MALDIVES: SRI LANKAN PRESIDENT TO DELIVER FIRM

C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 001974 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SA, SA/INS NSC FOR DORMANDY E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/09/2014 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL MV CE SUBJECT: MALDIVES: SRI LANKAN PRESIDENT TO DELIVER FIRM MESSAGE TO FOREIGN MINISTER REF: COLOMBO 1956 Classified By: James F. Entwistle, Deputy Chief of Mission. 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (C) In a December 8 meeting, Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) Foreign Secretary H.M.G.S. Palihakkara told DCM and SA/INS Office Director Stephen Blake that President Chandrika Kumaratunga is very concerned about the situation in the Maldives, especially since the Government of the Republic of Maldives (GORM) charged four prominent MPs involved in the August 12-13 civil unrest for attempting to overthrow the government (Reftel). Palihakkara said Maldivian Foreign Minister Fathulla Jameel is in Sri Lanka on an official visit and will meet with the President and Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. Palihakkara explained that while the GSL and GORM enjoy a very close relationship, the President has very firm views about the situation in Maldives and will express her concerns to Jameel in the meeting. LUNSTEAD