Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC May 4, 2001
Secretary Powell's Meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister KadirgamarSri Lankan Foreign Minister Kadirgamar and the Secretary met May 4 and discussed bilateral and multilateral issues. Featured prominently among those, of course, was the security situation facing Sri Lanka. The Secretary expressed strong understanding for the terrorist challenge confronting the democratic government of Sri Lanka, and great sympathy for the tens of thousands of dead and the hundreds of thousands of injured and displaced persons produced by this conflict. He also expressed strong support for the efforts by Norway to bring about the commencement of peace talks. The United States has long believed that the Sri Lankan conflict cannot be settled by military means. For this reason, the Secretary expressed his hope that the two sides will make a commitment to cease hostilities and start peace talks as soon as possible.
Released on May 4, 2001
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