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| Sunday, 30 November 2003 |
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Patten commends de-mining work as heroic by ANANTH PALAKIDNAR The European Commissioner for External Relations, Christopher Patten, commended the de-mining programmes currently being carried out in the North and the East and described it as `heroic work.' Patten at his press briefing on Thursday evening after his return from Kilinochchi praised the de-mining activities in the war-torn North and East and said that various non-governmental organisations were doing a tremendous job on the de-mining programmes. "The European Union appreciates role of the NGOs in this risky programme and will render them all the support in clearing the deadly mines," Patten said. Expressing his personal impression on Sri Lanka, Patten said that the country was a paradise and well known for its natural beauty ."Sri Lankans are talented in various fields, with a large number of them excelling in educational and academic careers. What is holding back the country is the internal conflict which had already claimed over 65 thousand lives of men, women and children. During my stay in this country, I have realised that everyone is for peace and Sri Lanka deserves it for future prosperity," Patten said. Reiterating the support of the international community for the peace process in Sri Lanka, Patten said that the European Union was looking forward to enhance its business ties with Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of apparel industry. He said that a trade fair had been planned with the collaboration of the Chamber of Commerce next year. |
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