Pathmanadan, known as KP, is alleged to be the LTTE's main man for international arms procurement and is on Interpol’s Most Wanted list for his crimes.

Mar 28, Colombo: The United States government yesterday said that Kumaran Pathmanadan, who is the LTTE's international representative, is "the appropriate person for the international community to speak."

In a comment posted on the Sri Lanka Daily Mirror website, United States Ambassador in Colombo Robert Blake made the comment in response to the National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa’s recent criticism of Norway and the United Nations for having talks with Pathmanadan.

Ambassador Blake said Norway and the UN are working hard with the US and other members of the international community to urge the LTTE to release the tens of thousands of civilians who are trapped in the safe zone in northern Sri Lanka.

He said conversations such as the telephone conversation between UN Humanitarian Chief Sir John Holmes and Pathmanadan, referred to by Mr. Weerawansa, were solely for the purpose of persuading the LTTE to allow civilians to leave and to observe international humanitarian law, the paper reported.

Pathmanadan, known as KP, is alleged to be the LTTE's main man for international arms procurement and is on Interpol’s Most Wanted list for his crimes. The LTTE recently appointed him as its representative.