TFIZ01: GSL releases relatively constructive

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 COLOMBO 000476

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEPARTMENT FOR SA, SA/INS, SA/PD, S/CT, NEA/NGA,
DS/DSS/ITA, INR/NESA; NSC FOR E. MILLARD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03-21-13
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER KPAO ASEC CE MALDIVES'>MV IZ
SUBJECT: TFIZ01: GSL releases relatively constructive
statement; Situation in Sri Lanka/MALDIVES remains calm

Refs: (A) State 74254

- (B) Colombo-SA/INS 03-20-03 fax
- (C) Colombo 468, and previous
- (D) State 72928
- (E) State 72921

(U) Classified by Ambassador E. Ashley Wills.
Reasons: 1.5 (B,D).


1. (C/NF) SUMMARY: The GSL has issued a relatively
constructive statement re the Iraq situation (text in
Para 10). In a meeting late March 20, the PM gave the
Ambassador the opportunity to help craft the message and
some improvements were made. The PM confirmed that the
GSL would not be able to join the coalition for
political reasons. The Sri Lanka/MALDIVES situation
remains calm, with some anti-U.S. rallies in the cards.
Media coverage has spiked up. END SUMMARY.


2. (C/NF) MEETING WITH PM: Prime Minister
Wickremesinghe invited the Ambassador to meet with him
late March 20. Foreign Minister Fernando, Foreign
Secretary Rodrigo, and Bradman Weerakoon, the PM's key

SIPDIS
assistant, were also present. At the meeting, the PM
provided a draft press statement re the Iraq situation
to Ambassador Wills and asked him to review it. The PM
indicated that he was open to any suggestions on ways to
improve the draft (on the understanding that we would
not make our involvement known). After reviewing the
draft, which was quite long and showed some effect from
the MFA's NAM, G-77 type of thinking, the Ambassador
made some suggestions, which the prime minister agreed
to. These suggestions were clearly marked in the
annotated copy of the draft, which was sent to SA/INS in
Ref A.


3. (C/NF) After the meeting concluded, the MFA issued
the statement (which included the Ambassador's
suggestions) on the evening of March 20 (see text
below). In our estimation, the statement, while not
perfect, is relatively constructive in that it cites
Iraq's failure to disarm. It also expresses
"confidence" that the coalition will move to minimize
any negative impacts the war may have. On the down
side, the statement is a bit long, allowing observers to
pick-and-choose the language they want to focus on,
including that which gives a bit too much pride-of-place
to the UN's standing re war and peace issues.


4. (C/NF) As foreshadowed in Ambassador's March 20
conversation with Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the U.S.
Devinda Subasinghe (see Ref C),the PM made clear that
it would not be possible for Sri Lanka to join the
coalition. In explaining why, Wickremesinghe stressed
that it would be difficult politically and
constitutionally because President Kumaratunga would
have to be involved in any decision on the issue. The
PM did not think she would be at all helpful on the
matter and it was best not to move forward with
something so controversial at this point. (Note: The
Ambassador is slated to meet with the president on March
25, after her return from Europe.)


5. (S/NF) The Ambassador also used the meeting to
review with the prime minister Ref E points arguing for
the immediate closure of the Iraqi embassy and the
expulsion of its personnel. The Ambassador also
provided the PM Ref D points providing legal
justification for the war. The PM took both sets of
points on board. (Note: Mission has conveyed Ref A
points re keeping the Iraq issue in the UNSC to the Sri
Lankan and Maldivian governments.)


6. (C) SRI LANKA/MALDIVES SITUATION: The general
situation in Sri Lanka and the MALDIVES continues to be
calm. Since the start of military operations against
the Iraqi regime early March 20 (local time),we have
not heard of any serious disturbances in Sri Lanka.
There reportedly have been several marches by small
groups of Muslims at various places in Sri Lanka, but
nothing large and nothing violent. As mentioned in Ref
B, however, a test for the security situation will come
after the conclusion of Muslim prayers today, Friday,
March 21, when some Muslims and leftists plan a rally in
Colombo. Rallies at other sites around the island are
also planned.


7. (C) Mission continues to pick up all the right
signals from the GSL re security issues. The DCM
attended a meeting of the diplomatic corps on March 20,
where Interior Minister Amaratunga promised full
security support. Amaratunga noted specifically that no
demonstrations would be allowed anywhere near the U.S.
and UK embassies, which are located next to each other
in downtown Colombo. At embassy's request, security
forces remain in place, guarding Mission homes.


8. (C) MEDIA COVERAGE: As could be expected, Sri
Lankan media coverage of the situation has spiked up and
March 21 papers are full of news articles on the start
of military operations. Editorial opinion re the war
continues to be largely negative toward the U.S.,
including this March 21 sample entitled "Will War on
Iraq free U.S. from Terrorists threat?" from the
Opposition English-language daily ISLAND:

"...the question arises whether elimination of the
Saddam Hussein regime will rid America and European
nations from the threat of terrorism. The war in
Afghanistan and driving out the Taliban regime have not
eliminated Al-Qaida and its leader Bin Ladin. Even US
intelligence agencies such as the CIA and FBI have said
openly that America will not be free of terrorist
attacks. Much progress has been made in the global war
on terrorism and President Bush has been receiving a
good response to his appeal from most countries,
including many Islamic states. But it is evident that
he is jeopardizing his global effort on terrorism with
this war which has proven to be much unpopular."

(Note: Additional media coverage is contained in
Septel.) (Note: Coverage of the situation on the
Maldivian government website "Haveeru.com.mv" continues
to consist primarily of AFP wire-service reports. There
are also some local postings stressing that the GoRM is
keeping apprised of the situation, and working to
ameliorate any potentially negative impacts on tourism
and other elements of the local economy.)


9. (C) COMMENT: Mission has received truly
extraordinary support from the GSL, which has gone out
of its way to be as helpful as possible in meeting our
security concerns. The next several days should tell
how serious any adverse reaction to the U.S.-led action
may or may not be. On the political side, although the
government's statement may not have been helpful as we
would have liked (despite our best efforts),the PM went
out of his way to try to craft it so that it was
reasonably constructive and we think he succeeded in
large part. END COMMENT.


10. (U) The text of the Sri Lankan MFA's public
statement re the Iraq situation follows:

BEGIN TEXT:

March 20 Press Release: Situation in Iraq

Sri Lanka has consistently urged Iraq to comply fully
with the United Nations Security Council resolutions
obliging it to eliminate weapons of mass destruction.

Until now there has been a lack of full compliance with
these resolutions. Therefore, the elimination of
weapons of mass destruction in Iraq has not been
completed through peaceful means. Unfortunately, the
lack of concurrence in the Security Council on how to
proceed with its own Resolution 1441 adopted unanimously
has led to the collapse of the UN process.

Sri Lanka is greatly disturbed by the outbreak of this
conflict in the Middle East. Sri Lanka is gravely
concerned about the massive political, economic, social,
and above all, humanitarian consequences that would
ensue in the military conflict, affecting Iraq, the
Middle East region and indeed international peace and
security. We express confidence that the coalition
partners would move early to minimize adverse
consequences on the civilian population in Iraq and, in
association with other members of the international
community, coordinate rehabilitation efforts in the
country.

Beyond the current issue, the UN must continue to play
an undiminished role in other situations of tension such
as, in particular, the question of Palestine. There
should be substantial progress towards an enduring and
just peace in which the States of Palestine and Israel
can develop in peace, freedom and mutual trust within
secure boundaries in accordance with the Security
Council resolutions 242 (1967),338 (1973) and 1397
(2002).

The all pervasive evil of terrorism must not at this
stage be permitted to exploit and thrive on the global
uncertainty and tension which have now been heightened.
The international consensus and collective will to
eradicate all forms and manifestations of terrorism,
wherever and in whatever circumstances it occurs, must
not be deflected or blunted. Terrorism should not be
identified and stereotyped with any particular religion,
nationality or civilization.

Sri Lanka is conscious of the hardships and dangers that
this military conflict would pose to millions of migrant
workers in the Middle-East region, including to several
hundred thousands of our own nationals. Our Missions in
the region are working closely with the host governments
concerned to ensure the safety and security of Sri
Lankans and their well-being in the present volatile
situation.

Other ramifications stemming from the instability in the
Middle -East extend to Sri Lanka as well. In this
context, therefore, the Government has taken necessary
steps to coordinate a program whereby essential food
stocks such as rice, flour, sugar, lentils and milk
products, supplies of fuel and other necessities could
be ensured without interruption and at fair prices for
consumers in the country. To this end, the Articles and
Services (Maintenance) Bill was passed unanimously today
in the Sri Lankan Parliament.

It is tragic in the current dangerous situation that the
UN system, in particular the Security Council, has been
rendered ineffective, and apparently, even abandoned due
to disagreement among its members. Sri Lanka
nevertheless continues to firmly believe that issues
affecting international peace and security should be as
far as possible identified, considered and resolved
through the UN, the primary global institution through
which the will of the international community can be
legitimately expressed.

Therefore, it is essential that the role of the UN and
its credibility and authority be restored and respected.
The Government will continue to monitor closely the
complex implications of the situation in Iraq. Sri
Lanka will also seek to work closely with like-minded
countries in the national and collective imperative to
keep United Nations alive.

Sri Lanka urges a quick end to this crisis based on the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and the
safety, security and welfare of its people.

END TEXT.


11. (U) Minimize considered.

WILLS