Clinton backs ‘just, democratic’ Sri Lanka

February 3, 2011 07:32 am

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has voiced hope for a “just and democratic” Sri Lanka as she offered congratulations ahead of the war-torn island’s Independence Day on Friday.

Clinton said in a statement on Wednesday that the United States and Sri Lanka have historically enjoyed “a strong relationship based on mutual interests and a shared commitment to the ideals of democratic governance.”

“We hope to continue our efforts to strengthen this relationship by assisting in post-war reconciliation to bring about a peaceful, prosperous, just and democratic future for all its citizens,” Clinton said.

Sri Lanka’s relations with the United States were strained in 2009 when Washington voiced concern about human rights as the army killed the top leadership of the Tamil Tiger rebels, ending decades of insurgency, AFP reports.

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