Japanese special envoy expressed satisfaction in President ’s commitment to a negotiated solution

Japanese special peace envoy Yashushi Akashi has expressed Japan’s continuing economic assistance to Sri Lanka.
This commitment was expressed during a discussion yesterday with President Mahinda Rajapakse at Temple Trees. Mr. Akashi expressed satisfaction in President Rajapakse’s commitment to a negotiated solution to the country’s national issue.
 The discussion lasted nearly 45 minutes and President Rajapakse explained in detail the continued violence inflicted by the LTTE especially targeting civilians and women and children. The President also explained the LTTE’s refusal to come for negotiations. Mr. Akashi said it was encouraging to know that progress was being made in the APRC.
He was of the view that the leadership of the President was vital for the success of a political process that would lead to a negotiated solution to the issue. President Rajapakse informed Mr. Akashi that current operations carried out by the Air Force against the LTTE were strictly aimed at identified targets and special care was being taken to prevent civilian casualties.

The delegation including Mr. Akashi met Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake at his office yesterday. The premier told the delegation that a solution acceptable to all will be found through the All Party Conference. Mr. Akashi expressed his satisfaction regarding measures taken by the government.

Mr.Akashi also met Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama  at the Foreign Ministry yesterday and discussed post CFA development and Japan’s role as well as the prospects for peace and development in Sri Lanka. Mr. Akashi was accompanied by Japanese Ambassador Kiyoshi Araki and senior officials from Tokyo.

Minister Bogollagama welcomed Mr. Akashi and expressed appreciation for the interest taken by Japan in the context of its role as a co-chair as well as a valued bilateral partner for the country. Minister recalled the meeting in Tokyo in December 2007 between President Mahinda Rajapakse and Japanese Prime Minister Yashuvo Fukuda during which the two leaders discussed Sri Lanka’s peace process and the assurance of the government’s continued commitment to a political solution of the conflict.