ONE HUNDRED SIXTH CONGRESS
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED
STATES
COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
August 30, 2000
The Honorab1e Madeleine K.
Albright
Secretary of State
United States Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Madam Secretary:
On June 29, 2000 I wrote to you regarding my concerns over the worsening
conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka. Specifically, I noted that
serious human rights violations continue to occur in Sri Lanka
and that the parties engaged in the conflict in that county have failed to
begin meaningful negotiations.
Earlier
this month, I authorized Adolfo Franco, Counsel of the House International
Relations Committee, to visit Sri Lanka to assess the situation in that
country. It is my understanding that humanitarian efforts continue to be
impeded by needless government-imposed bureaucratic measures and that
vitally needed food, medicine, and relief supplies are not adequate in the
north and east of the country.
Moreover,
the parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka have not begun serious negotiations
but rather appear to be poised to renew the conflict in earnest in the near
term. A
continued lack of a free press and international media coverage have
only contributed to the problems in Sri Lanka. Most disturbingly, violations
of human rights and due process of law appear to continue unabated
Therefore, I again urge you to express our government�s displeasure
concerning the human rights and humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka, and to
encourage the parties to the conflict to commence genuine negotiations.
In closing,
I also wish to express my appreciation for the outstanding work of our U.S.
Embassy personnel in Sri Lanka. I am grateful for the valuable assistance
and insights provided by Charge d�affaires W. Lewis Amselem, Political
Officers Andrew Mann and Kevin McGlothlin, and Economic Officer Ian
Sheridan. These exemplary professionals should be commended for their fine
service to our country.
Thank you
for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon
regarding my concerns.
With best
wishes,
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