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| Friday, 14 May 2004 |
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from Pramod de Silva in Washington D.C. The United States will continue to support the government in its quest for peace, Secretary of State Colin Powell and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage assured Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters soon after his meeting with Minister Kadirgamar, Armitage said the US was committed to assist the Lankan government in the peace process. "We expect the peace process to be fruitful. We hope there will be meaningful negotiations towards a settlement. All Lankans should derive the benefits of the peace process," Armitage said. Minister Kadirgamar's discussions with Secretary Powell focused on the peace process. "I deeply appreciate the principled stand of the US with regard to the peace initiative and with regard to Sri Lanka's sovereignty," the Minister added. During his talks with Powell, the Minister had emphasised that peace negotiations must concentrate on serious substantive issues. "It is time to negotiate hard. Let us reach a viable settlement. We must grasp this opportunity" the Minister said. Deputy Secretary Armitage emphasised that the US would have no relationship whatsoever with the LTTE until it "gives up terrorism forever". He asserted that the LTTE will have to change its behaviour not only in word but also in deed for the US to consider removing the ban. He said the use of child soldiers by the LTTE was a "great tragedy". No civilised country can condone such behaviour. Armitage said the US hopes to continue friendly ties with the Lankan government. "We had good links with the previous. We have good ties with this government. This will continue". |
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