I was right to defend SL’s human rights record: Abbott

28 March 2016 11:05 am - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has defended his decision not to join the “human rights lobby against the tough but probably unavoidable actions taken to end one of the world’s most vicious civil wars which took place in Sri Lanka”, the Australian reported on Monday.

The United Nations has been pushing for an investigation into allegations that up to 40,000 Tamils were killed by Sri Lankan government troops in the final months of fighting in the civil war, which ended in 2009.

In a 3,700 word essay published over the weekend in Quadrant, Mr. Abbott wrote that he was sure former president Mahinda Rajapaksa would have been pleased if Australia did not join the chorus of international criticism.

Both countries became even stronger partners in the Abbott government’s most urgent initial task — to end the people-smuggling trade and deaths at sea, he said.

Mr. Abbott acknowledged that his tough boat crackdown, Operation Sovereign Borders, could have foundered on numerous occasions.

Government lawyers had claimed that the operation was beyond power while some senior officials fretted about the consequences for Australia’s relationship with Indonesia.

“But the government simply had to stop the boats — our national interest and our self-respect as a country demanded it,” he wrote.

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Comments - 11

Sri Lankan Monday, 28 March 2016 11:24 AM

Even today, we salute your decision sir. You did a great job against the internationals HR hypocrites.

peiris Monday, 28 March 2016 11:29 AM

It was not a civil war. It was a war against terror...

predictor Monday, 28 March 2016 11:47 AM

It is not a civil war. It was a war against the humanity by name of war against terrorism. via DM Android App

mike Monday, 28 March 2016 11:48 AM

We salute your decision not to support LTTE terrorist diaspora for cheap popularity.

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 28 March 2016 11:52 AM

Similar to MaRa, you were also close to the notorious including Packer the casino king. You decided to support MaRa activities only to further the activities of those notorious characters around you. This is also why you were kicked out very fast from PM.

Ravi Monday, 28 March 2016 12:41 PM

Selling Milk Powder

Neville Monday, 28 March 2016 01:19 PM

Only Buffaloa Citizen knows who Abbot isand what a racist he is.

narada Monday, 28 March 2016 01:47 PM

never had a civil war...

Jacoob Monday, 28 March 2016 02:07 PM

I am with you Citizen. Even in Srilanka itself , the current regime is taking cation to investigate the possible human rights violation took place during the war. Australia is a country said to be a lucky country goverened by unfortunately 2nd degree politician. That this Abboy guy was kicked out half way through. It isa total joke now he talk about his stand on srilankas human rights record. Howler !!!

mike Monday, 28 March 2016 02:57 PM

the name very well suits you buffalo he he! your leader prabakaran is gone man accpt da facts

Sharon Monday, 28 March 2016 03:15 PM

Thank you Sir.... We salute you.

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I was right to defend SL’s human rights record: Abbott

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