Greece expresses fullest support to curb terrorism

GREECE: Greece has pledged its fullest support to curb terrorists’ activities and fundraising.

“You will have my country’s fullest support on your efforts to curb Terrorism,” said Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Dora Bokayannis when she met Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in Athens on Wednesday. Minister Bogollagama was in Greece on an official visit.

She said Greece is presently working with the European Union and the United States in the exchange of information to curb Terrorism.

“We will do whatever possible to not to allow terrorists or their front organisations to raise funds,” she said.

Her Government will include the LTTE in the list of Terrorist organisations said Minister Bokayannis.

“If we can be in any way of help we will do it,” she said. With the vast experience in the field of Shipping and Naval activities the Government of Greece promised support for the Sri Lankan Government for Coast Guard training and related fields.

Minister Bogollagama explained the present situation in the country and the efforts taken by the Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to bring about a negotiated settlement to the problem. He said the Government is prepared for talks with the LTTE but the reluctance shown by the LTTE to come to the negotiating table has hindered the peace process.

The Minister solicited support from the international community to pressure the LTTE to return to the negotiating table and to combat all forms of terrorism including illegal arms smuggling, fund raising, drug smuggling, money laundering and human smuggling.

He said out of the 25 districts in Sri Lanka only two and half districts dominated by the LTTE are effected. Therefore when countries issue travel advisories it is important to mention that the remaining areas of the country are safe.

Minister Rohitha Bogllagama thanked the Government of Greece for the Euro 37 million support during the post Tsunami reconstruction phase. He said the people are back to business and most of the reconstruction work is now completed.

Foreign Minister Bokayannis said that the people of Greece have supported to build hospitals, schools and fishery harbours, provided boats for fishermen after the Tsunami devastation that hit Sri Lanka.

“We are happy to help and we will continue to do so,” she said.

The two Ministers agreed to work together and appoint a joint committee for further action in the areas of Investment, Trade, Culture, Tourism, Training and Education and Fisheries.