'US wants strong and long-term relationship'

The United States wants a strong and long-term relationship with Sri Lanka, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake said.

The Assistant Secretary made these observations when he called on the External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris at the External Affairs Ministry yesterday.

He further said that Sri Lanka is an important country to USA, and particularly in the areas of maritime security, counter terrorism and combating piracy, USA would want to work closely with Sri Lanka.

Expressing appreciation for the US humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, particularly in developing livelihoods for internally displaced persons, Minister Peiris emphasized the need to move forward in Sri Lanka-US relations. He said that this could be done by working on areas identified by both sides.

The Minister also updated the US Assistant Secretary on progress made in resettlement, rehabilitation of ex-combatants, detainees, as well as the political dialogue with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA).

Briefing the Assistant Secretary on the Government's position regarding the Darusman Report the Minister said that a clear distinction has to be made between the Advisory Panel and the United Nations and that the Report had no stature as a UN document.

The Minister added that Sri Lanka has a cordial relationship with the UN and will engage with it. This was welcomed by Assistant Secretary Blake.

The Minister further said a detailed letter will be sent to the Secretary General by the government on developments and progress made in the country.

External Affairs Deputy Minister Neomal Perera, Sajin de Vaas Gunawardena MP and External Affairs Secretary Karunathillake Amunugama and US Ambassador in Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis were also present.