Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04COLOMBO1082
2004-06-25 05:50:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Colombo
Cable title:  

OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 088 (06/25/04)

Tags:  AMGT CE MV LTTE 
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250550Z Jun 04
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 001082 

SIPDIS

OFFICIAL INFORMAL

FOR SA/INS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/25/14
TAGS: AMGT CE MV LTTE
SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 088 (06/25/04)


Classified by DCM James F. Entwistle for reasons 1.5 d and
g.

Contents: MILK POWDER
-- DOUBLE TAXATION TREATY
-- S REFUELING STOP IN MALDIVES
-- COMMO
-- KARUNA/MOULANA, ETC.
-- JAFFNA DEMINING OFFICE ATTACKED


MILK POWDER
-----------

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 001082

SIPDIS

OFFICIAL INFORMAL

FOR SA/INS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/25/14
TAGS: AMGT CE MV LTTE
SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 088 (06/25/04)


Classified by DCM James F. Entwistle for reasons 1.5 d and
g.

Contents: MILK POWDER
-- DOUBLE TAXATION TREATY
-- S REFUELING STOP IN MALDIVES
-- COMMO
-- KARUNA/MOULANA, ETC.
-- JAFFNA DEMINING OFFICE ATTACKED


MILK POWDER
--------------


1. (SBU) We noted the Trade Minister's request for 416(b)
Milk Powder in his discussions with U/S Larson. FYI, we
have an outstanding inquiry with the Ministry of Finance on
whether they want the 500 MT of Milk Powder that USDA has
allocated for GSL. We have already received negotiating
instructions from USDA, but are awaiting word that the GSL
wants it. After this discussion, we tend to think they
will. (ECON)

DOUBLE TAXATION TREATY
--------------


2. (U) We have sent the language on the exchange of
instruments for the Double Taxation Treaty to the MFA Legal
Office. Once we have their concurrence, we'll wait for the
special paper and ribbons, which we understand are in the
mail, and arrange a signing ceremony with due fanfare.
(ECON)

S REFUELING STOP IN MALDIVES
--------------


3. (C) We've been in phone and e-mail contact with S/ES re
the Secretary's refueling stop in Male' next Thursday
morning. The Ambassador gave Maldivian protocol a heads-up
this morning. The DATT and acting RSO will do the needful
re flight/landing clearances and the DS advance agent,
respectively. If there is some sort of meeting (we've made
clear we're not seeking anything),the DCM has flight
reservations to go over for it. FYI - our "July 4" rep
event will be the same day, July 1, at the Ambassador's
residence. (DCM)

COMMO
--------------


4. (U) A reminder that we're down on the classified
computer front this weekend, so please call if anything
comes up. (DCM)

KARUNA/MOULANA, ETC.
--------------


5. (C) With the admission by UNP MP Moulana that he brought
rebel Tiger leader Karuna to Colombo and transferred him to
the Army, the accusations and denials among government
officials have begun. According to media reports, Managala
Samaraweera, government spokesman, said on June 24 that the
government had no knowledge of the Army's involvement with
Karuna and would conduct an investigation of the matter.
For weeks, the Army has denied reports that Karuna was in
their possession and has again denied Samaraweera's June 24
comments. In the same June 24 briefing, Samaraweera also
attacked the Opposition, reportedly claiming that the UNP
was trying to create fear among Sri Lankans and foreign
investors. The UNP leadership has also denied involvement
in Moulana's actions with Karuna. There has been no public
comment yet from President (and Defense Minister)
Kumaratunga, who only returned from London on the evening of
June 24. The Ambassador is scheduled to meet with Defense
Secretary Herath on Monday, June 28, so we may get another

SIPDIS
piece of the puzzle then. (POL)


6. (C) The Ambassador tried unsuccessfully to raise Ranil
this morning to discuss Moulana. He then spoke with Milinda
Moragoda who said that, to his knowledge, Moulana is still
in the country and that his first travel priority is to go
to Mecca. Moulana has not/not made any contact with us re
visas or anything else. Stay tuned for updates on all
aspects of this saga first thing next week.

JAFFNA DEMINING OFFICE ATTACKED
--------------


7. (U) FYI. On June 24 at 1 am, the Halo Trust (Demining)
Office in Jaffna was attacked by a group of about 20 black-
clad, hooded people. The attackers beat four security
guards (one is hospitalized),set fire to the office's
perimeter fence and one vehicle, and smashed the windscreens
of 19 other vehicles. Police in Jaffna are investigating
the incident. Local media reported that 20 recently
dismissed employees may have been involved in the attack.
In a conversation with poloff, HALO Jaffna Project Manager
Valon Kumnova expressed surprise at the attack and confusion
about who was responsible. Kumnova noted that only six
employees were dismissed and does not think these former
employees could have orchestrated this attack alone.
Kumnova does not think the LTTE is responsible for the
attacks, and noted that there are four to five "thieving"
gangs operating in Jaffna who seem to act with impunity. In
Kumnova's conversations with the LTTE Political Office in
Jaffna, LTTE representatives expressed dismay and ordered an
investigation into the incident. (POL)

LUNSTEAD