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Kumaratunga hails Lahore Declaration

Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharief on the successful conclusion of the Lahore Declaration.

"Please accept my sincere congratulations on the successful conclusion whereby you and the prime minister of Pakistan have reaffirmed your commitment to intensify efforts to resolve all issues between your two countries, including Jammu and Kashmir,'' she said in her letter to Vajpayee. She has sent an identical message to Sharief also.

The Sri Lankan president said, "The government and people of Sri Lanka, and I am sure the governments and peace-loving peoples of all the other south Asian countries, welcome and applaud the decision of your excellencies to carry out a comprehensive review of your bilateral relations and negotiate all outstanding problems between India and Pakistan."

She said, "As current chairperson of SAARC [South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation], I have noted with particular appreciation that your excellencies have re-affirmed your commitment to the goals and objectives of SAARC and also declared your intention to make a concerted efforts towards the realisation of the SAARC vision for the year 2000 and beyond, with a view to improving the quality of life of the more than one billon people who live in our region of the world."

"I have also noted with much satisfaction the condemnation of terrorism in all its forms in the Lahore Declaration and the expression of your determination to combat this menace which is of grave concern to all the countries of south Asia," she added.

Kumaratunga said, "I take this opportunity of conveying to your excellency my hope, indeed my belief, that the historic Lahore Declaration is a new and significant step in the improvement of relations between our two great neighbours, a step that will ensure the creation of an environment of peace in our region, which will also be in the supreme national interests of both your countries.

The entire region will benefit immeasurably from the implementation of the Lahore Declaration through accelerated economic growth, social progress and cultural development, the president said.

"Let me conclude by saying to your excellency that the Lahore Declaration is without doubt a notable act of statesmanship and courage. Your excellencies have built a bridge between your peoples. You have opened a new path that the peoples of India and Pakistan will no doubt tread with growing confidence in the years ahead. All our good wishes are with you and will remain with you as this new chapter in your history begins to unfold, she added.

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