US appreciates Sri Lankan restraint in face of provocation - Under Secretary Burns to President and Foreign Minister

[January 24, 2006 - 4.30 GMT]

At meetings with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns reaffirmed the US government’s appreciation of the restraint exercised by the Sri Lanka Government in the face of escalating violence and provocation. He reiterated that Sri Lanka had the full support of the US it its efforts to forge a negotiated solution. The two sides also agreed that the US and Sri Lanka will continue to build on their excellent cooperation in bilateral and multilateral framework to combat terrorism and promote peace building.

The Under Secretary Political Affairs of the USA had separate meetings with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, yesterday (23).

The discussions focused on the government’s initiatives to resume talks with the LTTE and related developments. Under Secretary Burns was briefed on the significance of the All Party Conference of January 19, summoned by President Rajapaksa, and its unanimous decision calling for immediate peace talks.

The Under Secretary reaffirmed the US Government’s appreciation of the restraint exercised by the Sri Lanka Government in the face of escalating violence and provocation.

He reiterated that Sri Lanka has the full support of the US in its efforts to forge a negotiated solution. The two sides also agreed that the US and Sri Lanka will continue and build on their excellent cooperation in bilateral and multilateral framework to combat terrorism and promote peace building.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said US Under Secretary Burn’s visit provided opportunity for an exchange of views on a number of matters of mutual interest such as economic relations, human rights, UN reforms and current relevant to international peace and security.

Under Secretary Burns was accompanied by the US Ambassador in Sri Lanka Jeffery Lunstead and Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs, John Gastright. 

The Senior Sri Lankan officials associated with the meetings were Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Senior Foreign Affairs Advisor to the President Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala, Additional Secretary/Foreign Affairs Mrs. Geetha de Silva and Director General, Foreign Affairs C. A. H. M. Wijeratne.


 

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Last Updated Date: January 24, 2005 - 4.30 GMT