Sri Lanka was capable to face any international pressure on alleged war crimes or any other problems as it had a proper judicial system and the Russian government had always supported the Sri Lankan government to protect its national integrity, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei V. Lavrov at a press conference yesterday (26).

The Russian Foreign Minister called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa last evening at the President's House.

Following this meeting the Russian Foreign Minister with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Minister Rohitha Bogollagama signed a bilateral agreement between the two countries on ‘Cooperation to Suppress Illicit Traffic in and Abuse of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances'.

Russia would also continue to assist in the de-mining process by sending a team of de-mining experts and humanitarian assistance, the Russian Foreign Minister said.

During the discussions, Foreign Minister Bogollagama also noted the Russian Federation’s assistance in addressing the post conflict challenges which includes the provision of relief items and US$500,000 through UNHCR. He conveyed the appreciation of the Government of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation for the unstinted support during Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism.

Foreign Minister Bogollagama also placed on record Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the offer made by the Russian Federation for the state credit line of US$.300 Million.

The MOU on the Prevention of Natural Disasters and Mitigation of their Consequences was signed at the conclusion of the bilateral consultations by the Ambassador for the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka Vladimir P. Mikhailov and Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights Mr. G.D.K. Amarawardena.