Italy to curb flow of terror funds

Pledges help to enhance surveillance capability :

ITALY: Italy offered to help Sri Lanka increase its land and sea surveillance capabilities when Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama discussed bilateral issues with his counterpart in Rome on Monday.

Bogollagama arrived in Italy on Monday, accepting a longstanding invitation from the Italian Government. His counterpart Massimo D' Alema reassured the visiting Minister that Italy will continue to keep a close tab on the flow of funds and weapons to the LTTE in keeping with its policy of fighting against terrorism in all forms within its local and EU laws.

He assured that Italy will continue to closely collaborate with Sri Lanka in combating narcotics, human trafficking and money laundering.

During the discussion, Minister Bogollagama briefed his counterpart on efforts by the Government to evolve a Southern consensus and a political solution to the North East issue through the All Party Representative Committee (APRC).

He highlighted the challenge of upholding the values of democracy while countering one of the ruthless terrorist organisations in the world.

Responding to Minister D' Alema, Minister Bogollagama reiterated that the Government is committed to a final political settlement to the conflict which is acceptable to all ethnic communities and parties concerned.

Minister D'Alema expressing the Italian position condemned all forms of terrorism, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians. He called for support to curb intimidation and extortion of Tamil Diaspora and fund raising by the LTTE and its front organisations.

Italy - Sri Lankan relations entered a new phase after the tsunami with Italy providing assistance amounting to over euro 80 million. This is expected to be further enhanced by the upcoming visit of President Rajapakse to Italy.

Minister D'Alema also noted that the success in post-tsunami reconstruction activities funded by Italy in the Eastern Province would be considered as model for the future and pledged to work closely with the Sri Lankan Government in the area of humanitarian assistance for displaced persons.

Voicing a proposal earlier made by Senator Vernetti, the Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Minister D'Alema said that Italy is prepared to send a humanitarian mission to Sri Lanka if it is needed.

In the field of bilateral relations, the two ministers reviewed the dramatic increase of bilateral trade volume and potential for economic cooperation in addition to enhanced cooperation in culture and education and technical cooperation.

It was also agreed that the Business Councils in the two countries and the Italy - Sri Lanka Parliamentary Committee should be re-activated.

Minister Bogollagama requested Italian attention to the SAARC region, including Sri Lanka. This was welcomed by Minister D'Alema who stated that Sri Lanka has a huge potential for development. He emphasised that it is Italy's desire to see Sri Lanka known to the world as a country to invest and not as a country in conflict.

The proposed amendments to Italian migration laws where it has been proposed to simplify immigration procedures were also discussed. A high level joint committee will be set up to monitor the progress of the decisions made at this meeting and to ensure that regular consultations are held to evaluate issues of mutual interest to the two countries.

The two Ministers signed a bilateral agreement for cultural, scientific and technological cooperation. Minister Bogollagama also met the Vice Prime Minister of Italy.