Canada labels LTTE as terror outfit

TORONTO: Canada has labelled the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as terrorist group, making it illegal for anyone to support or participate in the activities of the Sri Lankan separatists.

The Tamil Tigers were formally listed as a terrorist group effective from Saturday, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day said in a statement on Monday.

“The decision to list the LTTE was long overdue. Our government is clearly determined to take decisive steps to ensure the safety of Canadians against terrorism. It sends a clear signal to the (Tamil) community and right across the country that the government would not tolerate terrorism or terrorist activities," the Minister said.

The terrorist listing means it is illegal for anyone in Canada to support or participate in Tiger activities.

In listing the LTTE, the Federal Government conducted an extensive analysis of security information and intelligence to ensure the stringent legal test outlined in the Criminal

Code was met.

Canada is also meeting its international commitments to prevent terrorists from using the banking system to further their terrorist activities, he said.

The decision, which comes just as Norwegian-brokered peace talks are about to resume in Geneva, appears likely to inflame debate in Canada's large, geographically concentrated Tamil community around Toronto.

"This is not us taking sides. This is very much about expressing a desire to see the peace process progress," Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay said he spoke with Norway's foreign minister and promised full Canadian assistance, including an offer to host peace talks in Canada if desired.