Pickering says north needs humanitarian assistance

[TamilNet, Monday, 29 May 2000, 10:18 GMT]
US Under Secretary of State Thomas Pickering who called on United National Party leader Mr.Ranil Wickremesinghe today at his office in Colombo told media persons that there is a need for humanitarian assistance in the northern province. An Indian TV journalist asked Mr.Pickering whether the US will provide military assistance to Sri Lanka. "No" the US Under Secretary of state replied emphatically.

Asked whether he had brought any special proposal he replied in the negative. We want a peaceful and negotiated settlement. Responding to another question, Mr.Pickering said that he had brought no message from Delhi and pointed out that the India has its mission in Colombo to convey its views to the Sri Lankan government.