A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Beijing on July 5 that China welcomes the Sri Lankan government's efforts in seeking national reconciliation through peaceful means.

Spokesman Liu Jianchao made the remark when asked to comment on current turbulent situation in Sri Lanka led by a deal signed by the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers rebels.

The controversial joint deal, known as Post Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS), was signed on June 24.

Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga maintained that the deal was an administrative mechanism to ensure equitable distribution of Tsunami relief assistance to Tamil-held regions in the north and east.

But opposition groups claimed that the deal was infringing the country's sovereignty.

Spokesman Liu said the Chinese government has always supported the Sri Lankan government's efforts in safeguarding its country's unity and national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said China supports the Sri Lankan government's endeavor of realizing national reconciliation through peaceful means and safeguarding the interests of all Sri Lankan people.

"We hope and believe that with the joint efforts of all parties, the Sri Lankan people will rebuild their home devastated in last year's tsunami at an early date and realize lasting peace, stability and prosperity," Liu said.

The Tamil freedom fighters and the government entered the ceasefire in February 2002 and started face to face negotiations seven months later but Tamil representatives walked out the talks in April 2003 after the sixth round.

Source: Xinhua