Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04COLOMBO273
2004-02-19 10:49:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Colombo
Cable title:
OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 026 (02/19/04)
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000273
SIPDIS
OFFICIAL INFORMAL
FOR SA/INS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/19/14
TAGS: AMGT CE MV
SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 026 (02/19/04)
Classified by DCM James F. Entwistle for reasons 1.5 (b) and
(d).
CONTENTS: LOCAL REACTION TO FEB 17 CO-CHAIRS MEETING
SRI LANKA CAMPAIGN NUGGETS
MALDIVES RECEPTION
LOCAL REACTION TO FEB 17 CO-CHAIRS MEETING
------------------------------------------
C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000273
SIPDIS
OFFICIAL INFORMAL
FOR SA/INS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/19/14
TAGS: AMGT CE MALDIVES'>MV
SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 026 (02/19/04)
Classified by DCM James F. Entwistle for reasons 1.5 (b) and
(d).
CONTENTS: LOCAL REACTION TO FEB 17 CO-CHAIRS MEETING
SRI LANKA CAMPAIGN NUGGETS
MALDIVES RECEPTION
LOCAL REACTION TO FEB 17 CO-CHAIRS MEETING
--------------
1. (C) You will see our front-channel today regarding
reaction to February 17 Co-chairs meeting. Media reaction
is just beginning to flow in: it has been fairly
straightforward with little commentary as of yet. Political
contacts and local observers were generally upbeat. We will
provide more reaction in a separate media play cable later.
(POL)
SRI LANKA CAMPAIGN NUGGETS
--------------
2. (C) FYI. Here are the latest nuggets regarding the
April 2 parliamentary election campaign:
-- Fierce arguments continue within the Tamil United
Liberation Front (TULF) between party leader V.
Anandasangaree and pro-Tiger elements. We are not sure
where this is headed, but with nominations only being
accepted until Feb. 24 something has got to give soon. If
pro-Tiger TULF members are not allowed to contest the
election under the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) umbrella
(Anandasangaree does not like the pro-LTTE TNA and says he
won't agree to run under that banner),it seems possible
that they may run under the name, "Federal Party." This
would leave Anandasangaree as the only candidate under the
TULF name.
-- Ronnie de Mel, a senior MP in the President's People's
Alliance, appears committed to remaining with the party
despite media reports that he would defect to the PM's
United National Party.
-- During brief remarks made during the opening of a school
in her home district of Gampaha, President Kumaratunga
struck a moderate tone on the peace process. She indicated
that her party would work hard with the LTTE and not do
anything to incite or provoke the group into another armed
conflict. The President went on to say that she was focused
on helping the LTTE become a democratic, political entity.
(POL)
MALDIVES RECEPTION
--------------
3. (U) Appreciate the go-ahead. The timing is good for
making some timely points. (DCM)
LUNSTEAD
SIPDIS
OFFICIAL INFORMAL
FOR SA/INS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/19/14
TAGS: AMGT CE MALDIVES'>MV
SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 026 (02/19/04)
Classified by DCM James F. Entwistle for reasons 1.5 (b) and
(d).
CONTENTS: LOCAL REACTION TO FEB 17 CO-CHAIRS MEETING
SRI LANKA CAMPAIGN NUGGETS
MALDIVES RECEPTION
LOCAL REACTION TO FEB 17 CO-CHAIRS MEETING
--------------
1. (C) You will see our front-channel today regarding
reaction to February 17 Co-chairs meeting. Media reaction
is just beginning to flow in: it has been fairly
straightforward with little commentary as of yet. Political
contacts and local observers were generally upbeat. We will
provide more reaction in a separate media play cable later.
(POL)
SRI LANKA CAMPAIGN NUGGETS
--------------
2. (C) FYI. Here are the latest nuggets regarding the
April 2 parliamentary election campaign:
-- Fierce arguments continue within the Tamil United
Liberation Front (TULF) between party leader V.
Anandasangaree and pro-Tiger elements. We are not sure
where this is headed, but with nominations only being
accepted until Feb. 24 something has got to give soon. If
pro-Tiger TULF members are not allowed to contest the
election under the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) umbrella
(Anandasangaree does not like the pro-LTTE TNA and says he
won't agree to run under that banner),it seems possible
that they may run under the name, "Federal Party." This
would leave Anandasangaree as the only candidate under the
TULF name.
-- Ronnie de Mel, a senior MP in the President's People's
Alliance, appears committed to remaining with the party
despite media reports that he would defect to the PM's
United National Party.
-- During brief remarks made during the opening of a school
in her home district of Gampaha, President Kumaratunga
struck a moderate tone on the peace process. She indicated
that her party would work hard with the LTTE and not do
anything to incite or provoke the group into another armed
conflict. The President went on to say that she was focused
on helping the LTTE become a democratic, political entity.
(POL)
MALDIVES RECEPTION
--------------
3. (U) Appreciate the go-ahead. The timing is good for
making some timely points. (DCM)
LUNSTEAD