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Canada Lists Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam as a Terrorist Organization |
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Written by Government of Canada
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Monday, 10 April 2006 |
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, today announced that Canada’s new government has listed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist group, effective April 8, 2006, pursuant to the Criminal Code.
“The decision to list the LTTE is long overdue and something the previous government did not take seriously enough to act upon,” said Minister Day. “Our government is clearly determined to take decisive steps to ensure the safety of Canadians against terrorism.”
In listing the LTTE, the Government of Canada 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.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, supporting this decision, reiterated the Government of Canada’s resolve to help achieve a negotiated settlement to the situation in Sri Lanka. “The LTTE’s repeated use of violence since signing a ceasefire agreement is unacceptable and seriously calls into question its commitment to the peace process,” said Minister MacKay. “The Sri Lankan government must also fulfill its pledge to bring a negotiated resolution to the conflict. Canada will continue to work with international supporters of the peace process to help the parties reach a resolution.”
The LTTE has been in armed conflict with the Sri Lankan Government since 1983. This organization is known for its commitment to using indiscriminate terror tactics and suicide bombings. Since the commencement of conflict more than 20 years ago, over 64 000 deaths have occurred.
The objective of the Criminal Code list is to help combat terrorist activities, including impeding terrorist financing. It is illegal for any person to provide support, facilitate or participate in the activities of a terrorist group. This includes providing any financial support.
“This listing is meant to support the Tamil community in Canada who are law-abiding and hard working people who have left their country of origin to build a better life for themselves and their families in Canada -- where the rule of law and human rights are respected,” said Minister Day.
Today’s listing brings the number of listed entities under the Criminal Code to 39. The complete list can be found here: www.psepc.gc.ca/prg/ns/le/cle-en.asp . |
