France’s FM calls on President Kumaratunga
[October 6, 2005 - 4.00 GMT]  

France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Philippe Douste-Blazy and the Leader of the Socialist Party Mr. François Hollande called on President Chandrika Kumaratunga today (6th October) for separate meetings at the Presidential suite of her Paris hotel.

After the initial exchange of pleasantries they discussed several issues of mutual interest such as the current state of the peace process, the upcoming Presidential elections and the tsunami recovery efforts in Sri Lanka. The President expressed her gratitude to the people of France and the French government for their assistance in the immediate aftermath of the December 26th tragedy and for the generous assistance of 74 million Euros for the rehabilitation of the Trincomalee District.

Referring to the second phase of the recovery programme President Kumaratunga explained, the government of Sri Lanka has identified several post tsunami rehabilitation projects and handed them foreign governments and NGOs for completion. However she expressed concerns that some Non Governmental Organizations have yet to translate their pledges of assistance into action.Later this evening President Kumaratunga is due to call on President Jacques Chirac at the Elysee Palace.

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Last Updated Date: October 6, 2005 - 4.00 GMT