In May, June and July 2004 alone the LTTE has recruited 259 child soldiers- UNICEF

The LTTE delegation visiting Europe was urged to put an end to political killings and recruitment of child soldiers.

Amnesty International, International Commission of Jurists and Human Rights Watch appealed to S.P Thamilselvan ,leader of the Tamil Tiger political wing in a meeting at Geneva to respect international humanitarian laws and the human right laws of the land.

Nicholasw Howen Secretary General of the International Commission of Jurist said

“We appeal to the senior LTTE leaders to show the world that they are both willing and capable of respecting lives and rights of Sri lankans”.

Commenting of the recent killings of Tamil political activists, rivals in the East and alleged Sri Lankan military informants, Lobuna Freih, Geneva director of Human Rights Watch said “At a time when we should be moving back to peace talks the LTTE seems to have dramatically escalated killing of opponents and is still recruiting child soldiers.”

ICJ appeal  We appeal to the senior LTTE leaders to show the world that they are both willing and capable of respecting lives and rights of Sri lankans   Nicholasw Howen

Geneva representative of Amnesty International, Peter Splinter cautioned that the prevailing climate of fear in the East will make finding a lasting peaceful solution more difficult.

In response Thamilselvan denied responsibility for alleged killings and said that however the LTTE will consider the development of confidence building measures to end killings that threaten the peace process.

According to UNICEF in May, June and July 2004 alone the LTTE has recruited 259 child soldiers.

The Ealam Peoples Democratic Party accuses the LTTE of assassinating more than 160 of its carders since commencement of the ceasefire.