The US pledges fullest support to GOSL in combating terrorism

The United States of America pledged her continued support to the SL government in its mission to combat terrorism. The US Assistant State secretary for Central and south Asian affairs Richard Boucher made this assurance when he met President Mahinda Rajapakse in Colombo yesterday at a discussion (Thursday the 19th of October).

Ambassador Boucher further said the US government holds in contempt the recent LTTE suicide attack at the security forces in Habarana and at Dakshina naval base in Galle.

He also noted that the US is strongly opposes terrorism and it will support in every way in the country's quest for peace.

Ambassador Boucher arrived yesterday morning for a two day official visit to the Island on a two day official visit.

Briefing on the proposed Geneva talks scheduled 28th and the 29th this month the president said the LTTE's continued violence would not help when the government is preparing to participate in negotiation with the outfit. However, he said that he is committed to find a negotiated settlement to the ethic conflict.

The president expressed his hope that the international community will ensure that the LTTE would not quit the negotiation table as it did earlier, until a solution is reached.

Ambassador Boucher was also informed on the emerging southern consensus and the MOU to be signed by the president with the main opposition party, the UNP. The president also briefed the Progress made in creating a framework for negotiated settlement by an all party representative committee and advisory group of experts drawn from different ethnic groups.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse, Head of the Peace Secretariat Dr. Palitha Kohona, also participated for the discussion.

Ambassador Boucher also met Opposition leader, Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Leader of the SLMC, Mr. Rauf Hakim during the course of the day. He is also to meet several other senior government officials and civil society leaders and the NGO representatives.

The US embassy Colombo says that Ambassador Boucher will hold a press conference on 20th October at 6:30 p.m. in the Palm Lounge of the Galle Face Hotel.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Special envoy Jon Hanssen-Bauer held a discussion with the LTTE representatives at Kilinochchi yesterday morning. According to the available information the LTTE has agreed to attend the peace talk with the government as scheduled. Mr. Hanssen-Bauer arrived the island on Tuesday the 17th of October to bid help to restart the stalled peace process.

The other visiting foreign diplomat to the Island, Japanese peace envoy Yasushi Akashi visited Muttur on the same day as part of his agenda to determine the state of displaced residents in the area . Mr. Akashi also had a discussion with the LTTE on Wednesday the 18th of October in Kilnochchi.