Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
04COLOMBO179 | 2004-01-30 06:02:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Colombo |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
UNCLAS COLOMBO 000179 |
1. (U) FYI. As requested in State 14279, Mission will host a local Counterterrorism Action Group (CTAG) meeting on February 5 to discuss and compile the counterterrorism assistance and training that has been provided to Sri Lanka by CTAG members. We have invited Australia, Canada, EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands (as local representative of the EU presidency), the Russian Federation, Switzerland, and the UK. We will report front- channel following next week's meeting. (POL) AMBASSADOR'S FUND FOR REFUGEES REQUEST -------------------------- 2. (SBU) Just want to flag for you that Post has submitted a request for funding through the 2004 Ambassador's Fund for Refugees. The full text of the request can be found in Colombo 175. Any information on the progress of the request would be appreciated. Thanks. (POL) LATEST ON SLFP-JVP ALLIANCE -------------------------- 3. (SBU) FYI. The SLFP-JVP link-up, now entitled the "United People's Freedom Alliance" (UPFA), continues to generate news. The following are some recent developments: -- The newly formed alliance held its first political meeting on January 29, with a rally attended by several thousand supporters in Colombo. Both JVP and SLFP officials made remarks, including UK-based JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe. A speech marking the occasion by President Kumaratunga, who did not attend the January 29 rally, was also read to the crowds. In it, the President recognized the "policy differences" between the SLFP and the JVP, but stated that the two parties "will compromise to find a permanent solution to the ethnic conflict and establish a lasting peace." -- The alliance, itself, continues to evolve. Douglas Devananda, leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP), an anti-LTTE Tamil political party, has said his group has joined the alliance. The anti-Rauf Hakeem Muslim party, the National Unity Alliance (NUA), is also considering joining. Meanwhile, some small (traditional) leftist parties within the President's People's Alliance (PA) have stated they will not be part of the SLFP-JVP link-up because they are disturbed by its potential impact on the peace process. -- There have also been slight indications that President Kumaratunga's children are not happy with the link-up between the two parties. While never proven, it has been strongly alleged that the JVP was behind the late 1980's assassination of the their father, Vijaya Kumaratunga. According to media reports, Sunethra Bandaranaike, President Kumaratunga's sister, has also expressed her displeasure over the link-up. NEW HEAD FOR MONITORING MISSION -------------------------- 4. (U) FYI. Retired Norwegian Major General Trond Furuhovde will arrive in Colombo on January 31 to take up duties as head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM). Furuhovde was previously posted to Sri Lanka, serving as the head of the monitoring group from 2002- 2003. Furuhovde replaces Tryggve Teleffsen, another retired Norwegian military officer, who was recalled to Norway after President Kumaratunga called for his ouster in October 2003. Teleffsen is now serving in Jerusalem as the head of a monitoring mission there. (POL) LUNSTEAD |