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Ms. Rocca replied that a security assessment team from the Peace Corps visited Sri Lanka recently and a decision would be taken in this regard when they submit their report.
Ms. Rocca replied that a security assessment team from the Peace Corps visited Sri Lanka recently and a decision would be taken in this regard when they submit their report.
LTTE must renounce violence before ban is lifted:US
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Ms. Christina Rocca has declared that although the LTTE has renounced their concept of a "Tamil Ealam" they should also "renounce violence in word and deed" in order to be removed from the US list of proscribed terrorist organizations.
Ms. Rocco made these observations when she testified at a hearing of the House of Representatives International Relations Committee's Sub-committee on Asia and the Pacific on Thursday. She made this declaration in response to a question posed by Brad Sherman (Democratic representative for California) whether there was a possibility that the LTTE would be removed from the US list of proscribed terrorist organizations in the event the peace process ends successfully.
Ms. Rocco praised the Sri Lanka Government and the LTTE for "having made significant progress toward a political solution that protects the dignity and security of all Sri Lankans and the country's unity".
She expressed regret that the LTTE was still acquiring weapons but added that the US was committed to helping the Government of Sri Lanka achieve a peaceful settlement. The hearing on "The US and South Asia: Challenges and Opportunities for American Policy" was chaired by James A. Leach (Republican representative for Iowa) and Chairman of the Sub-committee on Asia and the Pacific.
Mr. Leach said that US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage is extending his fullest support towards the peace process. Responding to a question posed by the Chairman of the Sub-committee whether the Peace Corps would return to Sri Lanka, Ms. Rocca replied that a security assessment team from the Peace Corps visited Sri Lanka recently and a decision would be taken in this regard when they submit their report.