Colombo, Jan 08: The United States has expressed
hope that the fall of LTTEs de-facto capital of Kilinochchi
would end decades of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and said
there was no need to hold talks with the Tiger rebels.
"The war which has gripped the island nation for more
than 25 years is drawing to an end," the US Embassy said in a
statement in Colombo.
"Particularly, the liberation of the LTTE stronghold of
Kilinochchi can be considered as the final phase in the war
against Tamil Tigers," the Embassy was quoted as saying in a
Sri Lankan government release.
"The US is confident that a political solution will be
found with the operations drawing to close and all communities
will receive the opportunity of living in a peaceful
environment," the release said.
"The fall of Kilinochchi represents an important point
in the 25-year war that has divided Sri Lanka. We hope that
this event will help hasten an end to the conflict," the
American embassy stated.
"We believe that a lasting and sustainable peace can
best be achieved if the Lankan Government now works on
reaching a political solution that addresses the aspirations
of all Sri Lankans, including Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese,"
the statement said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, January 08, 2009, 00:00