Top Iranian official impressed:

'All nationalities living peacefully in Sri Lanka'

Advisor to the leader of the Republic of Iran Mohamed Naghi Sharokhi said he was impressed to see all nationalities in Sri Lanka living in harmony at a time when there was pressure against Muslim countries from several other nations.

He said he was thankful that the Sri Lankan government has created the environment required for all to live peacefully in the country.

Sharokhi made this comment when he and Sri Lankan ambassodor to Iran Dr M N Hassani Pour met Prime Minister D M Jayaratne at Visumpaya.

The advisor to the leader of the Republic of Iran said there was international pressure on Muslims from the international community.

He said Sri Lanka, a developing country in Asia, has resources to develop like USA and Singapore. "Sri Lanka has the ability to become a developed country utilising human resources," he said. Prime Minister Jayaratne said the Iranian government assisted the development of Sri Lanka on several occasions. "The help we received in the fields of road construction, water supply, irrigation and education is unforgettable," the Prime Minister said.

He said: "I regret over conflicts in countries like Iraq, Libya and Egypt. Muslim countries and Middle-East countries have achieved a higher economic and social status. "The Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims in Sri Lanka live peacefully. There are some planning to create unnecessary problems between Buddhists and Muslims. This government will not allow for a problem to arise. Under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, we always try to establish a peaceful community within the country."