There has been speculation in the last few months of a South African peace initiative. Although some Western nations have expressed the opinion that South Africa’s involvement will greatly improve the chances of peace, the Sri Lankan government remains adamant that foreign intervention is unwelcome.
Analysts say that the LTTE has established a base in South Africa with the assistance of the Tamil community in the country. African National Congress’s (ANC) ascendancy to power has helped the Tigers. On gaining power, the ANC government banned arms exports to Sri Lanka. Following a Sri Lankan demand, the Mandela government is said to be probing an LTTE move to shift its headquarters from London to South Africa.
Foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar has expressed satisfaction that Pretoria will do everything possible to prevent the LTTE consolidating its foothold. Sources say that the support for the Sri Lankan Tamil cause in the African nation precedes the establishment of the LTTE and Mr Kadirgamar faced difficulty in convincing South Africans that Sri Lanka is facing only a terrorist problem. According to reports, President Chandrika has requested South Africa to also investigate allegations of arms supply to the LTTE.
President Chandrika visited India in late December. Reports say that Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee assured her that New Delhi wishes to see Colombo resolve the ethnic problem on its own. Following her visit, Sri Lanka and India signed a trade agreement on 28 December.
President Chndrika’s one-day delay in India, led to speculation that she met MDMK leader Vaiko (V Gopalasamy). MDMK is a constituent of the Indian coalition government and has been a long supporter of the LTTE. MDMK submitted a petition to the UN in October over human rights violations against the Tamils in Sri Lanka. Mr Vaiko is said to continue direct links with the LTTE leader V Prabhakaran.