Sri Lanka for two States; Israel and Palestine
[July 9, 2002 - 11.30 GMT]

Sri Lanka welcomes the re-affirmation by the United States that the solution to the situation in West Asia is the establishment of “two States, Israel and Palestine, side by side in peace and security,” and President Bush’s proposal for resumption of the peace process, the Foreign Ministry announced yesterday. 

Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the continuing turmoil in the West Asian region and the acts of violence and terrorism, including suicide bombings affecting the lives of the civilian population. The violence which began twenty-one months ago has claimed hundreds of lives from both sides. 

The Government of Sri Lanka has long held the view that a viable and enduring peace in the region is not possible until the national rights of the Palestine people are acknowledged and Israeli occupation forces are withdrawn in terms of U. S. Security Council Resolution 242, 338 and 1397.

Firm action needs to be taken against terrorism and Sri Lanka welcomes statements made in this regard by President Arafat.

“We reaffirm the right of the people of Palestine to freely determine their leadership without outside interference,” the Foreign Ministry statement added. 

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Last Updated Date: July 9, 2002  - 11.30 GMT.