CZECHS AGREE -- THE TAMIL TIGERS ARE A TERRORIST

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 001422 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/2/2015 TAGS: PTER PREL EZ SUBJECT: CZECHS AGREE -- THE TAMIL TIGERS ARE A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION Classified By: Poloff Sarah Peck for reasons 1.4 B+D (C) Pol-Econ Chief and Poloff met with Petr Kaiser, Director of the Czech MFA's CFSP Department, on September 30 to discuss the Czech position on the Tamil Tigers (LTTE). Kaiser said the Czechs support the EU designating LTTE as a terrorist organization without reservation, but noted the EU has not reached consensus on the issue. He explained that certain countries in northern Europe argue against listing LTTE as a terrorist organization because they fear the designation would jeopardize the peace process, as well as the missions of NGOs providing relief to Tsunami victims in areas under LTTE control. In addition, opponents are concerned about the legal implications of the terrorist designation. CABANISS