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US Assistant Secretary Karl Inderfurth outlined the Clinton administration policy towards Sri Lanka by adding, " US believe that regarding the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka, India is the key power who could offer help on behalf of the international community". US is already in favor of the Sri Lankan unity and territorial integrity. Mr. Inderfurth, noted, in an interview with a Hindu correspondent in Washington, that USA would not entertain any notions such as that of the LTTE of a separate state of a Tamil Elam. Karl Inderfurth who is the in charge of South Asian Affairs further said, Clinton administration is very much concerned about the conflict in Sri Lanka and would like to see a quick end to the crisis. USA is solely in support of negotiated political solution and devolution of powers. US clearly stated international community would not recognize the unilateral assertion of independence and assured, that Indian government is in support of the Norwegian initiatives to facilitate the negotiations between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE. The US Under-Secretary of state, Thomas Pickering who is suppose to visit New Delhi later this month, will also visit Sri Lanka. Mr. Inderfurth had consulted the Norwegian Special Envoy, Eric Solheim, regarding this matter. He has informed the willingness of the Norwegian Government to play the role of honest broker to both parties and bridge difference between the two parties. Where Sri Lanka was very keen on arriving at a solution. In this case the he stated India as the most suitable country to play a role in this matter on behalf of the international community. Also the US accepted the cautious movement of the Indian Government to find the most appropriate role for the involvement and their stand on not involving militarily. And appreciated the willingness of India to provide the humanitarian assistance. The most important fact, which should be encountered with, is the community of concerned countries regarding the Sri Lankan crisis. It is very clear that Sri Lanka is in the forefront of the international community's concerns at this point, Mr. Inderfurth further added. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, questioned " Why the US government is not in support of the package of peace proposals introduced by the Kumaratunge Government, although the US Government has stated previously ...a quick solution should be arrived at, regarding the conflict in Sri Lanka.... The US Government stated, it is not their duty to stress upon the peace package of the Kumaratunge Government, but it is a decision that the Sri Lankan citizens should arrive at. Mr. Inderfurth urged the Opposition UNP leader Ranil Wickramasinghe to join hands with the Kumaratunge Government to find a solution. Would USA come for rescue if the Sri Lankan situation is to be deteriorated and Army got trapped in the Peninsula? Mr. Inderfurth said, No request has come form Sri Lanka for the assistance of the United States... " we are clearly concerned about the situation and as with other Governments, including India, we will look at the request if they are made.... we would not want to see humanitarian crisis unfold ". He further urged both parties to observe relevant standards of conduct with respect to both combatants and civilians and to facilitate humanitarian relief efforts.
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