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United States Deputy Secretary of State (Deputy Foreign Minister) Richard Armitage has assured visiting Economic Reform Minister Milinda Moragoda in Washington that US policy would be unaffected should the Government of Sri Lanka decide to remove its ban on the LTTE.

Minister Moragoda, who is the first member of the UNF Government to visit the USA, met Deputy Secretary Armitage yesterday in Washington, a US State Department communique said.

The communique said:

"In the absence of Secretary Powell, Deputy Secretary Armitage met today with Sri Lankan Economic Reform Minister Milinda Moragoda. Mr. Moragoda is one of the two political leaders charged by the Prime Minister with pursuing the peace process in Sri Lanka.

"Minister Moragoda and Deputy Secretary Armitage addressed ways to further Sri Lankan-US cooperation against terrorism, a scourge that has victimized both nations.

In discussing US policy, the Deputy Secretary reiterated the US denunciation of those who believe terrorism has a role in promoting political goals, and thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for its support of the global coalition against terrorism.

"The Deputy Secretary noted with approval the extension of the ceasefire between the government of Sri Lanka and the insurgents, and pledged full support for the peace facilitation efforts by the government of Norway. He reiterated US support for the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and urged both parties to the dispute to engage in a productive dialogue leading to a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

"Minister Moragoda reviewed economic reforms envisioned by the new government, including further privatization, and the Deputy Secretary encouraged the Sri Lankan government to continue working toward liberalizing of their economy."

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