The European Union has defended the annulment of the measures in place against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in a statement released on Tuesday, saying the moves were of a legal nature and not political.

“[I]t is important to remember that it is a legal ruling of a court; it is not a political decision taken by the EU governments. The separation of the judicial system from the legislature is a key distinction in a healthy democracy,” the statement said.

The European Court of Justice last week annulled measures taken by the Council of the European Union against the LTTE, namely the designation of the LTTE as a terrorist organisation and the freezing of its funds.

“Furthermore, this legal ruling is clearly based on procedural grounds and it does not imply any assessment by the Court of the substantive issues of designating the LTTE or of freezing LTTE funds,” the statement further said.

“The Court also ruled that the EU law on the prevention of terrorism can apply in situations of armed conflict under international humanitarian law - thereby rejecting a claim made by the LTTE.”

“The EU institutions are studying carefully the Ruling in detail; they will reflect on the options open to them and will, in due course, decide on appropriate remedial action to take.”

Sri Lanka to appeal

Sri Lanka criticised the court ruling and said it would appeal the decision.

The External Affairs Ministry said it would file an appeal through the Sri Lankan Embassy in Brussels, Hiru News reported.

Diaspora attempts to oust president through lifting EU proscription on LTTE says Rajapaksa (20 October 2014)

Sri Lanka to challenge EU court annulment of anti-terror measures on LTTE (20 October 2014)

EU will have to rethink 'flawed' proscription of LTTE says ECJ lawyer (19 October 2014)

Sajin Vaas, BBS warn EU annulment of LTTE proscription measures aids Tamil diaspora (18 October 2014)