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US Deputy Secretary Armitage meets Economic Reform Minister Moragoda

In the absence of Secretary Powell, Deputy Secretary Armitage met on Saturday with Sri Lankan Economic Reform Minister Milinda Moragoda. Mr. Moragoda is one of two political leaders charged by the Prime Minister with pursuing the peace process in Sri Lanka. He is the first member of the new Government of Sri Lanka to visit the United States; he also held meetings on a range of bilateral issues at Defence, Treasury, Agriculture, USAID, and other agencies, said a press release issued in Washington on Saturday by Richard Boucher, spokesman of the US State Department.

Minister Moragoda and Deputy Secretary Armitage addressed ways to further Sri Lankan-U.S. co-operation against terrorism, a scourge that has victimised both nations. In discussing U.S. policy, the Deputy Secretary reiterated the U.S. denunciation of those who believe terrorism has a role in promoting political goals, and thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for its support of the global coalition against terrorism, it added.

The release also said: "The Deputy Secretary noted with approval the extension of the ceasefire between the Government of Sri Lanka and the insurgents, and pledged full support for the peace facilitation efforts by the Government of Norway. On the question of possible deproscription of the LTTE, the Deputy Secretary stressed that U.S. policy would be unaffected should the Government of Sri Lanka decide to remove its ban on the organisation. He reiterated US support for the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and urged both parties to the dispute to engage in a productive dialogue leading to a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

"Minister Moragoda reviewed economic reforms envisioned by the new Government, including further privatisation and the Deputy Secretary encouraged the Sri Lankan Government to continue working toward liberalising of their economy." 

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