Welcomes signing of agreement between Govt, LTTE :

P-TOMS will help strengthen peace process - US

The United States yesterday welcomed the signing of the Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS), saying it could lead to progress in the broader peace process.

"We hope the experience the two sides will gain by working together will help to build confidence and lead to progress in the broader peace process," Department of State spokesman Sean McCormack said in a statement issued in Washington.

The US also called on both parties to observe and strengthen the ceasefire agreement.

"The United States welcomes the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) decision to sign an agreement to create a Joint Mechanism on tsunami reconstruction.

If implemented properly, this mechanism will help to ensure efficient and equitable reconstruction assistance to those whose lives were devastated by the South Asia tsunami in the North and East of Sri Lanka," the statement added.

The State Department urged the "two parties take all possible steps to see that the ceasefire is observed and strengthened".

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed the tsunami aid-sharing deal between the Government and the LTTE.

Annan was "pleased" with the agreement, his spokesman said in a statement.