C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 002348

SIPDIS

OFFICIAL INFORMAL

DEPT FOR SA/INS FROM A/DCM

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12-26-12
TAGS: AMGT CE MV LTTE
SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 179 (12-26-02)


Classified by A/DCM Long Lee. Reasons 1.5 (b, d)

CONTENTS: DEMINING
- SL HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT

DEMINING
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1. (C) We are really, really, really worried about your
e-mail re the apparent postponement in the DoD-sponsored
mil-to-mil demining program. (Note: We're not blaming
the messenger; we appreciate your successful effort to
quickly find out what's going on.) We can appreciate
that important things are happening in the world that
demand resources. That said, we think that a near-term
continuance in our demining programs here is crucial as
we try to underscore our strong support for the Sri
Lankan peace process via on-the-ground, "quick impact"-
type programs. As you know, the QRDF was quite a hit,
but it wrapped up in late October. We were counting on
the mil-to-mil program to continue the momentum very
early this year. On the global stage, these programs do
not consume very much by way of resources in any case --
but they go a long way here. We would really appreciate
it if SA/INS would work closely with PM to ensure that we
have something up-and-running in Sri Lanka as soon as
feasible. We do not want the months to drain away on
this. Again, thanks for your help on this. (POL)

SL HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT
--------------

2. (SBU) Reviewing DRL's latest e-mail re "V-2" of the
Sri Lankan human rights report draft, we just noticed
that our key para re peace process events and their
impact on human rights has been axed from the
introduction. (Note: Thanks for passing "V-2" to us.
We would not have seen it without your help.) Rebecca
Schwalbach of DRL goes on to note that she will talk to
her director about the para after Jan. 1. We want to
make sure that DRL understands how important this para is
to the intro. Can you speak to Schwalbach's boss on this
very early next week and get back to us if you think
there is a problem? We are willing to take this issue
higher, if necessary. We do not want to find out that
some deadline has passed and we have no time to reclama.
Thanks once again for all of your excellent work on this.
(POL)

WILLS