes from outside Sri
Lanka. The LTTE is depended on international supply of arms in order to
continue its terrorism and prepare for war. Norwegians Against
Terrorism has started an international project where we try to reduce
the LTTE fundraising and create obstacles for LTTE arms dealers.
The LTTE research project
In 2006 our organization made several trips to S-E Asia in order to
evaluate the current terrorism risk in the region and to investigate
LTTE activities.
Countries visited are Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and
Thailand.
We have had meetings with the Sri Lankan Diaspora in several European
countries and in Australia in order to get information about the LTTE
activities and the SL Diaspora struggle to stop the LTTE.
In this report we disclose some of our unclassified findings, analysis
and recommendations for future projects. Some findings has been
classified in order to protect our sources and not to reveal ongoing
actions.
We have also added information related to LTTE and their attempts to
get the rights to Sri Lankan territorial sea rights.
Summary
The LTTE has difficulties buying sophisticated weapons in South East
Asia. The LTTE is facing an increasingly hostile environment. There are
obstacles even in their arms purchases of small arms and explosives.
Thailand has done an impressive job in closing the Thai borders for the
LTTE arms dealers and smugglers.
The LTTE fundraising in the Tamil Diaspora continues despite of the
organization terrorist listing in most countries in the world. It is of
utmost importance the LTTE fundraising is reduced to a minimum and
governments has to be pressured to take action against the illegal
fundraising.
The Sri Lankan Diaspora has done an impressive work to stop the LTTE
and won significant victories. Lately we have seen the Sri Lankan
diplomatic force engage in the public debate in order to correct the
distorted picture the LTTE propaganda apparatus has painted of Sri
Lanka.
The LTTE fundraising
Despite of the terrorist listing the fundraising continues as usual in
Europe. There is a need for educating the police force about the LTTE
and their front organizations in order to get an efficient crack down
on the fundraising for the LTTE terrorism. To stop the LTTE fundraising
the Tamil dissidents in the Sri Lankan Diaspora can play an important
role exposing LTTE. There should be made a manual on how the LTTE
network raise funds, the organizations and tools used. This manual
should be distributed to law enforcement and terrorism research
personnel in all countries where the LTTE is listed as a terrorist
organization.
The fundraising climate
The Tamil Diaspora has been LTTE's cash cow. The Tamil Diaspora is
showing signs of fatigue after numerous extortions for funds for
special weapons and "the final war. Most of the Tamils in the
Diaspora becomes victims of the LTTE fundraising. They are either
threatened, afraid for what can happened to family members in Sri Lanka
or do not want to be frozen out of the Tamil organizational community
(who is held hostage by LTTE).
Corruption in the LTTE
We have received reports of corruption in the LTTE in two European
countries. This news is most welcomed and it documents the internal
moral in the LTTE organization is at a all time low. We assume one of
many reasons the morale is low is because the LTTE has been exposed as
a terrorist organization that are fighting only for the lavish
lifestyle for a handful of LTTE leaders (a.k.a The Fat Cats).
The LTTE in S-E Asia
The LTTE has acquired arms in SE Asia for two decades. Tharmalingam
(KP) and his assistants know every rotten apple in the barrel and have
good relations with local arms dealers.Interpol Red Corner Notice on
K.P. - Tharmalingham
There have been reports of a chilled climate between KP and the Vanni
leadership, but that differences have been resolved two years ago. KP
has allegedly been accused to have taken hefty commissions for his
services and thereby angered the LTTE leadership.
We have seen a number of independent LTTE ventures by inexperienced
cadre's attempting to buy sophisticated weapons. Some of these
ventures have fail miserably in Laos and USA.
Small arms and explosives is available in South East Asia. Even for a
tourist there is no problem to locate vendors that sell small arms. The
LTTE however needs to buy wholesale in large quantities and then there
are more obstacles involved. There is no doubt the LTTE has the funds,
network and logistical means to pass these obstacles.
Terrorism in S-E Asia
Sri Lanka is not the only nation struggling with terrorism. Nations
where LTTE previously used for arms procurement has become terrorism
victims. We will in this report focus on the countries we have visited
during our survey.
It is important to point out that all of these countries are friends of
Sri Lanka and as far as we know all LTTE arms deals have been done
without the knowledge of the respective government.
Thailand
The last two years more than 1300 hundred people have died in terrorist
attacks in Thailand. The Thai terrorism problem is increasing and the
number of terrorist supporters has escalated when we compare the
terrorism expert's estimates. The acts of terrorism have been limited
to the Southern provinces of Thailand, where three different terrorist
groups is fighting for independence from Thailand. The terrorist
strategy is to ethnically cleanse the provinces by terrorizing the
Buddhist population. Prime targets have been school teachers and police
officers.
The terrorist has been able to pull of sophisticated simultaneous
attacks against more than twenty targets. Banks, car dealers and
shopping malls has been targeted in 2006.
There is a fear among intelligence agencies the terror will spread to
the tourist areas. Australia has issued travel warning for Phuket,
Pattaya, Bangkok and even Chang Mai. The generals in Bangkok are
calling the travel warnings unsubstantiated, but they admit they have
severe problems with handling the terrorist problem in the South.
Thailand has made several attempts to make peace with the Thai
terrorist. They have apologized for mistakes made in the past, offered
to make the five southern provinces an economical zone attracting
business and investments to the south, even sharia laws would be
allowed! The terrorist turned down the offers 24 November 2006. More
misery and terror can be expected.
Our organization is not afraid traveling to Thailand's tourist
resorts even though we believe the Australian travel warning to be well
founded. During our travel in Thailand we see improved security, so it
is obvious, at least unofficially, the Thai authorities is not ignoring
the potential risk for attacks against Thailand's tourist industry.
Thailand problems with terrorism has improved their security and
thereby made it more difficult for the LTTE to abuse the Thai
hospitality for arms trafficking. The arrest of several LTTE cadres is
an indication Thailand is playing an active role in cracking down on
the LTTE. Thai police played an important role in revealing the
organized sale of Norwegian passports to terrorist organizations when
they found evidence that lead to the arrests of the Norwegian LTTE
cadre Mike Daniel Jeya and the Norwegian police officer Herman Olav
Nyhusmoen.
Cambodia
The LTTE is active in Cambodia and utilize their Cambodian network for
purchase of small arms and explosives. Cambodia is a country struggling
with corruption and this attracts organizations like the LTTE. Since it
is much money involved, and the risk limited, it seems the LTTE has no
problem finding partners in Cambodia.
Philippines
Philippines have the same problems as Thailand with Muslim extremist in
the South. The links between the Philippines terrorist and the links to
LTTE is established long time ago, when the Abu Sayaf terrorist sold
surface to air missiles to the LTTE in 1995. The Philippine Government
has been fighting vigorously against the terrorist and foreign
intelligence assistance combined with improved skills make it more
difficult for the LTTE to continue their cooperation with terrorist
groups in the Philippines.
Indonesia
Indonesia has had several different terror problems. Some has been
resolved others is still posing a problem. Once again it is Muslim
extremist that pose a problem. Bali has been a multiple victim of
terrorist attacks. Improved intelligence has enabled Indonesia to crack
down on many of the people behind the Bali bombings, but several is
still at large. Fear for new attack is holding back tourism and
investment in Indonesia.
We have seen LTTE active in Indonesia and they have successfully been
able to recruit former military officers and utilized their
international network in attempts to buy sophisticated arms. One
example on this is the arrest of two Indonesians in Maine, USA. The
Indonesians attempted to buy sophisticated arms for the LTTE.
Laos
In Laos the LTTE tried to buy SAM's from the Russian sources. This
attempt failed and copies of the LTTE cadre's passports have been
forwarded to Sri Lankan authorities.
Sri Lanka's Black Gold
The Superpowers are hunting high and low for supply of raw materials
and oil, key elements to sustain growth in a booming economy.
China is making alliances with Africa to ensure supply of raw materials
and oil. India has done deals in order to secure their future oil
supplies.
Norway is not a Superpower, but a key player in the oil business.
Norway does oil exploration on all continents and constantly looking
for new opportunities. Norway is famous for its dirty deals with
dubious regimes and bribes of officials. By buying corrupt people the
Norwegian oil business has been able to strike lucrative oil deals
worldwide.
Cooperation with rebels and insurgency groups has been one method used
to get hold of oil. The Norwegian Oil Company (DNO) is currently making
a windfall of money in Northern Iraq through cooperation with the
Kurdish rebels. DNO is also active in Yemen. Norway largest oil
company, Statoil, is busy exploiting the resources of Nigeria, Angola
and numerous other countries. In 2006 Statoil was fined 10,5 Million
dollars by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for bribing
Iranian government officials.
Could Norway be interested in Sri Lanka's black gold, and is the LTTE
co-operation a part of this strategy?
Our organization has limited knowledge of the Norwegian oil business.
However we have noticed the increased Norwegian interest for the oil
fields around Sri Lanka.
Norway has made eight oil deals and oil ventures with India. In Sri
Lanka it looks like Norway has spoiled their chances for participating
in exploration ventures.
Norway's only hope for oil deals in Sri Lanka could be their strong
ties with the LTTE if Sri Lanka gets divided.
During the latest so-called "peace-negotiations" in Oslo, Norway paid
for the LTTE delegation and their experts to come to Oslo to meet the
GOSL delegation.
We all knew LTTE refused to talk with the GOSL delegation, so what did
the LTTE do instead in Oslo?
The not so far-seeing, Erik Solheim, was allegedly both surprised and
disappointed the LTTE refused to talk with the GOSL delegations. Erik
Solheim said the LTTE did know in beforehand the people they should
meet representing the GOSL, so he did not understand their excuse.
However the LTTE organizations in Oslo had anticipated
Thamilchelvan's surprising announcement and already booked meeting
facilities at the SAS Radisson Hotel where the LTTE delegation meet
legal experts flown in from USA and Australia on the Norwegian Foreign
Ministry expense.
At the meeting at the SAS Radisson Hotel the LTTE made strategies on
how they could claim rights to the Sri Lankan waters and thereby get
the economical rights to oil and fish resources. The LTTE made no
secret of their intentions to get hold of the territorial sea rights.
The LTTE does not only want the rights to the sea for military
purposes, but these rights could be the same as money in the bank if
there is found oil.
Fortunately LTTE today has no rights to the sea and thereby it is
impossible to get cash advances or utilize these rights commercially.
Why is the International fight against LTTE important?
In order to answer this question we have to point out two important
facts.
First of all LTTE main source of income comes from extortion of the
Tamil Diaspora, businesses and criminal activities. Experts estimates
of 70-90% of LTTE revenues comes from abroad.
Secondly we know LTTE is depended of international arms supply.
Elementary military theory tells us the importance of cutting of the
enemies supply lines. In the case of the LTTE terrorist organization
most of this work can be done internationally
without any casualties.
The cost of battling the LTTE in Sri Lanka is huge. Thousands has died
and the Sri Lanka economy is drained due to the defense spending needed
to fight the LTTE terrorism. The cost of battling the LTTE
internationally is a fraction of the cost of battling LTTE when LTTE
funds has been converted to arms and shipped to Sri Lanka.
It is important to counter attack LTTE attempts to portray themselves
as statesmen. With Norway deep pockets LTTE has been traveling around
the world explaining they are the sole representatives of the Tamils
and victims of GOSL politics. Nothing can be further from the truth.
LTTE is the worst terrorist organization known to mankind. They are not
the sole representative of the Tamils, they are a undemocratic fascist
organization with a horrible human rights record. The LTTE kills both
their political enemies and people within their own organization who is
seen as a threat for the LTTE leaders.
The international work must include a strong media offensive. The
public most get to know the truth about the LTTE. One of the main goals
of the media offensive must be to inform the Tamil Diaspora about the
truth about the LTTE.
The Tamil Diaspora must get information what kind of "Tamil homeland"
the LTTE intends to create. The lavish lifestyle of the LTTE leaders
with their kids studying abroad, while other children are kidnapped in
order to fight the madman Prabhakaran's war. It should be obvious to
everyone who have studied the LTTE, Prabakaran ambitions far exceeds
the borders of Sri Lanka. A continued support of the LTTE only assures
more misery.
Further more the legal aspects most be pointed out. By supporting a
terrorist organization they commit a felony crime punishable by the
law. In our point of view anyone who supports a terrorist organization
is a security risk and appropriate measures, such as deportation should
be considered.
By providing information to the Tamil Diaspora and offer alternative
organizations for them to participate in, we reduce the economical
fundament for the LTTE.
The law enforcement must be tipped of on all LTTE attempts on
fundraising.
The time has also come to go after the terrorists and war criminals
that live abroad. In Norway it is safe to assume there are dozens of
the 600-900 LTTE cadres living in Norway that fits into the category
terrorist or war criminal.
Sri Lanka should seek extradition of terrorist and war criminals. This
will be a uphill struggle but it will create publicity and discourage
the Tamil Diaspora to be associated with or support the LTTE.
Recommendations
Support the Tamil Dissidents media
The LTTE has an efficient propaganda apparatus. This apparatus is of
vital importance for their brainwashing of the Tamil Diaspora, local
politicians and supporters.
The LTTE media is important for the fundraising for terrorism in Sri
Lanka. In Norway we have the newspaper UTROP who is running ads for
funding of the LTTE front organization TRO.
To counter attack this propaganda it is important to support the free
Tamil media organizations.
We are convinced the Tamil dissident's media is of vital importance
to expose the LTTE and to reduce the support for the LTTE in the Tamil
Diaspora.
The LTTE support in the Tamil Diaspora must be reduced. This is
important not only to speed up the downfall of the LTTE in Sri Lanka,
but also to avoid the LTTE continues to thrive internationally after
the LTTE has been defeated in Sri Lanka.
Co-operate with the police
It is important to provide local police and law enforcement personnel
with information so they efficiently can enforce the ban on the LTTE.
The LTTE extortion of the Tamil Diaspora is illegal even in countries
where the LTTE is not listed as a terrorist organization, so even in
Norway the LTTE can get into trouble.
Stop LTTE front organizations
LTTE has both commercial and non-commercial organizations. Their
purpose is to raise funds for terrorism and/or serve as propaganda
tools.
The LTTE has been able to take control of most Tamil cultural and
educational organizations. These organizations provide good cultural
and educational services to the Tamil community. Nothing wrong with
these activities, but the organizations functions as fundraisers and
places of indoctrination.
In Norway the LTTE organizations receive both Governmental and
Municipal support. Most of the funds collected from the users of the
organizations end in the pockets of LTTE. Some of the teachings in the
educational organizations can only be described as promotion of hate
against the Sinhalese and the Tamil dissidents. Needless to say LTTE is
not teaching the SL history, but a falsified LTTE version of the SL
history.
As Norwegian taxpayers it is sad to see our tax money is used to
promote hate, racism and poison the minds of small children with lies.
If any other group of immigrants or Norwegians had similar
organizational activities there is no doubt they would be banned an all
financial support removed. For some reason the LTTE is a "holy cow"
that do not need to comply with Norwegian rules and regulations.
In our point of view these organizations should be allowed to continue
their cultural and educational activities, but the LTTE must be thrown
out and no fundraising must be allowed other than funds that is used
solely for the organizations primary objectives. In the educational
organizations the parts of the curriculum that promotes hate, racism
and political indoctrination must be removed.
Strengthen the SL Diaspora organizations
The Sri Lankan Diaspora has done an immense effort in fighting the
LTTE. While previous SL governments were dragging their feet's, the
Diaspora continued their relentless fight against the LTTE. The SL
Diaspora organizations and individuals have counter attacked the LTTE
propaganda. They have had campaigns exposing the LTTE and their local
supporters. They have arranged meetings, conferences, written articles,
participating in radio programs and lobbied politicians.
The organizations we have seen in the forefront have been SPUR in
Australia, SLUNA in Canada and the other WAPS organizations.
The SL Diaspora has been the driving force in the fight to get
terrorist listing of the LTTE. The Sri Lankan Diaspora succeeded and
LTTE is banned in most countries where LTTE had a strong standing.
The Diaspora activism has reduced the LTTE fundraising. The reduced
LTTE funding has saved a lot of Sri Lankan's to become victims of the
LTTE terrorism.
What can GOSL do to stop LTTE internationally?
While the SL Diaspora can have the responsibility to assist in the
international crack down on the LTTE fundraising, GOSL should encourage
the SL diplomatic force to talk about the extortion of the Tamils in
the Sri Lankan Diaspora.
Protect the SL Tamil Diaspora
The SL Tamils is exploited and threatened by the LTTE. This is well
documented by Human Rights Watch(
http://hrw.org/reports/2006/ltte0306/ltte0306webwcover.pdf) and
numerous other sources. The SL diplomatic force has an obligation to
assist in stopping the exploitation of Sri Lankan expatriates. Meetings
with police leaders could be one step to raise awareness of this
problem. To request a co-ordination officer to process the complaints
could be another method.
International agreements
LTTE has only one friend, Norway. Even Norway must understand by now
the LTTE is a brutal terrorist organization. The Norwegian support for
LTTE can only be explained by the enormous hunger to get the first
success story for the Norwegian peace industry. Sri Lanka is in a very
special position. All nations, exempt Norway, support Sri Lanka's
fight against terrorism. Maybe for the first time in history, all
Superpowers seem to agree, LTTE is an evil.
GOSL should strive to get an international co-operation with the
nations where the LTTE illegally is obtaining arms. All of these
nations are friends of Sri Lanka and it is in these nations interest to
crack down on criminals, arms dealers and other who assists the LTTE.
There should be in the mutual interest of all nations in Asia to
co-operate and share intelligence in the war against terror. LTTE is
cooperating with terrorist organizations in several Asian countries so
all have an interest in stopping the LTTE.
The SL PM has visited Indonesia in November and discussed the LTTE
issues. Indonesia has already signaled they are willing to co-operate
with Sri Lanka in these matters and it would surprise us if any country
in Asia would not help in these matters.
Nations who have a strong intelligence presence in Asia should be asked
to assist Sri Lanka in monitoring telephone, internet traffic and
movements of the Sea Penguins vessels in order to stop arms shipments
to the LTTE and other terrorist groups who utilize LTTE shipping
services.
GOSL should consider to ask for known war criminals and terrorist
living abroad to be extradited to Sri Lanka to stand trial for their
crimes.
What can SL political parties do?
We are pleased to see JVP and Tamil political parties has started
organizations in Europe that actively is working against the LTTE.
Several demonstrations have been made and material distributed exposing
the LTTE.
It is encouraging to see people with complete different political views
is working together to stop the LTTE (In some cases we suspect the
fight against the LTTE is the only thing they are able to agree upon).
We hope more organization is founded and more parties involve
themselves organizing the SL Diaspora. It is especially important to
get the Tamil parties involved in order to provide organizational
alternatives to the LTTE for the SL Tamil Diaspora.
SL Political parties should use every opportunity to meet with sister
parties in other Asian countries to request assistance to stop the
corrupt elements in these countries who provide arms to the LTTE.
NAT future activities
We will continue our research in South East Asia and establish more
contacts locally. We feel our activity in SE Asia raises awareness of
the problem LTTE poses not only in Sri Lanka, but for the respective
nations.
No nation is served by having corrupt elements selling arms to
terrorist organizations. A few corrupt individuals is lining their
pockets by risking the nations reputation. In some cases we have reason
to believe the arms have been stolen from weapon arsenals belonging to
the army's and sold to the LTTE. Offenses punishable with severe
penalties in all the countries we have visited.
NAT will visit more European countries and go to Canada to talk with
the Sri Lankan Diaspora and ask how we can work together to stop the
LTTE.
organization based in Oslo - has pin-pointed some of the underworld
activities of the LTTE in the South East Asian region. After the latest
survey of the terrorist activities of the LTTE Cambodia, Indonesia,
Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand NAT has highlighted the
following:
* The LTTE has difficulties buying sophisticated weapons in South East
Asia.
* The LTTE is active in Cambodia and utilize their Cambodian network
for purchase of small arms and explosives. Cambodia is a country
struggling with corruption and this attracts organizations like the
LTTE
* Despite of the terrorist listing the fundraising continues as usual
in Europe.
* In Norway the LTTE organizations receive both Governmental and
Municipal support. Most of the funds collected from the users of the
organizations end in the pockets of LTTE.
* Some of the teachings in the LTTE-controlled educational
organizations can only be described as promotion of hate against the
Sinhalese and the Tamil dissidents. Needless to say LTTE is not
teaching the SL history, but a falsified LTTE version of the SL
history.
* As Norwegian taxpayers it is sad to see our tax money is used to
promote hate, racism and poison the minds of small children with lies.
If any other group of immigrants or Norwegians had similar
organizational activities there is no doubt they would be banned an all
financial support removed. For some reason the LTTE is a "holy cow"
that do not need to comply with Norwegian rules and regulations.
* Norwegians Against Terrorism has started an international project
where they would focus on reducing the LTTE fundraising and create
obstacles for LTTE arms dealers.
Here is an edited version of the NAT report:
Summary
The International fight against the LTTE is of vital importance. A
substantial part of LTTE funding for its regional terrorism come from
extortion of the Tamil Diaspora and from criminal activities.
Terrorism experts estimate 70-90% of LTTE funds comes from outside Sri
Lanka. The LTTE is depended on international supply of arms in order to
continue its terrorism and prepare for war. Norwegians Against
Terrorism has started an international project where we try to reduce
the LTTE fundraising and create obstacles for LTTE arms dealers.
The LTTE research project
In 2006 our organization made several trips to S-E Asia in order to
evaluate the current terrorism risk in the region and to investigate
LTTE activities.
Countries visited are Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and
Thailand.
We have had meetings with the Sri Lankan Diaspora in several European
countries and in Australia in order to get information about the LTTE
activities and the SL Diaspora struggle to stop the LTTE.
In this report we disclose some of our unclassified findings, analysis
and recommendations for future projects. Some findings has been
classified in order to protect our sources and not to reveal ongoing
actions.
We have also added information related to LTTE and their attempts to
get the rights to Sri Lankan territorial sea rights.
Summary
The LTTE has difficulties buying sophisticated weapons in South East
Asia. The LTTE is facing an increasingly hostile environment. There are
obstacles even in their arms purchases of small arms and explosives.
Thailand has done an impressive job in closing the Thai borders for the
LTTE arms dealers and smugglers.
The LTTE fundraising in the Tamil Diaspora continues despite of the
organization terrorist listing in most countries in the world. It is of
utmost importance the LTTE fundraising is reduced to a minimum and
governments has to be pressured to take action against the illegal
fundraising.
The Sri Lankan Diaspora has done an impressive work to stop the LTTE
and won significant victories. Lately we have seen the Sri Lankan
diplomatic force engage in the public debate in order to correct the
distorted picture the LTTE propaganda apparatus has painted of Sri
Lanka.
The LTTE fundraising
Despite of the terrorist listing the fundraising continues as usual in
Europe. There is a need for educating the police force about the LTTE
and their front organizations in order to get an efficient crack down
on the fundraising for the LTTE terrorism. To stop the LTTE fundraising
the Tamil dissidents in the Sri Lankan Diaspora can play an important
role exposing LTTE. There should be made a manual on how the LTTE
network raise funds, the organizations and tools used. This manual
should be distributed to law enforcement and terrorism research
personnel in all countries where the LTTE is listed as a terrorist
organization.
The fundraising climate
The Tamil Diaspora has been LTTE's cash cow. The Tamil Diaspora is
showing signs of fatigue after numerous extortions for funds for
special weapons and "the final war. Most of the Tamils in the
Diaspora becomes victims of the LTTE fundraising. They are either
threatened, afraid for what can happened to family members in Sri Lanka
or do not want to be frozen out of the Tamil organizational community
(who is held hostage by LTTE).
Corruption in the LTTE
We have received reports of corruption in the LTTE in two European
countries. This news is most welcomed and it documents the internal
moral in the LTTE organization is at a all time low. We assume one of
many reasons the morale is low is because the LTTE has been exposed as
a terrorist organization that are fighting only for the lavish
lifestyle for a handful of LTTE leaders (a.k.a The Fat Cats).
The LTTE in S-E Asia
The LTTE has acquired arms in SE Asia for two decades. Tharmalingam
(KP) and his assistants know every rotten apple in the barrel and have
good relations with local arms dealers.Interpol Red Corner Notice on
K.P. - Tharmalingham
There have been reports of a chilled climate between KP and the Vanni
leadership, but that differences have been resolved two years ago. KP
has allegedly been accused to have taken hefty commissions for his
services and thereby angered the LTTE leadership.
We have seen a number of independent LTTE ventures by inexperienced
cadre's attempting to buy sophisticated weapons. Some of these
ventures have fail miserably in Laos and USA.
Small arms and explosives is available in South East Asia. Even for a
tourist there is no problem to locate vendors that sell small arms. The
LTTE however needs to buy wholesale in large quantities and then there
are more obstacles involved. There is no doubt the LTTE has the funds,
network and logistical means to pass these obstacles.
Terrorism in S-E Asia
Sri Lanka is not the only nation struggling with terrorism. Nations
where LTTE previously used for arms procurement has become terrorism
victims. We will in this report focus on the countries we have visited
during our survey.
It is important to point out that all of these countries are friends of
Sri Lanka and as far as we know all LTTE arms deals have been done
without the knowledge of the respective government.
Thailand
The last two years more than 1300 hundred people have died in terrorist
attacks in Thailand. The Thai terrorism problem is increasing and the
number of terrorist supporters has escalated when we compare the
terrorism expert's estimates. The acts of terrorism have been limited
to the Southern provinces of Thailand, where three different terrorist
groups is fighting for independence from Thailand. The terrorist
strategy is to ethnically cleanse the provinces by terrorizing the
Buddhist population. Prime targets have been school teachers and police
officers.
The terrorist has been able to pull of sophisticated simultaneous
attacks against more than twenty targets. Banks, car dealers and
shopping malls has been targeted in 2006.
There is a fear among intelligence agencies the terror will spread to
the tourist areas. Australia has issued travel warning for Phuket,
Pattaya, Bangkok and even Chang Mai. The generals in Bangkok are
calling the travel warnings unsubstantiated, but they admit they have
severe problems with handling the terrorist problem in the South.
Thailand has made several attempts to make peace with the Thai
terrorist. They have apologized for mistakes made in the past, offered
to make the five southern provinces an economical zone attracting
business and investments to the south, even sharia laws would be
allowed! The terrorist turned down the offers 24 November 2006. More
misery and terror can be expected.
Our organization is not afraid traveling to Thailand's tourist
resorts even though we believe the Australian travel warning to be well
founded. During our travel in Thailand we see improved security, so it
is obvious, at least unofficially, the Thai authorities is not ignoring
the potential risk for attacks against Thailand's tourist industry.
Thailand problems with terrorism has improved their security and
thereby made it more difficult for the LTTE to abuse the Thai
hospitality for arms trafficking. The arrest of several LTTE cadres is
an indication Thailand is playing an active role in cracking down on
the LTTE. Thai police played an important role in revealing the
organized sale of Norwegian passports to terrorist organizations when
they found evidence that lead to the arrests of the Norwegian LTTE
cadre Mike Daniel Jeya and the Norwegian police officer Herman Olav
Nyhusmoen.
Cambodia
The LTTE is active in Cambodia and utilize their Cambodian network for
purchase of small arms and explosives. Cambodia is a country struggling
with corruption and this attracts organizations like the LTTE. Since it
is much money involved, and the risk limited, it seems the LTTE has no
problem finding partners in Cambodia.
Philippines
Philippines have the same problems as Thailand with Muslim extremist in
the South. The links between the Philippines terrorist and the links to
LTTE is established long time ago, when the Abu Sayaf terrorist sold
surface to air missiles to the LTTE in 1995. The Philippine Government
has been fighting vigorously against the terrorist and foreign
intelligence assistance combined with improved skills make it more
difficult for the LTTE to continue their cooperation with terrorist
groups in the Philippines.
Indonesia
Indonesia has had several different terror problems. Some has been
resolved others is still posing a problem. Once again it is Muslim
extremist that pose a problem. Bali has been a multiple victim of
terrorist attacks. Improved intelligence has enabled Indonesia to crack
down on many of the people behind the Bali bombings, but several is
still at large. Fear for new attack is holding back tourism and
investment in Indonesia.
We have seen LTTE active in Indonesia and they have successfully been
able to recruit former military officers and utilized their
international network in attempts to buy sophisticated arms. One
example on this is the arrest of two Indonesians in Maine, USA. The
Indonesians attempted to buy sophisticated arms for the LTTE.
Laos
In Laos the LTTE tried to buy SAM's from the Russian sources. This
attempt failed and copies of the LTTE cadre's passports have been
forwarded to Sri Lankan authorities.
Sri Lanka's Black Gold
The Superpowers are hunting high and low for supply of raw materials
and oil, key elements to sustain growth in a booming economy.
China is making alliances with Africa to ensure supply of raw materials
and oil. India has done deals in order to secure their future oil
supplies.
Norway is not a Superpower, but a key player in the oil business.
Norway does oil exploration on all continents and constantly looking
for new opportunities. Norway is famous for its dirty deals with
dubious regimes and bribes of officials. By buying corrupt people the
Norwegian oil business has been able to strike lucrative oil deals
worldwide.
Cooperation with rebels and insurgency groups has been one method used
to get hold of oil. The Norwegian Oil Company (DNO) is currently making
a windfall of money in Northern Iraq through cooperation with the
Kurdish rebels. DNO is also active in Yemen. Norway largest oil
company, Statoil, is busy exploiting the resources of Nigeria, Angola
and numerous other countries. In 2006 Statoil was fined 10,5 Million
dollars by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for bribing
Iranian government officials.
Could Norway be interested in Sri Lanka's black gold, and is the LTTE
co-operation a part of this strategy?
Our organization has limited knowledge of the Norwegian oil business.
However we have noticed the increased Norwegian interest for the oil
fields around Sri Lanka.
Norway has made eight oil deals and oil ventures with India. In Sri
Lanka it looks like Norway has spoiled their chances for participating
in exploration ventures.
Norway's only hope for oil deals in Sri Lanka could be their strong
ties with the LTTE if Sri Lanka gets divided.
During the latest so-called "peace-negotiations" in Oslo, Norway paid
for the LTTE delegation and their experts to come to Oslo to meet the
GOSL delegation.
We all knew LTTE refused to talk with the GOSL delegation, so what did
the LTTE do instead in Oslo?
The not so far-seeing, Erik Solheim, was allegedly both surprised and
disappointed the LTTE refused to talk with the GOSL delegations. Erik
Solheim said the LTTE did know in beforehand the people they should
meet representing the GOSL, so he did not understand their excuse.
However the LTTE organizations in Oslo had anticipated
Thamilchelvan's surprising announcement and already booked meeting
facilities at the SAS Radisson Hotel where the LTTE delegation meet
legal experts flown in from USA and Australia on the Norwegian Foreign
Ministry expense.
At the meeting at the SAS Radisson Hotel the LTTE made strategies on
how they could claim rights to the Sri Lankan waters and thereby get
the economical rights to oil and fish resources. The LTTE made no
secret of their intentions to get hold of the territorial sea rights.
The LTTE does not only want the rights to the sea for military
purposes, but these rights could be the same as money in the bank if
there is found oil.
Fortunately LTTE today has no rights to the sea and thereby it is
impossible to get cash advances or utilize these rights commercially.
Why is the International fight against LTTE important?
In order to answer this question we have to point out two important
facts.
First of all LTTE main source of income comes from extortion of the
Tamil Diaspora, businesses and criminal activities. Experts estimates
of 70-90% of LTTE revenues comes from abroad.
Secondly we know LTTE is depended of international arms supply.
Elementary military theory tells us the importance of cutting of the
enemies supply lines. In the case of the LTTE terrorist organization
most of this work can be done internationally
without any casualties.
The cost of battling the LTTE in Sri Lanka is huge. Thousands has died
and the Sri Lanka economy is drained due to the defense spending needed
to fight the LTTE terrorism. The cost of battling the LTTE
internationally is a fraction of the cost of battling LTTE when LTTE
funds has been converted to arms and shipped to Sri Lanka.
It is important to counter attack LTTE attempts to portray themselves
as statesmen. With Norway deep pockets LTTE has been traveling around
the world explaining they are the sole representatives of the Tamils
and victims of GOSL politics. Nothing can be further from the truth.
LTTE is the worst terrorist organization known to mankind. They are not
the sole representative of the Tamils, they are a undemocratic fascist
organization with a horrible human rights record. The LTTE kills both
their political enemies and people within their own organization who is
seen as a threat for the LTTE leaders.
The international work must include a strong media offensive. The
public most get to know the truth about the LTTE. One of the main goals
of the media offensive must be to inform the Tamil Diaspora about the
truth about the LTTE.
The Tamil Diaspora must get information what kind of "Tamil homeland"
the LTTE intends to create. The lavish lifestyle of the LTTE leaders
with their kids studying abroad, while other children are kidnapped in
order to fight the madman Prabhakaran's war. It should be obvious to
everyone who have studied the LTTE, Prabakaran ambitions far exceeds
the borders of Sri Lanka. A continued support of the LTTE only assures
more misery.
Further more the legal aspects most be pointed out. By supporting a
terrorist organization they commit a felony crime punishable by the
law. In our point of view anyone who supports a terrorist organization
is a security risk and appropriate measures, such as deportation should
be considered.
By providing information to the Tamil Diaspora and offer alternative
organizations for them to participate in, we reduce the economical
fundament for the LTTE.
The law enforcement must be tipped of on all LTTE attempts on
fundraising.
The time has also come to go after the terrorists and war criminals
that live abroad. In Norway it is safe to assume there are dozens of
the 600-900 LTTE cadres living in Norway that fits into the category
terrorist or war criminal.
Sri Lanka should seek extradition of terrorist and war criminals. This
will be a uphill struggle but it will create publicity and discourage
the Tamil Diaspora to be associated with or support the LTTE.
Recommendations
Support the Tamil Dissidents media
The LTTE has an efficient propaganda apparatus. This apparatus is of
vital importance for their brainwashing of the Tamil Diaspora, local
politicians and supporters.
The LTTE media is important for the fundraising for terrorism in Sri
Lanka. In Norway we have the newspaper UTROP who is running ads for
funding of the LTTE front organization TRO.
To counter attack this propaganda it is important to support the free
Tamil media organizations.
We are convinced the Tamil dissident's media is of vital importance
to expose the LTTE and to reduce the support for the LTTE in the Tamil
Diaspora.
The LTTE support in the Tamil Diaspora must be reduced. This is
important not only to speed up the downfall of the LTTE in Sri Lanka,
but also to avoid the LTTE continues to thrive internationally after
the LTTE has been defeated in Sri Lanka.
Co-operate with the police
It is important to provide local police and law enforcement personnel
with information so they efficiently can enforce the ban on the LTTE.
The LTTE extortion of the Tamil Diaspora is illegal even in countries
where the LTTE is not listed as a terrorist organization, so even in
Norway the LTTE can get into trouble.
Stop LTTE front organizations
LTTE has both commercial and non-commercial organizations. Their
purpose is to raise funds for terrorism and/or serve as propaganda
tools.
The LTTE has been able to take control of most Tamil cultural and
educational organizations. These organizations provide good cultural
and educational services to the Tamil community. Nothing wrong with
these activities, but the organizations functions as fundraisers and
places of indoctrination.
In Norway the LTTE organizations receive both Governmental and
Municipal support. Most of the funds collected from the users of the
organizations end in the pockets of LTTE. Some of the teachings in the
educational organizations can only be described as promotion of hate
against the Sinhalese and the Tamil dissidents. Needless to say LTTE is
not teaching the SL history, but a falsified LTTE version of the SL
history.
As Norwegian taxpayers it is sad to see our tax money is used to
promote hate, racism and poison the minds of small children with lies.
If any other group of immigrants or Norwegians had similar
organizational activities there is no doubt they would be banned an all
financial support removed. For some reason the LTTE is a "holy cow"
that do not need to comply with Norwegian rules and regulations.
In our point of view these organizations should be allowed to continue
their cultural and educational activities, but the LTTE must be thrown
out and no fundraising must be allowed other than funds that is used
solely for the organizations primary objectives. In the educational
organizations the parts of the curriculum that promotes hate, racism
and political indoctrination must be removed.
Strengthen the SL Diaspora organizations
The Sri Lankan Diaspora has done an immense effort in fighting the
LTTE. While previous SL governments were dragging their feet's, the
Diaspora continued their relentless fight against the LTTE. The SL
Diaspora organizations and individuals have counter attacked the LTTE
propaganda. They have had campaigns exposing the LTTE and their local
supporters. They have arranged meetings, conferences, written articles,
participating in radio programs and lobbied politicians.
The organizations we have seen in the forefront have been SPUR in
Australia, SLUNA in Canada and the other WAPS organizations.
The SL Diaspora has been the driving force in the fight to get
terrorist listing of the LTTE. The Sri Lankan Diaspora succeeded and
LTTE is banned in most countries where LTTE had a strong standing.
The Diaspora activism has reduced the LTTE fundraising. The reduced
LTTE funding has saved a lot of Sri Lankan's to become victims of the
LTTE terrorism.
What can GOSL do to stop LTTE internationally?
While the SL Diaspora can have the responsibility to assist in the
international crack down on the LTTE fundraising, GOSL should encourage
the SL diplomatic force to talk about the extortion of the Tamils in
the Sri Lankan Diaspora.
Protect the SL Tamil Diaspora
The SL Tamils is exploited and threatened by the LTTE. This is well
documented by Human Rights Watch(
http://hrw.org/reports/2006/ltte0306/ltte0306webwcover.pdf) and
numerous other sources. The SL diplomatic force has an obligation to
assist in stopping the exploitation of Sri Lankan expatriates. Meetings
with police leaders could be one step to raise awareness of this
problem. To request a co-ordination officer to process the complaints
could be another method.
International agreements
LTTE has only one friend, Norway. Even Norway must understand by now
the LTTE is a brutal terrorist organization. The Norwegian support for
LTTE can only be explained by the enormous hunger to get the first
success story for the Norwegian peace industry. Sri Lanka is in a very
special position. All nations, exempt Norway, support Sri Lanka's
fight against terrorism. Maybe for the first time in history, all
Superpowers seem to agree, LTTE is an evil.
GOSL should strive to get an international co-operation with the
nations where the LTTE illegally is obtaining arms. All of these
nations are friends of Sri Lanka and it is in these nations interest to
crack down on criminals, arms dealers and other who assists the LTTE.
There should be in the mutual interest of all nations in Asia to
co-operate and share intelligence in the war against terror. LTTE is
cooperating with terrorist organizations in several Asian countries so
all have an interest in stopping the LTTE.
The SL PM has visited Indonesia in November and discussed the LTTE
issues. Indonesia has already signaled they are willing to co-operate
with Sri Lanka in these matters and it would surprise us if any country
in Asia would not help in these matters.
Nations who have a strong intelligence presence in Asia should be asked
to assist Sri Lanka in monitoring telephone, internet traffic and
movements of the Sea Penguins vessels in order to stop arms shipments
to the LTTE and other terrorist groups who utilize LTTE shipping
services.
GOSL should consider to ask for known war criminals and terrorist
living abroad to be extradited to Sri Lanka to stand trial for their
crimes.
What can SL political parties do?
We are pleased to see JVP and Tamil political parties has started
organizations in Europe that actively is working against the LTTE.
Several demonstrations have been made and material distributed exposing
the LTTE.
It is encouraging to see people with complete different political views
is working together to stop the LTTE (In some cases we suspect the
fight against the LTTE is the only thing they are able to agree upon).
We hope more organization is founded and more parties involve
themselves organizing the SL Diaspora. It is especially important to
get the Tamil parties involved in order to provide organizational
alternatives to the LTTE for the SL Tamil Diaspora.
SL Political parties should use every opportunity to meet with sister
parties in other Asian countries to request assistance to stop the
corrupt elements in these countries who provide arms to the LTTE.
NAT future activities
We will continue our research in South East Asia and establish more
contacts locally. We feel our activity in SE Asia raises awareness of
the problem LTTE poses not only in Sri Lanka, but for the respective
nations.
No nation is served by having corrupt elements selling arms to
terrorist organizations. A few corrupt individuals is lining their
pockets by risking the nations reputation. In some cases we have reason
to believe the arms have been stolen from weapon arsenals belonging to
the army's and sold to the LTTE. Offenses punishable with severe
penalties in all the countries we have visited.
NAT will visit more European countries and go to Canada to talk with
the Sri Lankan Diaspora and ask how we can work together to stop the
LTTE.