<b>Monitors will not be on intercepted vessels</b>

The Island

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission naval monitors will not go on board intercepted LTTE vessels with the Sri Lankan Navy inspection team as a general rule, but will do so "under special circumstances if deemed necessary", according to a statement issued by the SLMM.

This change in procedure follows the recent incident where two monitors were held against their will on board an LTTE vessel.

Following is the full text of the statement:

SLMM Naval Monitors will from now on, as a general rule, stay onboard the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) vessels and not join the SLN inspection team when entering an intercepted vessel. These operating procedures have been established following the recent Iranativu incident where two SLMM Monitors were held onboard a LTTE vessel against their will. These New Operating Procedures are aimed at ensuring the safety of SLMM Naval Monitors. However, under special circumstances, and if deemed necessary, the monitors involved may enter the intercepted vessel.

Other arrangements are that SLMM Naval Monitors will be thoroughly briefed by SLN on the safety arrangements and safety routines onboard the SLN vessel, before departure. Secondly, the SLN vessel will fly the SLMM flag, illuminated when required. And thirdly; if needed, the SLMM Naval Monitors will be granted access to the vessel’s communication systems for making direct contact with SLMM Headquarters and/or SLMM District Offices.

Both parties have been informed about these New Operating Procedures of SLMM Naval Monitoring, SLMM will continue the monitoring of activities at sea to its best ability. The reason for this decision is the importance of monitoring the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement, also at sea. These New Operating Procedures will not have a direct effect on SLMM’s involvement in the possible forthcoming Sea Movements of LTTE from LTTE controlled areas in the North to LTTE areas on the East coast, that are still under discussion.

SLMM has four Naval Monitors operating from the harbours of Jaffna and Trincomalee. These Monitors regularly accompany, the Sri Lanka Navy on their patrols at sea, both during daytime and night-time, in the coastal waters of Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka.

-The Island -