US embassy cable - 04COLOMBO1809

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001809 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR D, INR/MR, PA 
SA/INS (CAMP, DEAN) SA/PD (SCENSNY, ROGERS, STRYKER); 
SSA/PAS 
 
E.O. 12958:N/A 
TAGS: KPAO, PHUM, PTER, EAID, OIIP, PREL, CE, Elections 
SUBJECT:  Special Media Reaction:  Deputy Secretary 
Armitage's videotaped comments to Sri Lankans on Election 
Day 
 
1. (U) SUMMARY:  Deputy Secretary Armitage's taped message 
to Sri Lankans on the occasion of the U.S. presidential 
elections, transmitted as part of Embassy Colombo's 
Election Day event, garnered positive coverage in both the 
English and vernacular media.  Reporting on the message and 
the event underscored the U.S. interest in Sri Lanka and 
the commitment to combating terrorism. END SUMMARY. 
 
2.  (U) As part of Embassy Colombo's Election Day 
festivities, Deputy Secretary Armitage's taped message was 
widely applauded by the 250 assembled VIP guests. 
Moreover, it generated widespread, favorable media 
coverage.  The main English and vernacular television news 
programs November 3 featured the statement.  The 
independent MTV's news, in English, Sinhala and Tamil, 
reported that Deputy Secretary Armitage "assured that no 
matter who wins the Presidential elections, Sri Lanka has a 
friend in the US."  Independent ARTV's news bulletin, which 
generally focuses on business matters, said "Richard 
Armitage's address to Sri Lanka offered the expected nudge 
to get its peace process back on the track."  State-owned 
Rupavahini Television headlined:  "U.S. reiterates that the 
LTTE should shun violence and return to the negotiation 
table." 
 
3.  (U) The Deputy Secretary's messages also resonated in 
both English and vernacular print outlets.  The independent 
English Daily Mirror reported on its front page: "Armitage: 
No matter who wins, US will back Lanka to fight terror". 
Government-owned Sinhala daily Dinamina also gave the story 
front-page coverage: "Richard Armitage repeats call for 
Tigers to renounce terrorism and get back to peace talks". 
The Tamil press took a slightly different tack, with the 
independent Virakesari reporting: "Armitage is worried that 
the chances of peace and a permanent solution may slip 
away".   Independent Thinakkural wrote: "America is worried 
that the situation is such that peace efforts in Sri Lanka 
may slip away."  Independent website Lanka Academic 
headlined an AP piece titled:  "Chance for peace may be 
slipping away, Armitage warns." 
 
4. (U) COMMENT:  The taped message resonated with the Sri 
Lankan public and illustrated the United States' continued 
interest in a peaceful resolution to the conflict.  The 
message also served to reinforce the oft-repeated position 
that the Tigers must renounce terrorism in word and deed. 
Post extends many thanks to Deputy Secretary Armitage for 
his willingness to record the video, and to everyone else 
who worked on the initiative.  END COMMENT 
 
Lunstead