'Desperate' Sri Lanka restores ties with Israel, receives military aid

LONDON -- Sri Lanka has acknowledged seeking Israeli help to stop the Tamil offensive as the two countries sign an agreement to restore diplomatic relations.

Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar said Colombo agreed to rapidly resume diplomatic ties with Israel in an effort to obtain weapons to stop the Tamil drive toward the northern town of Jaffna, according to Middle East Newsline. He said that within days the two countries agreed on diplomatic relations and a list of supplies.

"Things were a bit desperate at the time," Kadirgamar told the Colombo-based Sunday Times newspaper. "I talked to the Israeli ambassador in New Delhi and within 48 hours Colombo and Tel Aviv agreed on re-establishing ties which had been under consideration by us ever since we came to office in 1994. We have asked Israel to help us militarily."

The foreign minister said seven other countries were also asked to offer weapons. India, however, refused to provide military assistance. "These are no donations," Kadirgamar said. "We have to pay up to $800 million. There are countries willing to give us arms at a price."

Kadirgamar said India did not help Sri Lanka in renewing ties with Israel. Colombo severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 1970 and again in 1990.

"I read a report that the Indian ambassador in Washington had talked to the U.S. government about our establishing relations with Israel," he said. "That's pie in the sky. There was no such axis. As a sovereign state we don't require the help or permission of any other state to establish relations with another state."

On Monday, Israel and Sri Lanka sign an agreement at the United Nations to restore diplomatic relations. Diplomats said the Foreign Minister David Levy will represent Israel and that the accord calls for full diplomatic ties. The two countries will be represented by non-resident ambassadors.

The government in Colombo said Sri Lankan troops repulsed attempts by Tamil rebels to advance in Jaffna. On late Sunday, a government statement said troops were defending positions in Colombathurai near Jaffna.