Special Media Reaction: Deputy Secretary

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001809 SIPDIS DEPT FOR D, INR/MR, PA SA/INS (CAMP, DEAN) SA/PD (SCENSNY, ROGERS, STRYKER); SSA/PAS E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: KPAO PHUM PTER EAID OIIP PREL CE SUBJECT: Special Media Reaction: Deputy Secretary Armitage's videotaped comments to Sri Lankans on Election Day ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: Deputy Secretary Armitage's taped message to Sri Lankans on the occasion of the U.S. presidential elections, transmitted as part of Embassy Colombo's Election Day event, garnered positive coverage in both the English and vernacular media. Reporting on the message and the event underscored the U.S. interest in Sri Lanka and the commitment to combating terrorism. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) As part of Embassy Colombo's Election Day festivities, Deputy Secretary Armitage's taped message was widely applauded by the 250 assembled VIP guests. Moreover, it generated widespread, favorable media coverage. The main English and vernacular television news programs November 3 featured the statement. The independent MTV's news, in English, Sinhala and Tamil, reported that Deputy Secretary Armitage "assured that no matter who wins the Presidential elections, Sri Lanka has a friend in the US." Independent ARTV's news bulletin, which generally focuses on business matters, said "Richard Armitage's address to Sri Lanka offered the expected nudge to get its peace process back on the track." State-owned Rupavahini Television headlined: "U.S. reiterates that the LTTE should shun violence and return to the negotiation table." ¶3. (U) The Deputy Secretary's messages also resonated in both English and vernacular print outlets. The independent English Daily Mirror reported on its front page: "Armitage: No matter who wins, US will back Lanka to fight terror". Government-owned Sinhala daily Dinamina also gave the story front-page coverage: "Richard Armitage repeats call for Tigers to renounce terrorism and get back to peace talks". The Tamil press took a slightly different tack, with the independent Virakesari reporting: "Armitage is worried that the chances of peace and a permanent solution may slip away". Independent Thinakkural wrote: "America is worried that the situation is such that peace efforts in Sri Lanka may slip away." Independent website Lanka Academic headlined an AP piece titled: "Chance for peace may be slipping away, Armitage warns." ¶4. (U) COMMENT: The taped message resonated with the Sri Lankan public and illustrated the United States' continued interest in a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The message also served to reinforce the oft-repeated position that the Tigers must renounce terrorism in word and deed. Post extends many thanks to Deputy Secretary Armitage for his willingness to record the video, and to everyone else who worked on the initiative. END COMMENT Lunstead