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18-09-2006

UN Chief pledges support for peace quest

HAVANA: President Mahinda Rajapaksa met UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on the sidelines of the 14th Non-Aligned Summit in Havana where the current situation in Sri Lanka was discussed.

President Rajapaksa briefing the UN chief on the situation said the Government was compelled to retaliate against the provocative acts of the LTTE.

He said the Government finally decided to move against the LTTE after enduring attacks for six months.

He said such action was necessitated in the interest of national security.

The President also said the Government provided all access for the ICRC and the UN relief agencies into conflict areas but did not permit entry to certain INGOs who had no international recognition and with questionable motives into the areas.

The Secretary General in his turn pledged all assistance towards Sri Lanka’s quest to achieve a peaceful resolution of the current conflict.

President Rajapaksa also informed the UN chief of the steps taken by the Government to appoint a Commission to probe assassinations, abductions and displacements under the prevailing laws of the country and also the measures taken to invite international observers to ensure transparency, justice and fairness of such probes.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga and Peace Secretariat Chief Dr. Palitha Kohona were also present at the discussion.

The President also met several heads of state and their representatives attending the NAM summit where bilateral and international issues were discussed.

Source-Daily News