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Cables mirror and Afghan War Diary
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| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02AMMAN5398 |
MULLAH KREKAR CASE: STATE OF PLAY IN JORDAN [...] (S) Post has been in contact with the GOJ and the Dutch Embassy this week regarding the Mullah Krekar case, and has provided materials to assist the Jordanians with preparation of their extradition request to the Netherlands. This cable recounts steps taken thus far. End Summary. --------- [...] |
2002-09-19 08:50:00 | Embassy Amman | SECRET//NOFORN | PTER KJUS PREL NO NL IZ JO |
| 02AMMAN5528 |
GOJ TO APPROACH DUTCH TO ASK THAT MULLAH KREKAR [...] (S) Following ref a telcon, DCM and PolCouns September 25 called on Acting Foreign Minister Shaher Bak and Personal Assistant to Foreign Minister Muasher, Ali al-Ayed, regarding the GOJ's request for the extradition of Najmuddin Faraj Ahmad (aka Mullah Krekar) from Holland. The DCM explained [...] |
2002-09-26 04:04:00 | Embassy Amman | SECRET | PREL PTER NL NO JO |
| 02COLOMBO1422 |
GSL minister cautiously optimistic on direction of peace process based on meeting with Tiger spokesman [...] (C/NF) Summary: In a July 31 meeting, Milinda Moragoda, a senior GSL minister, provided the Ambassador a detailed readout of his recent talks with Anton Balasingham, the spokesman of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The atmospherics were excellent, he related. On substantive issues, pro [...] |
2002-08-01 11:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PINR PREL PARM CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1491 |
PM ON COHABITATION: "NOT LOOKING GOOD" [...] (C) SUMMARY: PM WICKREMISINGHE TOLD ME LAST NIGHT (AUGUST 13) THAT COHABITATION TENSIONS REMAIN HIGH AND THAT PROSPECTS FOR IMPROVEMENT ARE "NOT LOOKING GOOD". HE PROFESSED TO BE SERIOUSLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE PRESIDENT'S MENTAL BALANCE. WHEN TOLD THAT SHE WILL BE COMING TO JEFFERSON HOUSE [...] |
2002-08-14 09:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR PREL PARM CE NO |
| 02COLOMBO1501 |
PRESIDENT KUMARATUNGA SAYS SHE WILL MEET RANIL ON [...] (C) SUMMARY: My dinner with President Kumaratunga last night (August 14) went well. She was vivacious, relaxed and chatty. We hardly discussed substance at all, but she did say she will try to meet with Ranil before she leaves for the UK this weekend. She is prepared to discuss new terms f [...] |
2002-08-15 08:43:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR PREL PARM CE NO |
| 02COLOMBO1719 |
Sri Lankan government-Tamil Tiger talks [...] (C) Summary: The opening ceremony kicking off talks between the GSL and the Tamil Tigers on September 16 was constructive, with both sides making conciliatory remarks. The talks, which are being held at a naval base in Thailand, are now in closed-door session until a closing ceremony and pr [...] |
2002-09-16 05:20:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE TH NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO1982 |
Peace Process Update: Norwegian envoy visits; [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: -- Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister visits north and south in run-up to second round of talks -- Senior Tiger negotiator Balasingham continues consultations with leadership -- New poll highlights strong support for pe [...] |
2002-10-23 11:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2032 |
Second round of GSL-LTTE talks slated to kick [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers are scheduled to kick off their second round of talks on October 31 in Thailand. The Norwegian-facilitated talks are slated to focus mainly on technical issues, including the modalities of forming a task force on humanitarian issue [...] |
2002-10-30 11:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM EAID CE NO TH LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2055 |
GSL says court judgment convicting LTTE leader [...] (C) SUMMARY: A court has convicted LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran in absentia of planning a 1996 terrorist attack. The GSL has said the judgment will not affect the peace process. The LTTE has not yet formally reacted. The announcement came on the same day as GSL and LTTE negotiators sat down [...] |
2002-11-01 06:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE NO TH LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2064 |
Second session of talks between the Sri Lankan [...] (C) SUMMARY: The second session of GSL-LTTE talks made significant progress, with the two sides agreeing to form sub-committees focusing on humanitarian, de- escalation, and political issues. The two sides also agreed to a meeting schedule stretching into March 2003. In another constructive [...] |
2002-11-04 10:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID KPAO CE NO TH LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2080 |
Reviewing recent talks, Norwegian envoy upbeat, [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a November 4 meeting with Ambassador Wills, Norwegian Ambassador Westborg was upbeat about the recently concluded second session of GSL-LTTE talks, but stressed that the process still had a long way to go. He took note of the LTTE's apparent downgrading of its long-standing [...] |
2002-11-05 11:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID PINR CE NO TH LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2142 |
In public statement, president's party flays [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga's party, the People's Alliance, has issued a public statement excoriating the government's handling of the peace process. The statement was also critical of the Norwegian facilitation effort, and U.S. and UK participation in the Oslo conference. Somewhat a [...] |
2002-11-16 07:34:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PREL KPAO EAID CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2160 |
Joint GSL-LTTE sub-committees on humanitarian [...] (C) SUMMARY: The joint GSL-LTTE sub-committees on humanitarian and de-escalation issues recently held their initial meetings. The humanitarian-focused meeting led to an agreement to form a secretariat. The de-escalation meeting led to the first ever face-to-face discussions between the GSL [...] |
2002-11-20 11:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PREL MOPS EAID CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2174 |
High hopes for Oslo conference, as Sri Lankans [...] (C) SUMMARY: Expectations in Sri Lanka are running high for the November 25 Oslo conference. Observers see the conference as a chance for the international community to send a strong signal of support for the peace effort. Amid this focus on a political message, expectations have been lowe [...] |
2002-11-20 14:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2184 |
Meeting of Sri Lankan PM with LTTE nets heavy [...] (C) SUMMARY: The meeting between Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and LTTE negotiator Balasingham in Oslo on November 24 has received extensive press coverage in Sri Lanka. In other peace process developments, LTTE leader Prabhakaran is preparing to give his annual speech on November 27. Missi [...] |
2002-11-25 10:44:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER KPAO PHUM CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2195 |
OSLO MEETING REAPS LAVISH, UPBEAT PRESS COVERAGE; DEPUTY SECRETARY´S REMARKS EARN PRAISE [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Oslo meeting on the Sri Lankan peace process has received lavish, upbeat press coverage. Deputy Secretary Armitage´s remarks -- which were specifically highlighted in the press coverage -- earned special praise. President Kumaratunga has not yet issued a public statement on the [...] |
2002-11-26 10:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID KPAO CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2337 |
Import of radio equipment for Tamil Tigers sparks controversy for GSL and Norwegian facilitators Ref: Colombo 1891 (U) Classified by Lewis Amselem, Deputy Chief of Mission. Reasons 1.5 (b, d). [...] (C) SUMMARY: The recent import of radio equipment for the LTTE has stirred controversy, with critics asserting that the government and the Norwegian facilitators have gone too far in pleasing the Tigers. In response, the GSL says it assisted in the import of the equipment in exchange for the LTTEÂ [...] |
2002-12-20 06:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER ECPS CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2341 |
Peace Process Update: Reports of ceasefire [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: - Reports of ceasefire violations spike way down - Criticism of government and Norwegians over import of radio equipment for LTTE continues to flare - GSL-LTTE meeting in London canceled, but January talks in Bangkok s [...] |
2002-12-23 10:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM EAID CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2355 |
President backs military on Jaffna security [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga has come out strongly in favor of the Sri Lankan military's position on the need to maintain "high security zones" in Jaffna. For its part, the LTTE has announced that it wants to discuss the security zone issue at the next round of political-level talks. [...] |
2002-12-30 10:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS ECPS CE NO LTTE |
| 03AMMAN1425 |
MIDDLE EAST MULTILATERAL WORKING GROUP ON WATER [...] This is a joint message with Embassy Tel Aviv and ConGen Jerusalem. 2. In separate events on March 4 and 5 in Tel Aviv, Gaza, and Amman, representatives of Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority signed the multilateral working group "WaterNet" agreement that will create a shared el [...] |
2003-03-10 15:27:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | PREF SENV KWBG IS JO NO |
| 03AMMAN252 |
MULLAH KREKAR: JORDAN UNLIKELY TO BE ABLE TO MEET [...] (S) Charge and PolCouns delivered ref a points January 13 to Ali al-Ayed, personal assistant to Foreign Minister Muasher, and Samer Naber, MFA Legal Advisor. Charge encouraged the GOJ to provide to the Dutch as much as possible of the additional evidentiary and legal information they have r [...] |
2003-01-13 15:49:00 | Embassy Amman | SECRET//NOFORN | PTER SNAR KCRM NO NL JO |
| 03COLOMBO1007 |
Tokyo conference, including D's address, nets [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tokyo donors conference has generally netted a highly positive reaction in Sri Lanka. Media coverage was lavish and upbeat. D's address was considered constructive by all quarters. The PM's speech received a mixed reaction, however, with some Tamils skeptical of his promis [...] |
2003-06-10 11:01:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO101 |
Sri Lanka: Five things that upset Sinhalese [...] (C) Always a lively crowd, Sri Lanka's Sinhalese extremists have been raising a ruckus over five issues of late. They have demanded, for example, that (#1) the Norwegian Ambassador be expelled from the country, and complained about (#2) a pro-Tamil movie that opened in Europe recently and (# [...] |
2003-01-17 05:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER SOCI CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1018 |
Despite some Opposition criticism, the Tokyo [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tokyo donors conference continues to generate a positive reaction in Sri Lanka. The president maintains a studied silence, however, despite some criticism of the conference by her party. The Tamil Tigers, who controversially did not go to Tokyo, have also been mum, thus fa [...] |
2003-06-11 09:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID KPAO CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1025 |
Tigers stick to hard-line stance, essentially [...] (C) SUMMARY: Reacting with haste to the Tokyo donors conference, the Tamil Tigers restated their view that the GSL must take quick steps to form an interim structure in the north/east. The Tigers also underscored that they did not accept the understandings reached at Tokyo. In spite of the [...] |
2003-06-12 09:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER KPAO CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1053 |
Tensions notch up over sinking of Tamil Tiger [...] (C) SUMMARY: Two violent incidents on June 14 have sparked an increase in tension between the Tigers and the GSL. In the first, a Tiger ship exploded off the northeast coast after being intercepted by the navy. It is unclear whether the crew detonated the ship or whether it was destroyed b [...] |
2003-06-16 10:46:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS PHUM CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1061 |
GSL tries to calm situation after sinking of [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the aftermath of the June 14 sinking of a Tiger ship, the GSL is trying to calm the situation, assuring the Tigers that it is looking into ways to devolve power to the north/east. Minister Moragoda, a key adviser to the PM, has expressed deep concerns to us about the navy's [...] |
2003-06-17 09:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1078 |
In positive news for peace process, Norwegian [...] (C) SUMMARY: After a brief hiatus in contacts, Norwegian facilitators met with the Tamil Tigers on June 18. Norwegian Ambassador Brattskar told us the Tigers complained about the June 14 sinking of one of their ships and denied culpability for a wave of recent assassinations. The group als [...] |
2003-06-19 09:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1085 |
Sri Lankan PM gives conciliatory speech re [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a June 19 speech, PM Wickremesinghe urged the Tigers to return to the peace talks, underlining the GSL's willingness to move toward forming an interim administrative structure in the north/east. In a nearly immediate reaction, the Tigers said they wanted to see more details b [...] |
2003-06-20 06:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1092 |
Facilitators slated to meet Sri Lankan PM in [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian facilitators are scheduled to meet with PM Wickremesinghe in London late June 23. The Tamil Tigers' London-based spokesman Anton Balasingham has also indicated that he will try to meet the GoN team. In other peace process-related developments, local elections in the n [...] |
2003-06-23 09:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE NO UK LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1107 |
In wake of brazen killing, Tigers indicate [...] (C) SUMMARY: After a meeting in London with the Norwegian facilitators, the Tamil Tigers -- in hedged fashion -- have indicated that they may be willing to restart the peace talks. This news comes in the wake of the brazen killing of a police official on June 23, which was almost certainly [...] |
2003-06-24 11:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM PREF CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO113 |
Japan's Akashi reviews visit to Sri Lanka; [...] (C/NF) SUMMARY: In a January 17 meeting with the Ambassador, Japanese Special Envoy Akashi reviewed his visit to Sri Lanka, noting that President Kumaratunga had decided not to meet him. He said the donors' conference in Tokyo was set for June 9-10, and he invited Deputy Secretary Armitage [...] |
2003-01-21 11:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PTER CE JA NO IN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1143 |
Sri Lanka: Peace process poised to enter new [...] (C) SUMMARY: With the prime minister back from a successful visit to the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka's peace process is on the verge of entering a new phase. The Tigers are hinting at a return to talks, while the government is preparing an interim administration proposal. The Liberation Tiger [...] |
2003-07-01 10:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER PINS NO JA CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1262 |
Tigers still refusing request from monitors to [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has not yet been able to convince the Tamil Tigers to vacate a base the group has established in the east. The Tigers say the base is within their zone and not in a GSL-demarcated area. In other peace process developments, another milita [...] |
2003-07-15 02:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM PINS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1284 |
In meeting, radical JVP party leader flays [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a July 23 meeting, Tilvin Silva, leader of the radical JVP party, asserted that the GSL's recent proposal on forming an interim structure in the north/east would give the Tigers too much power. He also claimed that the Norwegian facilitators were biased toward the Tigers. T [...] |
2003-07-23 11:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PINR CE NO |
| 03COLOMBO1290 |
Peace Process Update: Discussion of latest GSL [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: >> Norwegian envoy discusses government's latest proposal re north/east with Tamil Tigers >> Tigers ramp up agitation campaign in the north/east >> Defying international monitors, Tigers refuse to vacate military camp [...] |
2003-07-22 05:32:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1330 |
Tigers say report on plan to vacate base is [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tigers have denied a press report that they plan to vacate a new forward base in the east. The monitors, who have ruled the base violates the ceasefire accord, say they no indication that the group is vacating the site; GoN facilitators are looking into the matter. Nonethel [...] |
2003-07-30 02:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1339 |
As Tigers continue their review, government's [...] (C) The Tigers continue to study the GSL's proposal for establishing an interim structure in the north/east. In the south, however, the proposal has garnered a mixed reaction. The president continues to review the proposal, for example, while the radical JVP party has harshly criticized it. [...] |
2003-07-31 11:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PINS MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1344 |
In discussion with Charge', Norwegian [...] (C) The Charge' met August 1 with Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar to discuss the latest news regarding Sri Lanka's peace process. Concerning a recent camp put in place by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the east, Brattskar said there is no sign of movement on the issue. [...] |
2003-08-01 06:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1358 |
Tiger official, in high profile trip to the [...] (C) SUMMARY: S.P. Thamilchelvam, political chief of the Tamil Tigers, has reiterated that the group has no plans to vacate an unauthorized base it has set up in Trincomalee and, indeed, there has been no change in the situation on the ground. Thamilchelvam, who wrapped up a long visit to t [...] |
2003-08-04 11:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1387 |
Key Minister expresses optimism that talks [...] (C) SUMMARY: G.L. Peiris, a key minister, has announced that the peace talks could start up again by September. In related news, the U.S. press statement speaking out in support of resuming talks has received widespread publicity and reaction from contacts is rolling in. Concerning another [...] |
2003-08-08 05:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER KPAO CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1399 |
Norwegian facilitator set to arrive to work on [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian Special Envoy Erik Solheim is slated to arrive in Sri Lanka on August 12. One key purpose of his visit is to try to convince the Tigers to vacate an unauthorized camp they have set up in the east. In other peace process news, the Tigers are getting ready for a semina [...] |
2003-08-11 11:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PREF CE NO FR LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO14 |
Fourth round of GSL-LTTE talks set to begin in [...] (C) SUMMARY: The fourth round of talks between the GSL and the Tamil Tigers is set to take place in Thailand, January 6-9. Topics on the agenda include the security zones in Jaffna, which the Tigers want reduced in size. There is still some confusion as to the exact nature of Muslim repres [...] |
2003-01-03 06:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS CE NO TH |
| 03COLOMBO140 |
Next round of talks in Europe, as status of [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norway has announced that the next round of GSL-LTTE talks will take place in Europe, February 7-8, not Thailand. The exact venue has not yet been formally set, but Berlin looks a strong bet. The switch was necessitated by the health condition of LTTE negotiator Balasingham, w [...] |
2003-01-24 05:52:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1425 |
No breakthroughs in meeting with Tigers, but [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an August 13 meeting with the Charge', Norwegian Special Envoy Solheim and Norwegian Ambassador Brattskar said the atmospherics of their meeting with the Tigers earlier that day had been positive. They said they had discussed the Tigers' upcoming meeting in Paris. Re conte [...] |
2003-08-14 11:12:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1453 |
No movement regarding Tiger camp, as GSL [...] (C) SUMMARY: There has been no movement regarding the unauthorized Tiger camp in the east. As the Norwegian facilitators continue to work on the issue, key ministers are giving us differing views on the possibility that the GSL may use force to try to resolve matters. In other peace track [...] |
2003-08-20 10:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER PHUM CE NO FR LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1482 |
Peace Process update: In Paris, Tigers say [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: >> On margins of ongoing meeting in Paris, Tiger official says group aims to restart talks >> President Kumaratunga demands that GSL take steps against unauthorized Tiger camp in east >> Tensions in east between Muslim [...] |
2003-08-25 11:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM PREF CE FR NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1533 |
Japanese propose that donors meet September 12 [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a September 3 meeting with Ambassador Lunstead, Japanese Ambassador Otsuka said the GoJ wanted to convene a "follow-up meeting of the Tokyo conference" for donors on September 12 during Special Envoy Akashi's visit to Sri Lanka. The GSL, international organizations, and the [...] |
2003-09-04 10:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1546 |
Peace Process: Indian sticks vs. Norwegian [...] (C) The Ambassador paid introductory calls on Indian High Commissioner Nirumpam Sen and Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar on September 4. The two were a study in contrasts. Sen, not surprisingly, evinced a hardline towards the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE needs to see [...] |
2003-09-05 06:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER PINR CE IN NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1565 |
Latest plans for Tokyo conference follow-up [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador Lunstead recently participated in planning sessions for the Tokyo follow- up meeting to be held in Colombo on September 12. The format and agenda of the upcoming meeting were discussed, as were the modalities and the substance of "press guidelines" that would be used [...] |
2003-09-09 09:43:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1606 |
Donors reaffirm support for peace process at [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador participated in the follow-up meeting to the Tokyo conference held on September 12 in Colombo. Japanese Special Envoy Akashi chaired the meeting. In their remarks, donors and international agency heads reiterated their support for assistance to Sri Lanka, but un [...] |
2003-09-15 11:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID PTER CE NO JA UN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1635 |
In meeting with the Ambassador, Norwegian team [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador met late September 18 with a visiting Norwegian facilitation team led by Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen. The GoN team, which had just held meetings with the Tigers, expressed confidence that the group would submit its counter- proposals on the GSL's nort [...] |
2003-09-19 06:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1706 |
Peace process update: Tigers set to meet in [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the latest peace process news, Tiger officials are set to meet in Dublin to discuss the group's response to the GSL's north/east administration proposal. The Tigers also recently held a high-level meeting with the Norwegian-led ceasefire monitoring mission to discuss ways to [...] |
2003-10-01 10:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS ASEC CE NO EI LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1781 |
Tiger delegation wraps up meeting in Ireland [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tamil Tigers have wrapped up their meeting at the Glencree Center for Reconciliation located south of Dublin. The Glencree meeting appears to have helped the group further polish its response to the GSL's north/east interim administration proposal. The Tiger delegation is n [...] |
2003-10-14 11:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER CE NO EI LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1826 |
In meeting with the Ambassador, Defense [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an October 20 meeting with the Ambassador, Defense Minister Marapana related that based on what he understood the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) had inadvertently thwarted a recent attempt by the Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) to intercept a suspected Tiger arms ship. In light [...] |
2003-10-21 11:26:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV MOPS PTER PHSA KPAO CE NO |
| 03COLOMBO1831 |
Norwegian envoy briefs donors on status of the [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador Lunstead attended a meeting of major bilateral donors to Sri Lanka on October 21. Norwegian Ambassador Brattskar briefed the group on the status of the Tiger's counterproposals developed in response to the GSL's north/east interim setup proposal. Brattskar commented t [...] |
2003-10-22 11:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER PGOV PINS KPAO CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1845 |
President demands removal of chief monitor, [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga has requested that Norway remove the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief. In making this demand, the president complained that the SLMM had lost "objectivity." While the GoN reviews next steps, the SLMM is continuing its operations. The GSL is balk [...] |
2003-10-23 14:07:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS PHSA CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1853 |
Norwegian envoy says his government continues [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an October 24 meeting with Charge', Norwegian Ambassador Brattskar related that the GoN continues to review President Kumaratunga's demand that chief monitor Tellefsen be removed from his job. Despite reports that the president wants to curb cooperation, the GSL has issued as [...] |
2003-10-27 10:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS CE NO KWMM |
| 03COLOMBO1861 |
Norwegians sending placeholder response to [...] (C) Norway is sending a letter to President Kumaratunga informing her that it is reviewing her demand that chief monitor Tellefsen be fired and that the GoN will prepare its own report on the initial October 16 incident which sparked the controversy. The Norwegian Ambassador told the Charge' [...] |
2003-10-29 10:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1867 |
President Kumaratunga lashes out -- and [...] (C) SUMMARY: An in-depth review of President Kumaratunga's behavior over the past several weeks shows her lashing out in numerous ways. The main subject of her broadsides continues to be her cohabitation rival, the Prime Minister, but she also hit out at a slew of targets during a recent vi [...] |
2003-10-30 10:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL PTER CE NO |
| 03COLOMBO1893 |
LTTE counterproposals on interim [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Norwegian facilitators provided the Tamil Tigers' long-awaited counterproposals on the modalities for an interim administration in the north/east to the GSL on October 31. The Tiger plan, which was publicly released at a November 1 press conference, seeks wide-ranging power [...] |
2003-11-03 12:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PREL CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1902 |
Provoking political crisis, President fires [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a sudden move, President Kumaratunga has fired the ministers of defense, interior, and mass communications citing concerns over the "deterioration of the security situation." Late in the day, the President also suspended Parliament until November 19. The PM is in Washington [...] |
2003-11-04 12:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PREL ASEC MOPS CASC CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1916 |
President's moves place spotlight on deep [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga's dramatic November 4-5 moves against the UNP government have placed the spotlight on Sri Lanka's deep cohabitation divisions. The Constitution gives her office overwhelming executive powers. Without access to Parliament, which has been suspended, the Pri [...] |
2003-11-05 13:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PREL ASEC SOCI CASC CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1917 |
In further move, President declares state of [...] (C) SUMMARY: Adding further to her sudden actions on November 4, the President declared a state of emergency on November 5. She told the Charge' (Septel) that, despite reports to the contrary, she had not sacked the finance minister. On the evening of November 4, President Kumaratunga read [...] |
2003-11-05 13:26:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER ASEC MOPS ECON CASC CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1918 |
President Affirms Commitment to Negotiated [...] (C) Summary. President Kumaratunga called in the Charge' November 5 to clarify her actions. She said she is committed to maintaining the ceasefire with the LTTE and to reaching a "negotiated settlement" with the Tigers. She wishes the Prime Minister success in this regard but felt she had [...] |
2003-11-05 14:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINS PTER ASEC MOPS ECON CASC CE NO LTTE PLO |
| 03COLOMBO1926 |
Sri Lanka Update: MPs reportedly rally to [...] (C) SUMMARY: In reaction to the President's dramatic actions of November 4-5, MPs from the governing coalition and Tamil parties have reportedly rallied in support of the Prime Minister. There are still indications, however, that the President may be trying to tempt possible defectors. Aft [...] |
2003-11-06 12:26:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER ASEC KPAO ECON CASC CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1956 |
Sri Lanka update: No resolution in "cordial" [...] (C) SUMMARY: Prime Minister Wickremesinghe met with President Kumaratunga on November 12 with no discernible resolution to the political turmoil. A Norwegian delegation arrived to meet with all parties regarding recent political events and its effect on the peace process. Separately, Tamil [...] |
2003-11-12 11:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER PINR NO CE |
| 03COLOMBO1963 |
In readouts of President-PM meeting, key [...] (C) The Ambassador met late November 12 with Minister Moragoda, a key adviser to the PM. Based on what he had heard from the PM and his secretary, Moragoda provided a readout of the PM's meeting earlier that day with the President. The PM urged her to take over the peace process, but she ma [...] |
2003-11-13 10:52:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PINS PHUM CE NO |
| 03COLOMBO1966 |
Plans by Norwegian Deputy FM Helgesen to call [...] (SBU) After concluding his November 14 briefing on his latest visit to Sri Lanka (see Septel), Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen took Ambassador Lunstead aside and said he thought it might be useful to call Deputy Secretary Armitage at some point next week. Helgesen indicated t [...] |
2003-11-14 05:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1970 |
In meeting with Ambassador, Sri Lankan Chief [...] (C) The Ambassador paid a call November 4 on the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Lionel Balagalle. During the hour-long discussion, the Ambassador reiterated to LTG Balagalle our happiness with the restraint shown by the Sri Lankan military during the past twenty months in [...] |
2003-11-14 07:32:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS PTER MOPS PINR CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1971 |
Norwegian DFM Helgesen says Prabhakaran ready [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador attended a November 14 briefing for key local diplomats given by Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Helgesen regarding his visit to Sri Lanka. Helgesen said V. Prabhakaran was relaxed during their November 13 meeting, with the LTTE leader underscoring support for [...] |
2003-11-14 07:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS PTER PINR KPAO CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO1974 |
In meeting with Ambassador, PM considers [...] (C) SUMMARY: Prime Minister Wickremesinghe told Ambassador November 14 that he is considering proposing to the President the establishment of a "Peace Cabinet" or "Committee of Conciliation" to resolve the cohabitation crisis. The President would have to return three key Ministries, but wou [...] |
2003-11-17 05:25:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PINS PHUM CE NO |
| 03COLOMBO1982 |
Possible ways forward in political standoff [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe continue to consult to find a workable solution to the current political struggle. The PM has remained focused on the peace process throughout the crisis. Reaction from international as well as domestic parties has been fo [...] |
2003-11-17 11:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS PTER PINR CE NO |
| 03COLOMBO1984 |
In meeting with Ambassador, President [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga showed little flexibility in a discussion with Ambassador on November 17. She indicated she wanted to keep the Defense portfolio in a National Unity Government. She promised to uphold the peace process, support the role of the Norwegians and the SLMM, and [...] |
2003-11-17 11:45:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV PINS PHUM CE NO |
| 03COLOMBO2036 |
Acting chief of monitors says ceasefire being [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador met November 24 with Hagrup Haukland, the acting head of the Norwegian-run Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), and separately with Sri Lankan Navy Chief Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri. Haukland said the GSL and the Tigers continued to observe the ceasefire accord. [...] |
2003-11-25 09:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2045 |
In annual address, LTTE leader supports peace [...] (C) SUMMARY: Tamil Tiger leader V. Prabhakaran's annual "heroes' day" address on November 27 stressed his group's ongoing support for the peace process. The LTTE leader, however, lashed out at the confused political situation in the south, asserting that it was holding up the process. He w [...] |
2003-11-27 23:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2160 |
Ambassador meets with other Tokyo co-chairs to [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador met December 21 with representatives of the other co-chairs of the Tokyo process (Japan, Norway, Italy/EU) to discuss a possible joint statement regarding Sri Lanka's cohabitation impasse. The co-chairs agreed on the outlines of a possible statement drafted by th [...] |
2003-12-21 06:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINS CE NO JA EUN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2179 |
In meeting with the Ambassador and other local [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador joined other local co-chairs of the Tokyo process in a meeting called by the Prime Minister late December 23. The PM expressed his concerns about an official gazette notification recently approved by the President that re-arranged responsibilities among the three [...] |
2003-12-24 07:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS CE NO JA EU LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO2183 |
Minister Moragoda reviews upcoming visit to Washington in meeting with the Ambassador [...] (C) SUMMARY: Milinda Moragoda told Ambassador December 26 that he is going to Washington to: -- make sure it is understood the PM is not to blame for the current impasse -- ask for US pressure on President Kumaratunga to compromise -- ask the US to push for a high-level Tokyo Co-Chairs meeting ar [...] |
2003-12-29 07:12:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS CE NO JA EU IN |
| 03COLOMBO2200 |
AMBASSADOR DELIVERS SECRETARY'S LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador delivered letter from the Secretary to the Prime Minister on Dec 31. PM was SIPDIS appreciative of the statement issued by the Department following Moragoda meeting with the Deputy Secretary. Ambassador told the PM that a similar letter would be delivered to the President [...] |
2003-12-31 10:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS CE NO JA EU IN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO244 |
Tigers continue to formalize control in the [...] (C) SUMMARY: The LTTE continues to formalize its control of the Wanni region in northern Sri Lanka by setting up quasi-government agencies focused on such areas as law enforcement, communications, and education. In the meantime, Tiger cadre in government-controlled areas of Jaffna and the eas [...] |
2003-02-12 11:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO252 |
Japanese envoy Akashi reviews preliminary [...] (C/NF) SUMMARY: In a February 13 meeting with the Ambassador, Japanese Special Envoy Akashi reviewed preliminary plans for the Tokyo donors' conference in June, noting that exact details still needed to ironed out with the GSL. Japan felt that U.S. participation was important in giving the [...] |
2003-02-13 10:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE JA NO IN LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO274 |
Playing hardball, Tigers continue to ramp up [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the wake of recent incidents involving the military, the Tigers continue to ramp up the pressure in the north and the east by instigating numerous rallies and general strikes. The GSL and monitors are working to calm the situation. In a rare event, recent LTTE activities hav [...] |
2003-02-18 11:25:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO374 |
In meeting with Ambassador, senior Tamil MP [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a March 5 meeting with the Ambassador, Gajen Ponnambalam, a senior Tamil MP, gave the peace process negative reviews, asserting that the GSL had to do more to diminish its military presence in Jaffna and in lifting fishing restrictions. Ponnambalam said the LTTE supported th [...] |
2003-03-05 10:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PHUM PINR CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO387 |
Recent peace process-related meetings [...] (C) SUMMARY: After a March 5 meeting with the Norwegian-led monitors, the Tamil Tigers released two security force personnel from detention. In an earlier meeting with UNICEF, the Tigers agreed to move forward with an "action plan" aimed at ending the use of child soldiers. In other news, [...] |
2003-03-07 05:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO39 |
Peace Process Update: Fourth round of talks [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: >> Fourth round of GSL-LTTE talks begins in Thailand >> Muslim leader Hakeem attends talks as part of GSL team -- and takes other Muslims with him >> In nationally televised address, Prime Minister reviews progress of [...] |
2003-01-07 11:37:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR CE NO JA TH LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO401 |
Opposition demonstration stirs concerns about [...] (C) SUMMARY: There are concerns that Tamils may be subject to communal attacks on the margins of a demonstration by Opposition elements in Colombo today (March 10). A letter from the president to the PM helped spark these concerns. Mission has spoken to contacts and urged that Tamils be gi [...] |
2003-03-10 11:01:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PHUM ASEC CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO421 |
Snapshot of a sour, suspicious Jaffna [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador visited Jaffna, March 11. The March 10 sinking of a LTTE arms resupply ship was on everyone's minds, with the military and Tamils in sharp discord on the GSL's action. The military, which was highly critical of the LTTE, defended the size of its security zones. T [...] |
2003-03-12 11:03:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS PHUM ECON KPAO CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO430 |
Tigers still seem on board for talks at this [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the aftermath of the sinking of one of their ships, the Tigers have withdrawn cadre from areas in the north/east. At this point, they still seem willing to attend the talks due to be held March 18-21 in Japan. A Norwegian team is in country, trying to keep things afloat. T [...] |
2003-03-13 10:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO450 |
LTTE to participate in sixth round of talks in [...] (C) SUMMARY: After much back-and-forth, the Tigers have decided to attend the sixth round of talks slated to take place in Japan, March 18-21. In agreeing to attend, the Tigers have made clear they will complain about the recent sinking of one of their ships by the navy. The Norwegian facil [...] |
2003-03-17 11:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PINR CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO462 |
Sixth round of GSL-LTTE talks reportedly gets [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tigers used the first day of the sixth round of talks in Japan to condemn the March 10 sinking of one of their resupply ships by the Sri Lankan navy. Milinda Moragoda, a key GSL minister and negotiator, called the Ambassador from Japan and said atmospherics for the first day [...] |
2003-03-19 11:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PINS PARM CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO47 |
Day two of talks: GSL and LTTE agree that [...] (C) SUMMARY: On day two of talks in Thailand (January 7), the GSL and Tamil Tigers began discussing the sensitive Jaffna security zone issue. The two sides did not reach agreement on how to handle the zones, but they agreed to continue discussing the matter. On a negative note, the Tigers [...] |
2003-01-08 11:10:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS CE NO TH LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO475 |
Sixth round of Sri Lanka-Tamil Tiger peace [...] (C) SUMMARY: The sixth round of GSL-Tamil Tiger peace talks are set to wrap on March 21. Mission will provide the Department with the joint press statement issued at the end of the talks as soon as it is available. Thus far, the talks have largely focused on ceasefire modalities, developmen [...] |
2003-03-20 06:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PINR CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO485 |
Sixth round of talks proves constructive; [...] (C) SUMMARY: The sixth round of GSL-LTTE talks wrapped up on March 21, with the two sides issuing a comprehensive press statement. Minister Moragoda, a key GSL negotiator, told the Ambassador he was encouraged by the talks -- the Tigers seemed committed to the peace track for now and badly w [...] |
2003-03-24 09:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS KPAO CE NO JA CH LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO513 |
Peace process update: More re sinking of [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: >> Sinking of Chinese fishing boat still under investigation, but Tigers look more-and-more like the culprits >> In brave but dangerous move, Tamil leader hits out at the Tigers >> Unconfirmed reports that the Tigers [...] |
2003-03-25 13:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM PINS CE NO JA CH LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO52 |
GSL-LTTE talks in Thailand: Fourth round [...] (C) SUMMARY: The fourth round of GSL-LTTE talks wrapped up in Thailand on January 9. Key understandings reached by the two sides included their agreement to move forward on resettling displaced persons. They also agreed to continue discussions re security zones in Jaffna, and to involve th [...] |
2003-01-09 11:14:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS EAID PHUM CE NO TH LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO551 |
GSL considering a referendum re federalism [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a March 29 conversation with the Ambassador, Minister Moragoda said the GSL was thinking of holding a referendum on federalism later this year. He commented that the PM believed the referendum idea could be a way to place opponents of the GSL's peace initiative on the defensiv [...] |
2003-04-01 10:01:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO576 |
Leading Tamil politicians criticize Tigers in [...] (C) SUMMARY: Two key Tamil politicians have ramped up their criticism of the Tigers in recent weeks. The politicians, V. Anandasangaree and N. Raviraj, charge the Tigers with using strong-arm tactics in their bid to control the Tamil community in Jaffna. The course the two have chosen is a c [...] |
2003-04-03 09:50:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM NO JA PINR CE LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO589 |
Tamil Tigers criticize U.S. over "exclusion" [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a rare formal public statement, the Tamil Tigers have criticized the U.S. over not being invited to the upcoming Washington Seminar on Sri Lanka. Mission is also picking up some low-key bad vibes from the group's supporters in Sri Lanka over the matter. Overall, our guess is [...] |
2003-04-04 13:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID ASEC CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO612 |
Report re Jaffna security zones recommends [...] (C) SUMMARY: Minister Moragoda (pls protect) has provided us a copy of a long-awaited re the security zones in Jaffna. The report, which was written by a retired Indian general, recommends that the GSL and Tigers agree to mutual drawdowns of their military positions. In doing this, both si [...] |
2003-04-09 09:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO643 |
Protesting "exclusion" from April 14 seminar, [...] (SBU) In a public statement issued late April 12, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) organization announced that it was reviewing its decision to participate in the donors conference scheduled to be held in Tokyo in June. The statement, which was posted on the pro-LTTE website "Tami [...] |
2003-04-12 12:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID ASEC CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO658 |
In visit to eastern Sri Lanka, contacts complain [...] (C) SUMMARY: Poloff and Pol FSN visited Trincomalee, the major port city in eastern Sri Lanka, on April 12. Interlocutors expressed admiration for the government's efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement to the conflict, but expressed deep concerns about the Tamil Tigers' commitment to the [...] |
2003-04-16 10:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE JA NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO674 |
In meeting with Ambassador, key aide reviews [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an April 16 meeting, former FM Kadirgamar provided a readout of President Kumaratunga's recent visit to India. Based on the New Delhi meetings, Kadirgamar said the GoI seemed to want to become more engaged re Sri Lanka. In Chennai, Chief Minister Jayalalitha Jeyaram undersc [...] |
2003-04-17 10:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER CE IN NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO688 |
Tigers announce they are suspending peace talks; GSL, most observers see move as tactical [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a press release dated April 21, the Tamil Tigers suspended their participation in the peace talks and said they will not attend the June donors conference. The GSL has not yet reacted in public to the statement (short of a very brief letter to the Tigers taking note of their stateme [...] |
2003-04-22 09:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER KPAO EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO696 |
GSL continues to mull over response to LTTE's [...] (C) SUMMARY: Key Ministers Moragoda and Peiris told the Ambassador that the GSL continues to mull over its response to the Tigers' decision to withdraw from the peace talks. The government seems to be leaning toward a restrained, but firm approach at this time. Taking another tack, the pre [...] |
2003-04-23 08:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PTER PINS EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO705 |
In another negative signal, Tigers postpone meeting of key assistance committee [...] (C) SUMMARY: Late April 23, the Tamil Tigers postponed the next meeting of a key committee focused on humanitarian assistance issues. Admitting to being caught off guard, the Norwegian facilitators are reviewing next steps. The Indian polcouns told us he thought the decision was another tactical st [...] |
2003-04-24 09:47:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO715 |
Key minister expresses confidence that talks [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an April 24 press conference, Minister G.L. Peiris, the government's chief spokesman and negotiator, expressed confidence that the peace process will get back on track. He noted that the GSL's formal reply to the Tigers' statement pulling out of the peace talks was still bei [...] |
2003-04-25 03:10:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO738 |
In possible sign of a thaw, Tigers meet with [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian facilitators met with the Tigers on April 30. The Norwegians were carrying letters from the GSL in response to the Tigers' recent withdrawal from the peace talks and a key assistance committee. In other news, the peace track gets even busier next week as top LTTE, No [...] |
2003-04-30 14:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA KWMM |
| 03COLOMBO749 |
Scenesetter for SA Assistant Secretary Rocca's [...] (C) SUMMARY: We warmly welcome your upcoming visit. It comes at an important time, with the peace process facing serious turbulence. After months of progress, including six rounds of talks, the Tigers recently suspended negotiations. There have been tentative signs that the Tigers' may be e [...] |
2003-05-05 11:23:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER ECON MARR CE NO JA |
| 03COLOMBO75 |
PEACE PROCESS UPDATE: LTTE NEGOTIATOR SPEAKS [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: -- LTTE negotiator Balasingham speaks out -- Norwegian Prime Minister responds to president's charges -- Kofi Annan to visit in February; Japanese Special Envoy Akashi also on the way -- Exploring federalism ---- [...] |
2003-01-13 11:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR CE NO LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO755 |
Norwegians, Japanese press Tigers to return to talks and to attend donors conference [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian and Japanese representatives are urgently trying to convince the Tigers to get back to the peace table and to attend the June donors conference. So far, the Tigers are not playing ball. The next best chance to change their minds seems to be GoJ envoy Akashi´s May 7 meeting [...] |
2003-05-05 04:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO773 |
Tigers meet Japanese envoy and are [...] (C) SUMMARY: Japanese envoy Akashi met May 7 with Tiger leader Prabhakaran and pressed the LTTE to return to the peace talks. Akashi also gave the Tigers one week to make a final decision on whether they will attend the June donors conference in Tokyo. Prabhakaran was noncommittal, althoug [...] |
2003-05-07 07:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO780 |
In latest effort, Norwegian facilitators press [...] (C) SUMMARY: Closely following up the visit of a senior Japanese envoy, Norwegian facilitator Erik Solheim met May 8 with Tiger leaders. The meeting was cordial, but the Tigers did not confirm that they will come back to the peace talks or attend the June donors conference. Norway's FM is [...] |
2003-05-09 06:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO819 |
NORWEGIAN FM PRESSES TIGERS, BUT NO SIGN OF [...] (C) SUMMARY: NORWEGIAN FM PETERSEN MET WITH THE TIGERS ON MAY 15. DESPITE HIS BEST EFFORTS, THE TIGERS DID NOT SAY THEY WILL RETURN TO THE TALKS, NOR DID THEY COMMIT TO ATTEND THE TOKYO DONORS CONFERENCE. THE JAPANESE EMBASSY HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT HAS RECEIVED NO FURTHER WORD FROM THE TIGE [...] |
2003-05-16 06:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO824 |
Norwegian FM presses Tigers, but no sign of [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian FM Petersen met with the Tigers on May 15. Despite his best efforts, the Tigers did not say they will return to the talks, nor did they commit to attend the Tokyo donors conference. The Japanese Embassy has confirmed that it has received no further word from the Tiger [...] |
2003-05-16 06:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS CE NO JA |
| 03COLOMBO829 |
Norwegians continue effort to engage Tigers, [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the latest effort to get the peace process on track, GoN Deputy Foreign Minister Helgesen met with the Tigers, May 17. Helgesen told us that he urged the Tigers to attend the Tokyo donors conference. In response, the Tigers agreed to review Norwegian proposals re assistance [...] |
2003-05-19 11:20:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO838 |
Mission recommendation regarding Tokyo donors [...] (C) SUMMARY: As matters now stand, it seems probable that the Tamil Tigers will not participate in the Tokyo donors conference in June, raising the question of whether the event should go forward. After much reflection, we argue that it should proceed as planned whether or not the Tigers at [...] |
2003-05-20 11:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO851 |
Tigers issue hard-edged letter demanding [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Tamil Tigers have sent the Norwegian facilitators a tough letter demanding the setting up of an "interim administrative structure" in the north/east, which the group would control. The Tigers say they might restart peace talks and come to the Tokyo conference if the governm [...] |
2003-05-21 11:46:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO873 |
Norwegians set to try again with Tigers; [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the latest effort to convince the Tigers to come to the Tokyo conference, a Norwegian envoy is working with the GSL on ways to meet the group's demands re control of assistance funds. Sharply curbing the GSL's room for compromise on the matter, the president has harshly crit [...] |
2003-05-27 11:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO910 |
Norwegians deliver GSL proposal re assistance [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian facilitators delivered the latest GSL proposal re assistance to the Tigers late May 28. The Tigers indicated that they need time to review it. The government is only beginning to brief the public on the matter, but, based on what we are hearing, the proposal would go [...] |
2003-05-29 10:50:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO939 |
In reaction to latest Tiger letter, GSL [...] (C) SUMMARY: The GSL is proposing to hold a "clear the air" meeting with the Tamil Tigers. The government's proposal is in response to the Tiger's stark rejection of the latest GSL plan re control of assistance to the north/east. It is by no means clear whether the Tigers will take the bai [...] |
2003-06-02 11:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO949 |
Tigers continue to flex muscles in Jaffna [...] (C) SUMMARY: Poloff traveled to Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka, May 28-29. Amid signs of pervasive Tamil Tiger influence, residents urged the GSL to meet Tiger conditions, so the group would attend the Tokyo donors conference. Meanwhile, as they have on previous Mission visits, Tamils cited [...] |
2003-06-03 11:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO960 |
In response to PM's latest letter, Tigers do [...] (C) SUMMARY: In their June 4 reply to the prime minister's latest letter, the Tigers have not budged from their demand that an interim administration be created for the north/east. The group says it is willing to discuss the issue, but only if the GSL takes steps toward meeting this demand f [...] |
2003-06-04 11:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER EAID CE NO JA LTTE |
| 03COLOMBO970 |
GSL looks forward to Tokyo and hopes for big [...] (C) SUMMARY: The GSL is looking forward to the Tokyo donors conference, hoping for a big impact both politically and financially. That said, the Tigers' apparent non-participation is casting a bit of a shadow. The Norwegians plan to be represented in Tokyo by development officials. India m [...] |
2003-06-05 11:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE NO JA IN LTTE |
| 03HANOI2860 |
VIETNAM'S EXPERIENCE WITH HUMAN RIGHTS DIALOGUES [...] (SBU) Summary: Vietnam's series of human rights dialogues with foreign governments are broad-based and generally non-confrontational. Many are linked to ongoing aid programs related to governance reform, but few dialogues result in -- or are expected to - produce concrete short- term results [...] |
2003-11-07 02:35:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL PGOV SW SZ AS NO VM HUMANR |
| 03OTTAWA1038 |
CANADIAN RESPONSE TO INVITATION TO ATTEND [...] No summary [...] |
2003-04-10 20:54:00 | Embassy Ottawa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID EFIN PREL CA NO IN JA |
| 03THEHAGUE2340 |
NPA-GOP PEACE TALKS: DUTCH WEIGHING SISON [...] (C) Press reports (cited in reftels) have pointed to preparations for September 20-21 exploratory peace talks between the New People's Army and Government of the Philippines in Oslo. The Dutch government told us that NPA leader Sison has applied for permission to leave the Netherlands to att [...] |
2003-09-17 13:24:00 | Embassy The Hague | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER ETTC RP NO EUN |
| 04COLOMBO1013 |
Talks about Talks in Stasis while Norwegians [...] (C) SUMMARY: The LTTE showed no flexibility on negotiation issues during Norwegian Ambassador's June 16 visit to Kilinochchi. Both sides have rejected a Norwegian compromise formulation on the negotiating agenda. The situation in the East is somewhat improved but remains troubled. The LTT [...] |
2004-06-17 10:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER CE NO IN LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO103 |
Ambassador Lunstead and Japanese Special Envoy [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador Lunstead met January 20 with Japanese Special Envoy Yasushi Akashi. The two discussed Sri Lanka's ongoing cohabitation impasse and its impact on the peace process. Both agreed it was important for the U.S. and GoJ to continue to consult in the leadup to the meeting [...] |
2004-01-20 12:20:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER PINS EAID CE JA NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO1062 |
NORWEGIAN PEREGRINATIONS FOR PEACE [...] (C) Norwegian visit to Delhi was largely a briefing for the Indians, who expressed support for Norway and its role in the peace process. Both GSL and LTTE have asked Norway to continue to try to find a formula to allow them to resume talks. Norwegians may wait until after July 10 Provincial [...] |
2004-06-23 07:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO1074 |
Former PM requests U.S. visa for fellow MP [...] (C) SUMMARY: UNP MP Moulana admits to transporting rebel Tiger leader Karuna to Colombo. According to former PM Wickremesinghe, Karuna is now in the hands of the Sri Lanka Army. Wickremesinghe also requests Ambassador to help facilitate a U.S. visa for Moulana and his family. Moulana has [...] |
2004-06-24 10:42:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PREL PGOV CVIS MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO109 |
President's party signs pact with radical JVP; [...] (C) SUMMARY: Amid fanfare, President Kumaratunga's SLFP party and the radical JVP formally entered into a political alliance on January 20. The alliance is basically an electoral pact, but an MOU attacking the GSL's handling of the peace track was also agreed to. In a related development, S [...] |
2004-01-21 11:18:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PINR PHUM CE NO |
| 04COLOMBO1142 |
GSL DOWNPLAYS JULY 7 SUICIDE BOMBING IMPACT ON [...] (C) SUMMARY: Government officials downplay the July 7 suicide bombing in Colombo to keep the incident from jeopardizing the peace process. The intended target, Tamil Minister Devananda, is unfazed by the assassination attempt and dismisses the likelihood that his connection with Karuna may [...] |
2004-07-08 12:03:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER ASEC PGOV PREL CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO1190 |
PEACE PROCESS READ-OUT FROM NORWEGIAN [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian Ambassador Brattskar was blunt in telling the LTTE suicide bombings had to stop. The LTTE neither confirmed nor denied its responsibility. The LTTE complained about alleged government support for Karuna. President Kumaratunga told Brattskar she knew nothing about mili [...] |
2004-07-19 09:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER PGOV CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO1219 |
PEACE PROCESS TIDBITS [...] (C) SUMMARY: An LTTE official requested and received a meeting with the GSL on July 20. Meanwhile, when Parliament reconvened, TNA MPs broached the ISGA as a basis for talks. The discussion was postponed. Violent episodes between LTTE cadre loyal to the Wanni and those loyal to breakaway e [...] |
2004-07-22 09:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO1262 |
NORWEGIAN DEPUTY FM DESCRIBES LONG UPHILL ROAD [...] (C) SUMMARY: Helgesen found President Kumaratunga flexible on peace talks agenda issue, but Karuna situation is preventing progress on getting back to talks. LTTE is seeking a military solution to the Karuna issue. Helgesen sees task as safeguarding the Cease Fire Agreement while Karuna issue [...] |
2004-07-29 10:27:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO1362 |
EU AND JAPAN TALK TOUGH TO TIGERS [...] (C) SUMMARY: The EU troika and the Japanese ambassador both delivered tough messages to LTTE political chief Thamilchelvan on killings, child soldiers and a rapid return to the peace table. Thamilchelvan told all that the LTTE is committed to a federal solution in accordance with the Oslo dec [...] |
2004-08-18 11:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER CE NO JA EU LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO150 |
In January 23 Tokyo followup meeting, Donors [...] (C) SUMMARY: On January 23, Japanese Special Envoy Yasushi Akashi hosted a second followup meeting to the June 2003 Tokyo donors conference. The first session of the meeting was attended by Colombo-based diplomats and local heads of multilateral organizations (WB, IMF, UN). Representatives [...] |
2004-01-26 12:23:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EAID PGOV PTER CE NO JA EU LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO154 |
February Co-Chairs Meeting: Where We Go From [...] (C) SUMMARY: The USG-hosted February 17 Tokyo co- chairs meeting in Washington comes at an appropriate time. Cohabitation between the President and the Prime Minister remains highly stressful which unfortunately means that a possible return to the peace table has been pushed down the road. [...] |
2004-01-27 10:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID CE JA NO EU LTTE ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO155 |
In readout, Japanese Ambassador sees visit by [...] (C) SUMMARY: On January 26, Japanese Ambassador Suda provided Ambassador Lunstead and the other local co-chairs of the Tokyo process with a readout of Special Envoy Akashi's recent visit to Sri Lanka. In Akashi's meeting with the LTTE, the group requested that more be done to funnel aid to [...] |
2004-01-27 11:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE NO JA EU LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO1558 |
NORWEGIAN ENVOY SOLHEIM FINDS GSL AND LTTE [...] (C) SUMMARY: Solheim is frustrated with the stalemate in the peace process, but the cease-fire has saved thousands of lives. He thinks bold steps are needed to resume the talks. He thinks talks will resume if the wording of the agenda regarding an interim authority is resolved. The Tigers ar [...] |
2004-09-20 10:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO1796 |
AKASHI "SOMEWHAT ENCOURAGED," BUT NOT CLEAR WHY [...] (C) SUMMARY: Japanese envoy Akashi is "somewhat encouraged" from his visit to Sri Lanka. He found President Kumaratunga eager to move forward on talks, while the LTTE's Thamilchelvan complained that a "no war, no peace" situation was not satisfactory. Opposition Leader Wickremesinghe said [...] |
2004-11-02 09:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER CE NO JA LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO1862 |
NORWEGIAN AMBASSADOR SEES LACK OF CLARITY ON BOTH [...] (C) Summary: The Norwegian ambassador observes that &neither side is clear8 in the peace process. The LTTE was markedly less negative of President Kumaratunga in the Norwegian,s discussions in Kilinochchi last week. Balasingham in particular made clear that the ISGA is subject to negotiatio [...] |
2004-11-17 10:12:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PREL CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO1919 |
NORWEGIANS CONCERNED BY JVP-ORCHESTRATED CAMPAIGN [...] (C) Summary. The Norwegians are increasingly concerned by an ugly JVP-orchestrated campaign against their role in the peace process. The situation is exacerbated by President Kumaratunga,s reluctance to pull the JVP into line. The Co-Chair consensus here is that a group call on the Foreign [...] |
2004-11-29 10:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO1948 |
"LOW KEY" NORWEGIAN VISIT TO WANNI; THREE [...] (C) Summary: Norwegian Ambassador,s December 2 meeting with Thamilchelvan produced no breakthroughs but kept lines of communication open. Thamilchelvan told him Prabhakaran,s recent policy speech had not been intended as a threat or ultimatum; he also reiterated LTTE commitment to maintainin [...] |
2004-12-06 05:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO226 |
Sri Lanka: PM appears relaxed about elections; [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador Lunstead met with Prime Minister Wickremesinghe late February 9. The PM appeared relaxed regarding the just announced parliamentary elections scheduled to take place April 2. He said he had always expected President Kumaratunga to go for elections and he predicted th [...] |
2004-02-10 10:32:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID CE JA NO EU |
| 04COLOMBO271 |
Washington donor Co-chairs meeting reaps [...] (C) SUMMARY: Media coverage of the February 17 Sri Lanka donor Co-chairs meeting hosted by the Deputy Secretary in Washington is just beginning to flow in. SIPDIS Most local press reaction, thus far, has been straightforward reporting of the Department's press statement with little commen [...] |
2004-02-19 09:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID KPAO CE NO JA EU LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO280 |
In meeting, key JVP leader tries to take [...] (C) SUMMARY: Polchief met February 19 with Somawansa Amarasinghe, a key leader of the JVP party. Amarasinghe tried to assume a moderate tack on most issues. Glints of a hard-line showed through, however, in his harsh views toward the ceasefire accord with the Tigers and also toward the gove [...] |
2004-02-20 05:50:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR PINS CE NO |
| 04COLOMBO406 |
Sri Lanka: Ignoring orders of LTTE [...] (C) SUMMARY: The main Tamil Tiger organization in the north announced March 6 that it was replacing a dissident commander. The commander, Karuna, has refused to step down, however, and remains ensconced in his eastern jungle base. No violence has been reported, but the situation is becomin [...] |
2004-03-06 08:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO435 |
Sri Lanka: Rebel eastern commander torques up [...] (C) SUMMARY: Rebel LTTE commander Karuna continues to lash out at the main Tamil Tiger organization in the north. In a March 9 interview with BBC TV, Karuna -- speaking at a base in Batticaloa -- asserted that he had left the LTTE because he thought the group was preparing for war pending t [...] |
2004-03-10 05:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR MOPS KPAO CE NO IN LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO440 |
Sri Lanka: Can rebel Tamil Tiger commander in [...] (C) A week after he split from the main LTTE organization in the north, rebel commander Karuna appears to be gradually consolidating his position in the east. With many loyal troops in strong defensive redoubts, his military position seems relatively strong. There are also signs that he is p [...] |
2004-03-11 11:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO456 |
Norwegian Special Envoy Solheim reviews latest [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a March 13 meeting with the four local co-chairs (Japan, Norway, U.S. and the EU) and again to a wider donor group on March 15, Norwegian Special Envoy Erik Solheim discussed his latest visit to Sri Lanka. Ambassador Lunstead participated in the meetings. Most of Solheim's [...] |
2004-03-15 11:33:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR PTER CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO515 |
Sri Lanka: Implications of a possible victory [...] (C) SUMMARY: At this point in Sri Lanka's April 2 parliamentary election campaign, the UPFA alliance between the President's party and the JVP appears ahead in the race, though not a lock to win. If the UPFA does come out ahead and goes on to form the government, however, there are numerous [...] |
2004-03-23 11:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON PTER CE NO |
| 04COLOMBO644 |
In meeting, Norwegian Ambassador reviews [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norway expects a formal request from the GSL to continue its role as peace facilitator. Norwegians think the new Sri Lankan Government needs to realize it cannot make unilateral decisions on the course of the peace process. No "Peace Team" in place yet. END SUMMARY. 2. (C [...] |
2004-04-15 10:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO72 |
Donors find agreement over Akashi visit [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Tokyo Co-chairs and the larger donor group both agreed that the Akashi visit should include an informal meeting with the donors only, followed by a meeting with GSL -- and LTTE, if they would come. Meetings will be low-key, with no communique or press release. Akashi wil [...] |
2004-01-14 10:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID CE NO EU JA LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO747 |
Peace Process update: Norwegian FM in high- [...] (C) This update on Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following recent developments: -- Norwegian Foreign Minister visits Sri Lanka for meetings with GSL and LTTE leaders. -- LTTE London-based spokesman Anton Balasingham visits Sri Lanka after a year's hiatus. -- Tensions between th [...] |
2004-05-10 11:03:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS MOPS CE NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO772 |
Norwegian facilitators upbeat after meetings [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Norwegians found President Kumaratunga and LTTE Chief Prabhakaran determined to move ahead on negotiations. The sides need to decide agenda, locale and timing. It's months, not weeks, and negotiations could not begin before late-July at a minimum. The new government needs [...] |
2004-05-12 11:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PREL CE NO IN LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO809 |
Peace process, economic issues highlighted [...] (C) SUMMARY: Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs Christina B. Rocca visited Sri Lanka, May 13-16. Highlights of the visit included meetings with President Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Rajapakse, Opposition Leader (and former PM) Wickremesinghe, business leaders, and Tamil politicians. [...] |
2004-05-18 10:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON CE NO LTTE ECONOMICS |
| 04COLOMBO825 |
Ambassador and Special Envoy Akashi discuss [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a May 19 meeting with Ambassador Lunstead, visiting Japanese Special Envoy Akashi was relatively upbeat about the peace process based on his discussions with the GSL and LTTE. The Ambassador and Akashi also discussed the June 1 Co-Chairs meeting in Brussels, agreeing it was [...] |
2004-05-19 08:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER EAID CE JA NO LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO870 |
Sri Lanka: Upcoming meeting of the Co-Chairs [...] (C) SUMMARY: On June 1, the four Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, the U.S., and EU) of the Tokyo Process are scheduled to meet in Brussels. The meeting is an important one and will build on recent visits to Sri Lanka by the Norwegian facilitators, GoJ Special Envoy Akashi, and SA A/S Rocca. Recen [...] |
2004-05-25 10:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER EAID PGOV CE JA NO EU IN LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO897 |
Political update: Norwegian Envoy's visit; [...] (C) This update on Sri Lanka's political situation reviews the following recent developments: -- In latest visit, Norwegian Envoy characterizes meetings with GSL and Tigers as "fruitful." -- Several new ministerial appointments announced. -- Provincial Council elections look set to take [...] |
2004-05-28 05:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR ECON CE NO |
| 04COLOMBO911 |
Co-chairs meeting in Brussels receives a [...] (C) SUMMARY: Local reaction to the Sri Lanka donor co-chairs meeting held in Brussels on June 1 has been largely positive. Embassy interlocutors were appreciative of the international community's sustained support for the peace process. Media coverage has been light so far and focused on t [...] |
2004-06-03 10:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID CE NO JA EU LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO915 |
Co-Chairs' June 1 statement stirs up more [...] (C) SUMMARY: Foreign Minister Kadirgamar told Ambassador that the Co-Chairs' Brussels statement could be seen as a "threat" to the GSL. In the Wanni, the LTTE rejected a World Bank proposal for a mechanism to deliver development funds for the north/east. The Co- Chairs' statement clearly p [...] |
2004-06-04 05:37:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EAID PTER CE NO JA EU LTTE |
| 04COLOMBO953 |
Recent meetings show the way forward for Sri [...] (C) SUMMARY: Opposition Leader Wickremesinghe thought the Co-Chairs statement was good, but that the President and her government do not understand the psychology of the LTTE, and are determined to begin talks on the final ("hard") issues. He also thinks the military is using LTTE rebel Kar [...] |
2004-06-09 09:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER CE NO LTTE |
| 04KUWAIT1364 |
(C) IRAQ: NORWEGIAN COMMANDER WANTS TO STAY, [...] (U) A/DCM AND OMC-K VICE CHIEF MET APRIL 25 WITH A VISITING NORWEGIAN DELEGATION COMPRISING THE DCM FROM THE NORWEGIAN EMBASSY IN ABU DHABI, PER VATNE, THE COMMANDER OF THE NORWEGIAN CONTINGENT IN IRAQ, COLONEL THOR MOEN, CHRISTIAN HANEBORG OF THE EMBASSY, AND MAJOR JENS HYNDOY, MOEN'S CHIEF [...] |
2004-04-26 12:55:00 | Embassy Kuwait | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR PREL NO IZ KU UNSC |
| 04ROME1125 |
DARFUR CONFERENCE: ITALIAN INPUT [...] (C) MFA East Africa Office Director, Stafano Dejak expressed great interest in the Darfur Conference. He reported that the level of EU support was being discussed and, although he could not speak for the EU, he was sure that, at a minimum, the EU delegation would consist of the EU representati [...] |
2004-03-19 17:16:00 | Embassy Rome | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PREL PHUM NO SU UK CD IT |
| 04THEHAGUE677 |
DUTCH PARTICIPATION AT THE CHAD CONFERENCE ON [...] No summary [...] |
2004-03-17 08:50:00 | Embassy The Hague | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PINS PREL PHUM NO SU CD NL |
| 05ADDISABABA3401 |
ETHIOPIA-ERITREA BORDER: NORWEGIAN THOUGHTS [...] (C) Summary: Oslo would support renewed, public USG engagement to resolve the political stalemate between Ethiopia and Eritrea over the border dispute, Norwegian Ambassador and General Jan Erik Wilhelmsen told Charge September 23. However, Norway would also advise the U.S. not to repeat the [...] |
2005-09-27 10:10:00 | Embassy Addis Ababa | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KPKO NO ER ET EE BORDER |
| 05CAIRO2534 |
SUDAN: EGYPT TO SEND CABINET MEMBER TO OSLO [...] (C) The Charge met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit March 30 and raised the issue of the upcoming Sudan donors conference. Drawing on the points contained in ref B, the Charge stressed the importance of high-level Egyptian attendance at and support for the Oslo-hosted Sudan d [...] |
2005-03-31 15:00:00 | Embassy Cairo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID EFIN PHUM EG SU NO |
| 05CARACAS3654 |
STATOIL'S VIEWS ON HYDROCARBON SECTOR [...] (C) SUMMARY: Statoil Venezuela President Thore Kristiansen (strictly protect) was upbeat on the migration of Operating Service Agreements to joint venture companies. He believes Energy Vice Minister Bernard Mommer has shown increased flexibility in the negotiations and understands the current [...] |
2005-12-05 17:18:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV NO VE |
| 05COLOMBO1286 |
LTTE STIFFS NORWEGIANS ON CEASEFIRE TALKS, PTOMS [...] (C) Summary: The LTTE told Norwegians they will not hold talks on ceasefire with Government until it disarms all paramilitaries. The Tigers also said they were not willing to change any part of the PTOMS agreement. The two sides continue to work with the SLMM to solve the transportation iss [...] |
2005-07-22 06:47:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER EAID PGOV CE NO LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1291 |
PRESIDENT SAYS GOVERNMENT WILL ABIDE BY CEASEFIRE, [...] (C) SUMMARY: Co-chairs told President Kumaratunga ceasefire was under threat, that LTTE bore brunt of blame for ceasefire violations, but that current upsurge of violence in East required both sides to take steps. Kumaratunga said she had given orders to security forces to not attack LTTE, bu [...] |
2005-07-25 11:46:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER EAID PGOV CE NO LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1440 |
SRI LANKA: HELGESEN BRIEFS CO-CHAIRS ON NORWEGIAN [...] (C) Summary. The Norwegian facilitators have shared with the co-chairs a constructive plan for putting the burden on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for the next steps in the peace process while also heading off rash actions by the government (GSL). The Norwegians will give LTTE [...] |
2005-08-16 12:06:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER NO CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1453 |
SRI LANKA: NORWEGIAN FACILITATORS SEND LETTER TO [...] (C) Summary. In their August 17 meeting with LTTE theoretician Anton Balasingham in London, Norwegian FM Petersen and DFM Helgesen passed a letter to LTTE leader Prabhakaran (text below). At GSL request, EU missions in Colombo will recommend to Brussels that the EU designate the LTTE as a te [...] |
2005-08-18 09:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV NO CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1460 |
LTTE AGREES TO MEET WITH GOVERNMENT [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-19 02:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV NO CE |
| 05COLOMBO1493 |
SRI LANKAN GOVERNMENT WANTS TALKS WITH TIGERS AT [...] (U) This is an action request. Please see Para 12. -------- SUMMARY -------- 2. (C) Nearly a week after the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) agreed to talks with the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) to strengthen the Ceasefire Agreement, details regarding the timing, venue and le [...] |
2005-08-25 11:44:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PGOV PREL PHUM CE NO LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1512 |
NORWEGIANS SEEK INSTRUCTIONS FROM OSLO IN FACE OF [...] (C) Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar told Charge' August 30 that he is seeking instructions from Oslo on how to proceed in the face of continuing public criticism of the Norwegian peace process facilitation role. Brattskar confided he is particular angry about public comments new Foreign [...] |
2005-08-30 07:17:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER NO CE LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO1560 |
BRAHIMI TELLS CO-CHAIRS UN NOT OUT TO REPLACE [...] (C) Colombo co-chair representatives (Charge', British DCM Craig, Japanese Ambassador Suda, Norwegian DCM Laegreid, EC Charge' Wilton) met with UNSYG special envoy and former Algerian FM Lakhdar Brahimi September 6 to exchange views on the current situation. Brahimi characterized his visit t [...] |
2005-09-07 04:41:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER CE NO UN LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO2158 |
GOVERNMENT ASKS CO-CHAIRS FOR ACTION AS VIOLENCE [...] (C) SUMMARY: Co-Chair Chiefs of Missions (COM's) met with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on December 23 to de-brief on Brussels meeting. In light of renewed Tiger attacks, GSL asked Co-Chair COM's to travel to Kilinocchi to deliver hard message to Tigers. COM's (minus US Ambassador) de [...] |
2005-12-27 11:03:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PREL CE NO LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO438 |
NORWEGIANS SEE HOPE FOR LTTE-GSO AGREEMENT ON [...] (C) SUMMARY: Both sides have been flexible on negotiations for a "mechanism" for distributing reconstruction assistance to the North and East, and the Norwegians believe an agreement is possible in the next few days. Such an agreement would not only assist in the reconstruction effort, but [...] |
2005-02-28 11:14:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER PGOV CE NO LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO635 |
NORWEGIANS: JOINT MECHANISM ABOUT TO HAPPEN! [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian Ambassador thinks both sides are close to agreement on Joint Mechanism, but it may not be finalized until after mid-April holidays. "Off shore" issue is sole remaining dispute. Kumaratunga may conclude agreement as President, not on behalf of current government. Both [...] |
2005-03-31 10:13:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS CU NO LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO741 |
NORWEGIAN FACILITATOR SOLHEIM THINKS JOINT RELIEF [...] (C) Summary. Solheim is optimistic that a joint GSL/LTTE/Muslim mechanism for tsunami relief in the north and east will be signed soon but quite emphatic that, absent the mechanism, there will be no progress on peace for a long time. How the mechanism, if signed, would play out on the gro [...] |
2005-04-20 11:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER EAID PGOV CE NO LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO797 |
NORWEGIANS SEE NO PROGRESS ON JOINT RELIEF [...] (C) Summary. The Norwegians report no progress on the joint relief mechanism since Solheim's visit earlier in April. Norwegian FM Peterson will try to cajole CBK (just returned from vacation) towards progress in an imminent phone conversation; DFM Helgesen may appear on BBC to rebut the vi [...] |
2005-04-28 09:52:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER EAID PGOV CE NO LTTE |
| 05COLOMBO844 |
COLOMBO CO-CHAIR REPS MULL OVER ISSUING STATEMENT [...] (C) Summary. After May 5 discussion of whether to issue a statement in support of the joint mechanism for tsunami relief in the North and East, Colombo co-chair representatives agreed that such a statement would be most useful after the joint mechanism is agreed upon (assuming that happens [...] |
2005-05-05 12:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER EAID PGOV CE NO LTTE |
| 05MANILA3632 |
TENSIONS SPIKE BETWEEN GRP AND EXTREME LEFT [...] (C) Summary: The GRP announced on August 2 that it was suspending the immunity from arrest for National Democratic Front (NDF) officials, who had been participating in the negotiation track. The NDF sharply criticized the government's move. A congressman with close links to Malacanang told [...] |
2005-08-05 06:47:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER PINR RP NO NL |
| 05MANILA3709 |
GRP BRIEFS DIPLOMATIC CORPS ON REVOCATION OF NDF [...] (C) SUMMARY. In an effort to rally international backing, senior officials briefed representatives of the Manila diplomatic corps on the GRP's decision to suspend the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), which provided Communist peace negotiators immunity from arrest an [...] |
2005-08-11 07:14:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS PTER PINR PREL NO NL RP |
| 05MANILA4137 |
COMMUNISTS COMMIT TO FORMAL TALKS BUT BREAKTHROUGH [...] (C) Summary. After painting themselves in a corner, the National Democratic Front (NDF) -- the negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing the New People's Army (NPA) -- has agreed to resume formal talks, though an exact date is yet to be determined. Th [...] |
2005-09-05 08:33:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS PTER RP NL NO |
| 05MANILA5506 |
PERCEPTIONS OF THE COMMUNIST THREAT IN THE [...] (C) Summary: Asia's longest surviving Communist insurgency remains entrenched in the social and political landscape of the Philippines. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is currently attempting to exploit domestic political tensions to force the Arroyo Administration from power, b [...] |
2005-11-28 09:57:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS PTER RP NL NO |
| 05MUSCAT687 |
PSI: GERMAN CRANE SHIPMENT - NO ACTION EXPECTED IN [...] (S) Begin Summary: The German Ambassador as of COB April 26 has received no instruction from Berlin to take any action with the Omani government to halt a questionable crane shipment to Iran, necessitating the postponing of our scheduled meeting with the Foreign Minister. He indicated that Berlin m [...] |
2005-04-26 11:57:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET | ETTC PARM PREL IR GM MU NO |
| 05NEWDELHI2475 |
DELHI EU MEMBER STATE MISSIONS TAKE ROSY VIEW OF [...] (C) Summary: At a March 31 meeting of EU and "likeminded" countries hosted by the Danes, EU member state representatives evinced surprising optimism about the potential for a constituent assembly and constitutional changes to resolve the impasse in Nepal. We noted a clear preference for an I [...] |
2005-04-01 14:39:00 | Embassy New Delhi | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM MASS KDEM IN NP BT DA NL SW SZ CA FR UK FI NO CH PK |
| 05TELAVIV1150 |
PA SECURITY REFORM -- WHERE DOES NORWAY FIT? [...] (SBU) Summary: In a February 24 meeting with Embassy and USAID officers, Norwegian police advisor Arnstein Overkil identified reconstruction of the PA's police forensic lab and training in crime scene investigation techniques as two possible areas where Norway might undertake programs to ass [...] |
2005-02-25 16:19:00 | Embassy Tel Aviv | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EAID KWBG KPAL NO IS GAZA DISENGAGEMENT ISRAELI PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS |
| 06ANKARA1043 |
TURKEY TO CONSIDER CFE FLANK ENTITLEMENT REQUEST [...] (S) Per reftel, we approached the MFA on Feb. 28 and the Turkish General Staff (TGS) on Mar. 1 with our request for Turkey to consider a transfer of some of its unused CFE ground equipment entitlements to the US to allow the rotational training of US forces in Romania and Bulgaria. MFA Deputy [...] |
2006-03-02 10:30:00 | Embassy Ankara | SECRET | NATO PREL MARR KCFE PARM TU GR RO NO BU RU |
| 06ANKARA2452 |
PKK IN EUROPE: DRAFT LONDON/OSLO DEMARCHES [...] (S) Summary. In a May 3 meeting, Turkish MFA Director General for Intelligence and Research Hayati Guven welcomed the proposed demarches to Norway and the United Kingdom urging cooperative action against PKK activities (reftel), and made suggestions to strengthen the message to Norway given [...] |
2006-05-04 05:56:00 | Embassy Ankara | SECRET | PREL PTER TU UK NO |
| 06ANKARA6772 |
TURKEY: NO MOVEMENT ON CFE ACV ENTITLEMENT TRANSFER [...] (C) Per reftel request, we met on December 29 with MFA Arms Control and Disarmament Department Head Ahmet Muhtar Gun (Note: Gun will succeed Bulent Meric as Deputy Director General for OSCE, Arms Control and Disarmament on January 4, 2007) to reiterate US appreciation for Turkey's tank entitle [...] |
2006-12-29 12:29:00 | Embassy Ankara | CONFIDENTIAL | PARM PREL TU NO GR |
| 06ATHENS1946 |
CFE TRANSFERS: GOG REQUESTS DC DELEGATION TO VISIT [...] (C) Summary: Poloff delivered reftel points to MFA NATO D2 Directorate, Deputy Director Polychroniou, on Thursday July 20, and to MoD Deputy Diplomatic Advisor Stoidis Friday, July 21. Both interlocutors expressed that Greece remains interested in complying with the request, but also that a [...] |
2006-07-25 14:56:00 | Embassy Athens | CONFIDENTIAL | GR NO PGOV PREL TU NATO MARR KCFE PARM |
| 06ATHENS1947 |
CFE TRANSFERS: GOG REQUESTS DC DELEGATION TO VISIT [...] (C) Summary: Poloff delivered reftel points to MFA NATO D2 Directorate, Deputy Director Polychroniou, on Thursday July 20, and to MoD Deputy Diplomatic Advisor Stoidis Friday, July 21. Both interlocutors expressed that Greece remains interested in complying with the request, but also that a [...] |
2006-07-26 04:09:00 | Embassy Athens | CONFIDENTIAL | GR NO PGOV PREL TU NATO MARR KCFE PARM |
| 06BOGOTA10826 |
GOC PEACE COMMISSIONER ON PARAMILITARY LINKS TO [...] (C) Summary: Peace Commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo said the GOC is committed to uncovering the truth about paramilitary links to Colombia's political, economic, and military elites, but warned that the process would produce substantial political and institutional costs. He is urging Presid [...] |
2006-11-29 22:29:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR PGOV PREL PTER CO CS CU FR NO SP SZ |
| 06BOGOTA7460 |
GOC PEACE COMMISSIONER ON ELN, PARAMILITARIES AND [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-15 18:38:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR PGOV PREL PTER CO CS CU FR NO SP SZ |
| 06BOGOTA9402 |
GOC PEACE COMMISSIONER SKEPTICAL OF FARC AND ELN [...] (C) Summary: GOC Peace Commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo told the Ambassador October 9 he is skeptical the ELN will commit either publicly or privately to a specific cease-fire date at the October 20-25 negotiating round in Havana. If the ELN does not do so, the GOC may break off talks. He al [...] |
2006-10-12 22:49:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | KJUS PGOV PINR PREL PTER CO CU FR NO SP SZ |
| 06COLOMBO1047 |
NORWEGIANS RUNNING OUT OF STEAM, EU MONITORS TO [...] (C) SUMMARY: Tigers insist monitors from EU-members states must leave, give 30-day window for transition. Future of the monitoring mission now extremely problematic, Norwegians will discuss it with other Nordics on June 28. Tigers upset about their treatment at Colombo airport while returning from [...] |
2006-06-23 05:26:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE NO |
| 06COLOMBO1183 |
SCANDINAVIANS CONTINUE TO PRESS TIGERS ON EU [...] (C) Summary. The Scandinavians continue to try to get the Tigers to back down from their insistence that SLMM members from EU countries leave by September 1. After an unsuccessful trip to Kilinochchi by the Norwegian Charge' at the end of last week, a Swedish diplomat arrives today from Sto [...] |
2006-07-19 10:44:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL CE NO |
| 06COLOMBO137 |
U/S BURNS REVIEWS SRI LANKAN PEACE PROCESS WITH [...] (C) Summary. Norwegian peace facilitator Solheim told U/S Burns that the Sri Lankan peace process is at a crossroads and that a "major step forward" is essential. Burns expressed U.S. support for the Norwegian facilitation effort and compared notes with Solheim on the efficacy and vision of [...] |
2006-01-23 16:10:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS CE NO |
| 06COLOMBO1824 |
SRI LANKA: NORWAY BRIEFS CO-CHAIR AMBASSADORS ON [...] (C) Norwegian Ambassador Brattskar briefed Co-Chair Ambassadors November 3 on the results of the Geneva Peace Talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE. Brattskar's briefing tracked closely with that provided by the Norwegians to Embassy Oslo (ref A). Following are some addition [...] |
2006-11-03 09:46:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV NO CE |
| 06COLOMBO338 |
NORWEGIAN AMBASSADOR HAPPY WITH GENEVA BUT SEES [...] (C) Summary. Norwegian Ambassador Brattskar told Colombo co-chairs reps March 2 that the Geneva talks had exceeded his expectations. An initially tense atmosphere had relaxed over time and made it possible for agreement on a joint statement. Brattskar is fairly confident the next round wil [...] |
2006-03-02 11:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE NO |
| 06COLOMBO471 |
COLOMBO CO-CHAIRS HUDDLE IN FACE OF POST-GENEVA [...] (C) Summary. In the face of tepid performances by both the GSL and the LTTE in fulfilling their Geneva commitments, local co- chair representatives plan to beard each side in early April, after March 30 local government elections. That said, violence remains down which is quite encouraging [...] |
2006-03-27 04:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE NO |
| 06COLOMBO872 |
TOKYO CO-CHAIRS PRE-MEETINGS [...] (C) Summary: GSL representatives admit that at least some elements of armed forces may be cooperating with irregular armed groups. Government is trying to crack down on this, and is also trying to develop a proposal for a political settlement. EU will likely designate LTTE as terrorist group on May [...] |
2006-05-25 11:53:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PHUM CE NO |
| 06DUSHANBE2243 |
A MINOR MIRACLE? TAJIK SETTLEMENT WITH NORSK HYDRO COULD BE [...] (C) With the December 20 signing of a cooperation agreement between Norwegian aluminum giant Norsk Hydro and Tajikistan's state-owned aluminum factory TadAZ, Tajikistan resolved one of its stickiest investment cases. Moscow-based Norwegian Ambassador Oyvind Nordsletten called on Ambassador J [...] |
2006-12-22 09:59:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON ENRG EINV ETRD TI NO |
| 06KABUL544 |
VIOLENT PROTESTS CONTINUE INTO SECOND DAY [...] (C) SUMMARY. Violent anti-Danish and anti-Western demonstrations continued throughout Afghanistan on Tuesday, February 7. Norwegian-led PRT Maimana in northwestern Afghanistan came under small arms fire and grenade attack from a small group of protesters who breached the PRT perimeter. Dutch [...] |
2006-02-07 14:18:00 | Embassy Kabul | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR ASEC AF DA NO |
| 06KHARTOUM264 |
ANTI-DANISH REFUGEE COUNCIL PROTEST SUGGESTS [...] (SBU) On February 2, an angry crowd of approximately 100 students surrounded the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and Agencies Coordinating Together (ACT)/CARITAS (which houses Norwegian NGOs) compounds in Nyala, South Darfur, and stoned several vehicles at 10:00 in the morning. The NGO staff were [...] |
2006-02-02 15:55:00 | Embassy Khartoum | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL KCRM SOCI PTER DA NO US SU |
| 06KHARTOUM2643 |
DARFUR: NRC TO CLOSE PROGRAM IN SOUTH [...] (C) The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) will publicly announce the closure of its operations in South Darfur on November 8. In a meeting with Embassy staff prior to the announcement, NRC Country Director Lotte Grauballe said that operations have been suspended five times in the last two years [...] |
2006-11-08 16:25:00 | Embassy Khartoum | CONFIDENTIAL | PREF PGOV PHUM PREL SU UN NO |
| 06KHARTOUM271 |
SUDAN: Reaction to Danish Cartoon Relatively [...] Summary: Despite some violence in Darfur and a Friday demonstration in Khartoum, the situation here has remained relatively calm. The Norwegian Embassy received a threat, but is being well protected by Sudanese forces. There is some concern that Danish and Norwegian NGO's may have to halt [...] |
2006-02-06 10:28:00 | Embassy Khartoum | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC PREL SOCI SCUL PGOV KISL DA NO US SU |
| 06KHARTOUM578 |
SUDAN BRIEFS: TRADE/AID TO KENYA; NORWAY IN [...] SUMMARY: This week's installment of news briefs not included in post's other reporting includes prospects for a Sudan-Kenya trade agreement, together with South Sudan's USD 1 million donation for Kenyan famine relief; Norway's assurances that it will continue to support peacekeeping and reli [...] |
2006-03-07 06:25:00 | Embassy Khartoum | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL ETRD EPET SOCI SENV SU KE NO CH |
| 06KIRKUK87 |
IRAQI OIL CO. TALKS CONSTITUTION, CORRUPTION, COMPROMISE [...] (C) Summary: Iraqi businessman and CEO of KAR Group Baz Karim said that the Iraqi national government and the Kurdistan Regional Government were handling new oil contracts in accordance with the new constitution, even though it was not yet in effect. Karim also said the two sides had recently [...] |
2006-04-12 10:48:00 | REO Kirkuk | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EPET ENRG ECON KCOR PREL PINR IZ NO CA |
| 06KIRKUK94 |
KRG OIL REP SAYS DOORS ARE OPEN TO FOREIGN INVESTMENT [...] (C) Summary: KRG Erbil Oil & Gas Establishment General Director Serwan Aziz said that the Iraqi National Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government in Erbil were handling new oil contracts in accordance with the new constitution, as if it were already in place. Aziz also said that when t [...] |
2006-04-21 13:04:00 | REO Kirkuk | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EPET PGOV ENRG PREL IZ NO |
| 06MANAGUA1630 |
CEDULA CRISIS FORCES EDG TO RECONSIDER PUBLIC [...] (C) Summary: The Nicaraguan Elections Donor Group (EDG) decided to reconsider releasing a public statement regarding the electoral process after leaders of the NGO Movimiento por Nicaragua (MpN) gave a presentation on their recent investigation revealing that large segments of the population a [...] |
2006-07-26 13:48:00 | Embassy Managua | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV KDEM GM CA DA SP FI JA NO NL SW |
| 06MANILA606 |
FILIPINO MUSLIM LEADERS DENOUNCE CARTOONS, BUT [...] (C) Summary: A group of Filipino Muslim religious scholars issued a statement on February 8 condemning the publication of cartoons depicting the Muslim Prophet Mohammad. They also called for a restrained response. A Muslim congressman from Mindanao made a speech hitting similar themes on t [...] |
2006-02-09 09:46:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS KISL PINR ASEC RP DA NO |
| 06OSLO1 |
IRAN AND LIBYA SANCTIONS ACT (ILSA) POINTS [...] (SBU) On December 30 Acting Political/Economic Chief delivered reftel points regarding USG concerns about Norsk Hydro's oil discovery in Iran's Anaran Field and its deal for the Khorramabad block to Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Energy Advisor Ambassador Janne Julsrud and to Norsk Hyd [...] |
2006-01-01 11:53:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETTC ENRG EPET PREL IR NO |
| 06OSLO100 |
NORWEGIANS INTERESTED IN FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL [...] (U) This message contains an action request. Please see paragraph 5. 2. (SBU) Deputy Chief of Mission, Christopher Webster met with Norwegian Environment Ministry State Secretary Henriette Westhrin and DAS for International Environmental Cooperation Harald Dovland on January 27 to discuss [...] |
2006-01-31 14:59:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SENV PREL NO |
| 06OSLO1001 |
URGENT DEMARCHE DELIVERED-UNSC RESOLUTION ON [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-12 13:02:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PTER MOPS UN UNSC IS LE NO |
| 06OSLO101 |
A/S FRIED´S VISIT: NORWAY AN ENERGY SECURITY PLAYER [...] (C) Summary. A/S Fried met with Foreign Minister Jonas Stoere and continued our "High North Dialogue" with Deputy Foreign Minister Kjetil Skogrand during his January 26-27 visit to Oslo to participate in an E-PINE Political Directors meeting (reported septel). Stoere enthusiastically presented the [...] |
2006-01-31 15:11:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL NO ENGR |
| 06OSLO1018 |
NORWAY WILL SUPPORT UNIFIL [...] (U) SUMMARY: Pol Counselor delivered Reftel A demarche on UNIFIL contributions on 16 August to the Norwegian MFA's Head of the Middle East Section, Kaare Eltervaag. He stated that the political will is strong for Norway to support with mission with military forces, but the resources do not all [...] |
2006-08-16 15:26:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL IS LE NO |
| 06OSLO1042 |
MISSILE TECHNOLOGY CONTROL REGIME (MTCR) DEMARCHE [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-21 08:48:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | MTCRE PARM PREL ETTC KSCA NO |
| 06OSLO1054 |
NORWAY: THE SYRIA/IRAN ARMS EMBARGO, POLITICAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: Post delivered reftel A on August 22 to the head of Norway's Middle East Section, Kaare Eltervaag. Eltervaag assured us that Norway was in full support the embargo and that no new 'political' delegations were scheduled to travel to Damascus or Tehran. Eltervaag also explained the [...] |
2006-08-23 14:20:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | IS LE MARR MOPS NO PGOV PREL |
| 06OSLO1060 |
CFE ENTITLEMENT ISSUES [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-25 10:28:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | NATO MARR PARM PREL NO KCFE |
| 06OSLO1061 |
(S/NOFORN) TERRORISM FINANCE: RADICAL IDEOLOGUE [...] (C) Per reftel a, we circulated possible 1267 listings to Martin Sorby, Deputy Director General in the MFA's International Humanitarian and Criminal Law Section on August 24. Sorby noted that he would pass the information to the relevant Norwegian law enforcement authorities. 2. (S/NOFO [...] |
2006-08-25 10:29:00 | Embassy Oslo | SECRET//NOFORN | PTER PREL EFIN ETTC NO KTFN |
| 06OSLO1062 |
(S/NOFORN) TERROR FINANCE: SECOND TRANCHE [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-25 10:30:00 | Embassy Oslo | SECRET//NOFORN | EFIN PTER PREL ETTC NO KTFN |
| 06OSLO1063 |
SRI LANKA LETTER DELIVERED [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-25 13:18:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL OPDC NO |
| 06OSLO1076 |
NORWEGIANS WANT ANSWERS BEFORE DECIDING AN NSG [...] (C) On August 29, we discussed the Norwegian reaction to the U.S.-India nuclear deal with MFA Assistant Secretary Jorg Willy Bronebakk. Bronebakk noted that his government continues to have serious questions regarding the matter, and has not yet determined its position in the Nuclear Supplie [...] |
2006-08-29 15:31:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | ETTR ETTC PARM PREL NO KNNP KSCA |
| 06OSLO1077 |
PST LIST PROVIDED TO NORWEGIANS [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-29 15:32:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED | PARM PREL MNUC NO KNNP |
| 06OSLO1141 |
NORWAY: SAUDI-TRAINED IMAM CLAIMS 9/11 A US ACTION [...] (U) Imam Zulqarnain Sakandar Madni, leader of a group called 'Norway's United Ulamas,' commented during a net chat on the newspaper Aftenposten's website 12 September that he doubts that Al Qaeda exists, and that 'a good deal of evidence' points to the attacks of 9/11 as being planned by Presi [...] |
2006-09-13 10:27:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL KISL ASEC KPAO SA NO |
| 06OSLO1185 |
NORWAY ON UNHRC - AGREEMENT ACROSS THE BOARD, BUT [...] (C) Director of the Human Rights Department in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tormod Endresen, stated that Norway is in strong agreement with the US on the areas of concern in reftel and the Government of Norway welcomes US engagement on the Human Rights Council (HRC). Pol/Econ cou [...] |
2006-09-25 15:37:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL UN NO |
| 06OSLO1188 |
NORWEGIANS DIFFUSE THREATENED RUSSIAN FISH EXPORT [...] (SBU) Summary: Russian authorities will not place a ban on all Norwegian seafood following discussions between Norwegian and Russian food safety authorities. Russian veterinary officials threatened to ban all fish exports from Norway as of October 1 following their discovery of forged Norwe [...] |
2006-09-26 14:33:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIS PREL SENV NO |
| 06OSLO1189 |
NORWAY HAS TERRORISTS? THE RISING TIDE OF [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Anti-Semitism and Muslim extremism appear to be on the rise in Norway. On 22 September authorities charged four men for terrorism in the wake of an attack on the main synagogue in Oslo and related threats to the Israeli and American embassies. Two of the suspects are of Pakistani [...] |
2006-09-27 10:23:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC KISL PREL PGOV SOCI IS PK NO |
| 06OSLO1195 |
NORWEGIAN DETAILS ON POSSIBLE BERN PROCESS MEMBERS [...] No summary [...] |
2006-09-27 15:04:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV PREL CH NO |
| 06OSLO1199 |
NORWAY, DRM DEMARCHE AND APPLE: OMBUDSMAN CHANGES [...] (C) Summary. Norway is not planning any overhaul of its existing intellectual property rights (IPR) regulations. Government officials specializing in IPR matters emphasize the continued need to protect rights holders protections (which they believe are fairly represented under the current N [...] |
2006-09-28 12:15:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ETRD EIND EINV NO KIPR |
| 06OSLO1224 |
NORWEGIANS LOOK BEYOND AN EAST SUDAN PEACE [...] No summary [...] |
2006-10-04 06:49:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM SU ER NO |
| 06OSLO1228 |
PRT EFFECTIVENESS CONFERENCE: INTERIM NORWEGIAN [...] No summary [...] |
2006-10-04 13:58:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED | AF NATO PREL NO |
| 06OSLO1279 |
ITU COUNCIL SEAT - CONFIRMATION OF DELIVERED NOTES [...] No summary [...] |
2006-10-11 14:33:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ECPS NO |
| 06OSLO1280 |
NORWAY MAINTAINS SUPPORT FOR UN INDIGENOUS PEOPLES [...] No summary [...] |
2006-10-11 14:40:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM NO |
| 06OSLO13 |
CAMEL REARING AS NORWAY'S NEW INTEGRATION TOOL? [...] On January 4, Norway's newspaper readers woke to find a story about the local community of Loeten in southeastern Norway which has asked for government support to help establish a local camel rearing industry. Loeten has several immigrants of East African origin (mostly Somali refugees) who [...] |
2006-01-04 15:48:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED | PREF EAGR PGOV NO |
| 06OSLO1319 |
NORWEGIAN REGIONAL AIRPORT SECURITY IMPROVING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In early October, Embassy RSO and Poloff traveled to three regional airports to meet Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and aviation security (AVINOR) personnel and to develop performance standards for future Embassy assessments of Norwegian airport security. The Norwegian CAA an [...] |
2006-10-25 13:00:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR KSEC PREL NO |
| 06OSLO132 |
NORWAY DETERMINED - NO CHANGE OF COURSE IN [...] (C) Summary. Opposition parties in Parliament rallied behind Prime Minister Stoltenberg on February 8 when he announced "we will not give way to pressure," reinforcing the message that Norway remains committed in Afghanistan, despite calls from some left-wing Parliamentarians for Norway to w [...] |
2006-02-08 16:10:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MARR KDEM NO NATO |
| 06OSLO1325 |
SUDAN: NORWAY HAS NO INFORMATION ON TARGETED [...] No summary [...] |
2006-10-27 09:31:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL SU NO |
| 06OSLO1326 |
COMMERCE A/S SPOONER VISIT ADVANCES SETTLEMENT OF [...] (C) SUMMARY: Norwegian and U.S. officials have moved closer to terms of an agreement that would end one of the USG's longest running trade disputes -- the 15-year old antidumping and countervailing duties on fresh and chilled Norwegian salmon. Assistant Commerce Secretary David Spooner and [...] |
2006-10-27 09:46:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD EFIS PREL NO |
| 06OSLO1343 |
IRANIAN DFM JALILI MEETS WITH NORWEGIAN FOREIGN [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Jalili, traveled to Norway on Friday 27 October, to take part in a round table sponsored by the Norwegian think tank NUPI. Jalili had a two-hour meeting with State Secretary Raymond Johansen, and an additional meeting with Foreign Minister [...] |
2006-10-31 15:10:00 | Embassy Oslo | SECRET | IAEA IR NO PREL |
| 06OSLO1344 |
NORWEGIAN DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE IN SUDAN, IRAQ [...] (C) In an October 30 tour d'horizon, Norwegian Minister of Development Assistance Erik Solheim reviewed Norway's approach to Sudan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Sri Lanka. He cited unhappiness with the multilateral aid mechanisms Norway has been using in the Sudan, saying Norway may have to switch to [...] |
2006-10-31 16:34:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREF PREL EAID NATO SU NO AF SL IZ |
| 06OSLO1350 |
EB A/S SULLIVAN MEETS NORWEGIAN DEPUTY FM [...] (SBU) Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Dan Sullivan met October 20 on the margins of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Conference with Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Liv Monica Stubholt to discuss EITI and a range of international and bilateral [...] |
2006-11-02 12:58:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL EMIN EPET ENRG ETTC EINV IZ IR RU NO |
| 06OSLO1352 |
NORWAY ASSESSES THE GENEVA SRI LANKA TALKS [...] (C) Summary. Norway attributes the recent Geneva talks stalemate to the evolving negotiating position of both the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) and the LTTE, divisions within the GSL negotiating team and the LTTE's decision to raise the A-9 road as a major issue. The Norwegians note the LTTE [...] |
2006-11-02 14:35:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL CE NO |
| 06OSLO1359 |
ENGAGING NORWAY ON PEACE AND RECONCILIATION [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On October 31, the DCM and Pol/Econ officers met with Tore Hattrem, Director General of the MFA's Peace and Reconciliation Section and other members of his team. The meeting began and intensified a dialogue on Norwegian peace efforts in several global hot spots: Sri Lanka, P [...] |
2006-11-03 15:59:00 | Embassy Oslo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PREF EAID CE SU CO HA RP SO NO |
| 06OSLO1372 |
NORWAY DELIBERATES U.S. FEDERAL AIR MARSHALS [...] (SBU) On November 3 we met with Ministry of Transportation Assistant Deputy Director Signe Moe and Division Chief Pierre Chauvin to learn the status of Norway's deliberations on allowing U.S. Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) on flights to and from OSL. (In 2004, Norway and the TSA came close, but [...] |
2006-11-07 12:24:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR PREL ASEC PTER NO |
| 06OSLO1376 |
(S/NF) TERRORISM FINANCE COORDINATING OFFICER [...] (C) Per reftel, Post provides information concerning its Terrorism Finance Coordinating Officer (TCFO), the Deputy TCFO and suggestions for broadening TCFO communication. Post's TCFO is Kristen Bauer, Political/Economic Counselor, Telephone (47) 9340-2130-8809, unclassified email is bauerkf@ [...] |
2006-11-08 08:48:00 | Embassy Oslo | SECRET//NOFORN | EFIN ETTC PREL PTER NO KTFN KVPR |
| 06OSLO1384 |
CO-CHAIRS INVITATION DELIVERED [...] No summary [...] |
2006-11-08 11:32:00 | Embassy Oslo | UNCLASSIFIED | OPDC |