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Lanka delays defence deal with US
By Chamintha Thilakarathna
The government is reported to be having second thoughts on the early signing of the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) with United States - an instrument aimed at greater military cooperation between the two countries.

As earlier expected, the agreement will not be signed during next week's US visit by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. He leaves on July 20 for a five day visit.

The Prime Minister's Secretary Bradman Weerakoon told The Sunday Times that the ACSA agreement was yet to be finalized and details were still being looked into.

The Sunday Times on May 26 exclusively reported about the proposed agreement which was later confirmed by the US embassy in Colombo. The proposed agreement was to enable the US to utilize Sri Lanka's ports, airports and air space.

In return for the facilities offered, Sri Lanka was to receive military assistance from the US including increased training facilities and equipment.

Mr. Weerakoon said the Prime Minister during his talks in Washington would concentrate on the peace process and matters relating to economic cooperation or assistance from the US.

Mr. Weerakoon said the government was hopeful of getting more aid from the US. US Embassy spokesman Stephen Holgate confirmed that the agreement would not be finalized during the Prime Minister's visit to Washington.

He said that the US expected a description on the peace situation. He said the Bush administration would be expecting a full briefing on the peace process but the ACSA was not on the cards. '

Mr. Weerakoon said Sri Lanka was hoping to sign an agreement relating to avoidance of double taxation and another on trade investment and Finance.'

Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando said economic matters, including garment export quotas, would top the agenda while attention would also be given to the strengthening of the peace process.

The visit to the US comes soon after a pledge from the Indian government that it would fully support the current peace process and was willing to play an advisory role if requested.

Besides President George W. Bush, Premier Wickremesinghe is expected to meet Secretary of State Colin Powell and Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in a high profile schedule. He is also expected to meet leaders of the US Congress, the heads of the World Bank and IMF and give a news conference at the National Press Club.

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