Clinton backs democratic Lanka

3 February 2011 03:00 am - 33 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced hope for a "just and democratic" Sri Lanka as she offered congratulations ahead of the island's Independence Day on Friday.

Clinton said in a statement Wednesday that the United States and Sri Lanka have historically enjoyed "a strong relationship based on mutual interests and a shared commitment to the ideals of democratic governance."

"We hope to continue our efforts to strengthen this relationship by assisting in post-war reconciliation to bring about a peaceful, prosperous, just and democratic future for all its citizens," Clinton said.

Sri Lanka's relations with the United States were strained in 2009 when Washington voiced concern about human rights as the army killed the top leadership of the Tamil Tiger rebels, ending decades of insurgency.

After urgings by the Tamil diaspora, a number of US lawmakers have pushed President Barack Obama's administration to take a harder line on Sri Lanka, such as supporting an international probe into the 2009 violence.

The United Nations has said that at least 7,000 civilians perished in the final months of fighting, while international rights groups have put the toll at more than 30,000.

Sri Lanka has denied any civilian deaths and has rejected calls for an international probe. The Tigers were known for devastating suicide bombings during their decades-long campaign for a separate Tamil homeland.
AFP

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Comments - 33

sltk2004 Thursday, 03 February 2011 07:40 PM

If USA says something bad they are criticized. If they something good they are criticized. What a group of commentators we have!

I Hussein Thursday, 03 February 2011 11:12 AM

United States and Sri Lanka have historically enjoyed? lol
How old is US history. 300 years! What is historical there Madam.

Dinithi Thursday, 03 February 2011 11:45 AM

For once Malkanthi is right!!

Yehiya-Doha Thursday, 03 February 2011 12:22 PM

Dear mrs. Clinton, We need your cooperation to establish democracy & freedom of expression.

Sunil-Canada Thursday, 03 February 2011 01:05 PM

Yes yes. We have only history. No use. They have technology for the betterment of human life.

nagu Thursday, 03 February 2011 01:55 PM

When is democracy coming to Iraq & Afganistan?

Calm Thursday, 03 February 2011 02:32 PM

Everybody backs a democratic rule in Sri Lanka sans the ruling party. Will USA back us to overcome the situation.

Gayan Thursday, 03 February 2011 06:41 PM

"They have technology for the betterment of human life"?. Tell that to the Nuclear bomb victims of Japan.

Baduwa Thursday, 03 February 2011 07:18 PM

New history teacher for srilanka...

Dilan Thursday, 03 February 2011 10:55 AM

wow

Ranjith Thursday, 03 February 2011 08:40 PM

They think of Afghanistan too. Now they are afraid soon Sri Lanka also might fall into that category, with the backing of some friendly countries. Recently a couple was stoned to death for minor offence, in our standards it is similar to tying a government officer to a tree.

Upul Thursday, 03 February 2011 09:40 PM

Yehiya,
Do you mean democracy and freedom in Qatar.

Bin L Friday, 04 February 2011 12:40 AM

Are you getting ready for the next election?

Bin L Friday, 04 February 2011 01:04 AM

Really?

Anuruddha Friday, 04 February 2011 01:35 AM

Technology for betterment of human life, such as guns, bombs, fighter jets etc

Sampath Weerasinghe Friday, 04 February 2011 04:29 AM

Who cares about what she says? We all know about the "democracy" in US.

v perera Friday, 04 February 2011 07:27 AM

WELL SAID SIR

Nihal Amarasekera Thursday, 03 February 2011 04:00 AM

Thanks Mam!

PRESIDENT Thursday, 03 February 2011 09:55 AM

no way other than accept us

Commonsense Thursday, 03 February 2011 09:15 AM

well said and keep this words for ever..

Calistus Jayatilleke Thursday, 03 February 2011 08:40 AM

I applaud Malkanthi for giving a correct definition of "Democracy" as practised in our country

kavin gunaratne Thursday, 03 February 2011 08:26 AM

How to trust USA as far as its behaviour is concerned. It is like a police man to the world. If USA can stop this sort of behaviour, whole world will be peaceful world.

Anver Thursday, 03 February 2011 08:21 AM

Will she back a presidency with unlimited power for an unlimited period of time?

Thas Thursday, 03 February 2011 07:07 AM

That's a good point, but the Sri Lankan Govt and politicians don't know the meaning of Democracy.

Konde bendapu china Thursday, 03 February 2011 06:51 AM

Good start At last,Think Positively towards Our Country

sg Thursday, 03 February 2011 06:44 AM

Dont do double standed policiy like did Egypt or other third world countries. Show genuity in your diplomacy without hidden agenda then Sri Lankan people will aptreciate your current statement and rethink on your previous stsatments.

loku podi guru Thursday, 03 February 2011 06:36 AM

They are thinking about democracy in those two countries, but the traditions of those two countries fly in the face of equality of peoples and respect for differences.

Fayad Thursday, 03 February 2011 06:30 AM

Hope for a "just and democratic" US International Policy !!!!!

mnsmart Thursday, 03 February 2011 05:58 AM

We expect Democracy in US, and not to force other countries regarding international relationships. Iran helped us at a very crucial time when most of the western countries didn't cooperate during the war.....

malkanthi Thursday, 03 February 2011 04:35 AM

I define democracy as “Nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.”

Buruwa Thursday, 03 February 2011 04:34 AM

Clean your hands before pointing at others madam!!!!

nishantha Thursday, 03 February 2011 04:29 AM

Hello , why don't you think about democratic in Iraq and afganistan ??

punchi Thursday, 03 February 2011 04:22 AM

These are wat we call scoring points

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Clinton backs democratic Lanka

Comments - 33

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