Fowzie says the LTTE has accepted Muslims as a separate nation

Minister of Environmental Affairs and Natural Resources AHM Fowzie said, however, they should recognise the fact that the LTTE has, for the first time, accepted Muslims as a different nation living in the north east.

In an interview with BBC Sandeshaya (BBC Sinhala), the minister expressed hope that the interests of the Muslims will be safeguarded together with the government representatives in the TRC.

The TRC agreement, also known as Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS), was signed by the government and the Tamil Tigers on 24 June.

Sinhala nationalists strongly opposed the move to share tsunami relief aid with the LTTE.

Government’s coalition partner Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) resigned from the government leaving President Chandrika Kumaratunga to head a minority government.

Muslim leaders, meanwhile, criticised the mechanism saying the most affected community by 26 December tsunami has been sidelined by the LTTE and the government.

In an apparent remark on the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauf Hakeem, minister Fowzie said the “bankrupt politicians” are trying to exploit Muslims’ concerns for their gain.

He expressed hope that the Muslims will have a separate representation in the future peace talks.

He called for the authorities to appoint independent Muslims apart from the political parities to Apex, Regional and District bodies of the TRC.