2ND LEAD (Correction)

Rocca assures TNA delegation US support for Joint Mechanism

[TamilNet, Thursday, 21 April 2005, 06:30 GMT]
Ms Christina Rocca, US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Wednesday assured the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentary delegation that the US Government would support the establishment of the Joint Mechanism in disbursing foreign aid to tsunami-hit coastal areas in the northeast province, TNA sources said. TNA delegation that comprised Mr.R.Sampanthan and Mr.Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam met with Ms Christina Rocca Wednesday at the US Embassy in Colombo.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr.Jeffrey Lunstead, participated in the meeting.

The TNA delegation appealed to US Assistant Secretary that the US and the international community should come forward to play a constructive role for the establishment of the proposed Joint Mechanism structure which is essential for the reconstruction and resettlement of war and tsunami displaced in the northeast province, TNA sources said.

A firm foundation would be laid for the resumption of the stalled peace talks with the establishment of a Joint Mechanism, Ms. Rocca had told the TNA delegation in the meeting, according to the sources.