Gary Fitleberg, January 4, 2005

Sri Lanka denied that it refused Israeli aid for victims of last month's tsunami.

In a statement, the Sri Lankan government said it delayed the arrival of the 150-member Israeli rescue and relief team because it couldn't accommodate team members and because there already was enough manpower on the ground.

The statement also emphasized that food and medical supplies from Israel were accepted, and also noted the "friendly and close diplomatic relations" between the two counties.

Initial reports had said that Sri Lanka rejected the team because it included Israeli military personnel, which might offend Muslims in Sri Lanka.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2005 Gary Fitleberg