Annan supports Mahinda’s peace

President Mahinda Rajapaksa met UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and Cuba’s Acting President Raul Castro while attending the Non Aligned Movement summit.

During his meeting with Mr. Annan, the President told him that the Sri Lankan security forces were compelled to defend themselves in the face of widespread LTTE provocations.

Mr. Kofi Annan indicated to the President his willingness to assist in whatever way he could in bringing about peace in Sri Lanka.

President Rajapaksa told the UN Secretary General that he had restrained the security forces for several months while they suffered extensive casualties. He noted that access had been granted to conflict areas to the ICRC and UN agencies for relief work. However, the Government would provide such access only to internationally recognized NGOs as there were some organisations that did not perform any useful functions.

Referring to Human Rights and related issues, President Rajapaksa informed Mr. Annan that his Government would appoint a commission within the legal framework of the country to investigate extra-judicial killings, abductions and disappearances. He also said that foreign observers too would be appointed to ensure impartiality and transparency.

President Rajapaksa also met Pakistan President Pervez Musharaff as well as Columbian Vice President Francisco Santos Calderon. They exchanged views on bilateral and international affairs.