Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06COLOMBO970
2006-06-08 10:42:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Colombo
Cable title:
SRI LANKA: AMBASSADOR STRESSES HUMAN RIGHTS AS
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C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000970
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2016
TAGS: PREL PTER PHUM CE
SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: AMBASSADOR STRESSES HUMAN RIGHTS AS
PREREQUISITE FOR WEAPONS LICENSING
Classified By: James F. Entwistle, Deputy Chief of Mission. 1.4(b,d)
(C) On June 8, Sri Lanka Defense Secretary Gothabaya
Rajapaksa and Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral
Karannagoda called upon the Ambassador, Defense Attach, and
Office of Defense Cooperation officer to discuss purchase of
naval weapons. Following the weapons procurement discussion,
the Ambassador noted that the Security Forces human rights
record would be key for U.S. ability to provide military
assistance to Sri Lanka. If there is evidence that the Sri
Lanka Security Forces are involved in direct human rights
violations, the Ambassador stressed, legal and policy
impediments will prevent us from helping Sri Lanka; it is
important that this message be emphasized down the ranks of
the military. Ambassador stressed he was delivering this
message as a friend and that the U.S. wanted to assist Sri
Lanka in its fight against terrorism. Secretary Rajapaksa
appeared receptive to the Ambassador's demarche, but did not
respond verbally before Admiral Karannagoda turned the
discussion once again toward weapons procurement.
LUNSTEAD