Milinda proposed pro-US group to counter NAM: Wikileaks

12 December 2011 09:56 pm - 5 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

US Ambassador Ashley Wills had in 2003 claimed that Milinda Moragoda, who was a minister in the then United National Front (UNF) government – headed by Ranil Wickremesinghe had said he was interested in forming a group to counter the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) block of countries, whistle blower WikiLeaks has revealed.

The cable which analyses Sri Lanka’s pro US foreign policy under Mr. Wickremesinghe was sent on May 29, 2003 by Mr. Wills. It said since coming to power, Mr. Wickremesinghe has taken steps to steer Sri Lankan foreign policy closer to the US. In doing this, he has had successes, including the signing of an ICC waiver with the US and in regard to Iraq where the GSL steered a constructive course. Moreover, one of his key ministers recently proposed that the GSL take the lead in forming some sort of counterweight to NAM.

“...............Moragoda's direct focus has been on cultivating relations with the U.S. and with India. Regarding the U.S., the intelligent, articulate Moragoda is a perfect fit. Born in Washington, D.C, he is a dual national Amcit (please protect) married to an American, with plenty of Washington connections, many from his days as a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation and at Harvard.

A ‘big picture’ person, Moragoda is also highly aware that the U.S. is the most powerful country in the world, and he feels that it is better that Sri Lanka recognize that fact and work within it,” the cable said. “More recently, Minister Moragoda made a startling proposal to U.S. officials.

In discussions in Washington, Moragoda stated that the GSL was interested in forming some sort of group that would counter the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) block of countries. Moragoda was a bit vague about his idea. He indicated, however, that the GSL -- although a charter member of the group since its formation decades ago -- felt that the NAM was too strident and too anti-U.S., and that greater practicality was now called for.

The way forward is still being worked on, but once the idea is fleshed out further, the current thinking is that PM Wickremesinghe might announce some sort of formal proposal regarding a new grouping at the UN General Assembly this September.”

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 5

Anil Tuesday, 13 December 2011 03:17 AM

Milinda would have made us the 51st state of the US if he could.

lankatarzan Tuesday, 13 December 2011 07:02 AM

Stooge of the West.

soothsayer Tuesday, 13 December 2011 07:56 AM

Wonder what advice he is giving the President nowdays!

kondebendapucheena Tuesday, 13 December 2011 09:40 AM

So he proved about CIA story

roy Tuesday, 13 December 2011 10:08 AM

What r u talking? he is a great PATRIOTIC now. He is an unremovable pillar of this patriotic government. Do not criticize him.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Milinda proposed pro-US group to counter NAM: Wikileaks

Comments - 5

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Confusion remains if April 15 is a bank holiday

April 15 declared a government holiday

New Visa procedure implemented

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

MIRROR CRICKET

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Middleman arrested for price gouging at Kalutara eatery

Bondholders’ agreement delay won’t hinder IMF third tranche payout: Dr. Coomaraswamy

Party leaders to shoot down MPs request for concessionary duty free vehicle permits

Rising temperatures Public urged to provide water access to animals

Hardik fined Rs 12 lakh for violating IPL code of conduct after win over Punjab Kings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings