Congressman Brad Sherman
24th District, California
SERVING THE SAN FERNANDO AND CONEJO VALLEYS
LAS VIRGENES AND MALIBU

July 25, 2000

The Honorable Madeline K. Albright
Secretary
U.S. Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Madam Secretary:

            I am writing to express my concern over the situation in Sri Lanka.

            National security and humanitarian concerns should compel us to step up the efforts to guarantee a timely and fair resolution to the conflict between the Tamil insurgents and the Sri Lankan government. The current standstill in the Jaffna Peninsula seems to encourage both sides to a negotiated settlement.

            While cooperating with the international community toward this end, we should endeavor to get assurances from both sides that human rights are being protected and basic human needs are being addressed. Furthermore, we should use our good offices to urge the Sri Lankan government to allow the international press to travel to the northern and eastern regions of that country.

            I look forward to hearing from you on the course of action the Administration is adopting on this matter.

Sincerely