GOOD KITTY:

Tamil Tigers 'do not want independence' (BBC, 18 September, 2002)

Tamil Tiger separatist rebels say they will only push for a separate state as a "last resort".

The statement was made by rebel negotiator Anton Balasingham after the Tigers and Sri Lankan officials concluded historic peace talks in Thailand.

"If our demand for regional autonomy or self-government is rejected, our people would have no other option and separation would be the last resort," Mr Balasingham said at a press conference.

"Our demand for a homeland is not a demand for a separate state."

It's hard to tell from this whether there's any real difference between autonomy and independence, but if they can agree to maintain one state it would be a great thing. The Wilsonian notion that race or religion or whatever other kind of distinctive trait a minority can claim entitles them to their own state has been a blood-drenched disaster. If, after the horrific violence between these two sides, they can learn to live in some kind of confederated state, they could provide the world with an example of how a multiethnic society can cohere and continue. Posted by Orrin Judd at September 18, 2002 9:37 PM