Clinton commends President Kumaratunga

Former US President and UN Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery Bill Clinton has praised President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, a release from the Presidential Media Unit said.

During a panel discussion on the 'Lessons learnt from recent Indian Ocean tsunami disaster' led by Clinton in New York on Friday at the UN's Economic and Social Council, he also praised affected countries for their commitment to recovery.

However his highest praise was reserved for President Kumaratunga. He stated: "I don't like to get involved in other nations' political affairs. At this point, I don't like to get involved in my own nation's political affairs. But there is an issue I would like to address here and it involves a dear friend of mine.

President Kumaratunga has lost her husband, father and was blinded herself in an attack, all stemming from political violence. Around the world in Rwanda, South Africa, and in Colombia we see too often that it's those who wish to reach out to improve relations, suffer from political violence. Although she is a victim of violence she has now extended the hand of non-violence. She needs your support."

Clinton also referring to P-TOMS said: "In Sri Lanka, the problems between Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims have been now solved and they are working well together for tsunami recovery.

Sri Lanka must keep the TAFREN, which is doing a good job; even after tsunami rehabilitation is done, appropriately remodelled for future disaster management."

At this well attended widely covered event, President Clinton spoke passionately about his involvement in the work of tsunami recovery.

Representatives from several UN agencies and countries affected by the tsunami made presentations at the panel discussion.