US embassy cable - 02COLOMBO2348

C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 002348 
 
SIPDIS 
 
OFFICIAL INFORMAL 
 
DEPT FOR SA/INS FROM A/DCM 
 
E.O. 12958:  DECL:  12-26-12 
TAGS: AMGT, CE, MV, LTTE - Peace Process, Human Rights 
SUBJECT:  OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 179 (12-26-02) 
 
 
Classified by A/DCM Long Lee.  Reasons 1.5 (b, d) 
 
CONTENTS:   DEMINING 
-           SL HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT 
 
DEMINING 
-------- 
1.  (C) We are really, really, really worried about your 
e-mail re the apparent postponement in the DoD-sponsored 
mil-to-mil demining program.  (Note:  We're not blaming 
the messenger; we appreciate your successful effort to 
quickly find out what's going on.)  We can appreciate 
that important things are happening in the world that 
demand resources.  That said, we think that a near-term 
continuance in our demining programs here is crucial as 
we try to underscore our strong support for the Sri 
Lankan peace process via on-the-ground, "quick impact"- 
type programs.  As you know, the QRDF was quite a hit, 
but it wrapped up in late October.  We were counting on 
the mil-to-mil program to continue the momentum very 
early this year.  On the global stage, these programs do 
not consume very much by way of resources in any case -- 
but they go a long way here.  We would really appreciate 
it if SA/INS would work closely with PM to ensure that we 
have something up-and-running in Sri Lanka as soon as 
feasible.  We do not want the months to drain away on 
this.  Again, thanks for your help on this.  (POL) 
 
SL HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT 
---------------------- 
2.  (SBU) Reviewing DRL's latest e-mail re "V-2" of the 
Sri Lankan human rights report draft, we just noticed 
that our key para re peace process events and their 
impact on human rights has been axed from the 
introduction.  (Note:  Thanks for passing "V-2" to us. 
We would not have seen it without your help.)  Rebecca 
Schwalbach of DRL goes on to note that she will talk to 
her director about the para after Jan. 1.  We want to 
make sure that DRL understands how important this para is 
to the intro.  Can you speak to Schwalbach's boss on this 
very early next week and get back to us if you think 
there is a problem?  We are willing to take this issue 
higher, if necessary.  We do not want to find out that 
some deadline has passed and we have no time to reclama. 
Thanks once again for all of your excellent work on this. 
(POL) 
 
WILLS