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Russia, China 'support Sri Lanka' | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The presidents of Russia and China expressed support to Sri Lanka, says the Sri Lankan government. The support came as President Mahinda Rajapaksa met his counterparts Dmitry Medvedev and Hu Jintao at the sidelines of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, in Russia, according to the presidential secretariat. China will always support Sri Lanka to safeguard the country's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, President Hu Jintao was quoted by the statement. In his talks with the Chinese counterpart, President Rajapaksa has appreciated the long-term support China has given during the years to develop Sri Lanka. “Observing that the two countries are trustworthy friends President Jintao said that China is ready to join hands with Sri Lanka to lift the all-round cooperative partnership between the two countries to a new height,” said the secretariat. Channel4 footage Mr Rajapaksa has earlier met Mr Medvedev who assured that “Russia will stand by Sri Lanka in its all efforts.”
“President Rajapaksa thanked Russia for the assistance given for ushering sustainable peace in Sri Lanka and giving its fullest cooperation to develop the country,” the statement said. Mr Rajapaksa has invited Russian investors to “take advantage of the good potential that prevails in Sri Lanka as a destination for investment in the region”. President Medvedev has told his Sri Lankan counterpart that he look forward to visit Sri Lanka. No joint statements were issued regarding the bilateral talks between the three leaders at the sidelines of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The pledges come in the wake of increasing calls by the Western countries and international rights watchdogs for an independent investigation on alleged war crimes committed in Sri Lanka. The calls have been intensified after a Channel4 television in UK aired a controversial video footage showing serious crimes allegedly committed by Sri Lanka troops. The government has rejected the video saying it is 'biased' and 'fake'. | LOCAL LINKS  Protest against 'attacks on Muslims'17 June, 2011 | Sandeshaya UN Panel Report discussed in Court16 June, 2011 | Sandeshaya Sri Lanka pressed on 'war crimes'Sandeshaya UN urged to protect Lanka right to strike12 June, 2011 | Sandeshaya Lanka 'war crimes' film shown at UN03 June, 2011 | Sandeshaya UN urged to probe Lanka war crimes30 May, 2011 | Sandeshaya UN 'could have prevented' civilian deaths24 April, 2011 | Sandeshaya EXTERNAL LINKS The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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