VZCZCXYZ0005
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHKO #0354 0540636
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 230636Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9555
INFO RUEHLM/AMEMBASSY COLOMBO IMMEDIATE 0667
UNCLAS TOKYO 000354
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/INSB - ANTHONY RENZULLI, S/WCI - SHAUN COUGHLIN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM PREF CE JA
SUBJECT: SRI LANKA -- ENGAGING INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
REF: STATE 16163
Drawing on reftel points and background, Embassy Poloff met
February 23 with MOFA Southwest Asia Division Principal
Deputy Director Aya Yoshida to convey U.S. concerns about the
deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka following the January 26
presidential election. Yoshida expressed appreciation for
the briefing on U.S. views and said the GOJ was also
concerned, citing in particular the arrest of defeated
opposition presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka and reported
media suppression. Regarding a more detailed GOJ assessment
of U.S. views and possible next steps for the international
community, Yoshida said that MOFA would discuss the matter
and that she would provide poloff any feedback. Embassy will
report any further substantive GOJ response.
ROOS