EU, Lanka in GSP talks

10 July 2010 06:00 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Sri Lankan government had talks with heads of missions and representatives of EU Member States and the European Union in order to discuss matters relating to the future of the EU GSP+ process, the Sri Lankan External Affairs Ministry said today.

According to the statement External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris had told the delegation at the meeting yesterday the Sri Lanka will consider constructive proposals by the European Commission on GSP plus, which did not compromise the dignity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

The Minister stated that he had noted the recent statements made by the Ambassador of the European Union in Sri Lanka relating to the EU’s wish to continue the dialogue relating to GSP+ by overcoming misperceptions and obstacles.

In this regard, the Minister reiterated that while the objective of the Government is to find a way forward with a view to restoring the benefits of GSP+ to the people of Sri Lanka, the government has clearly stated that it was not in a position to proceed on the basis of the unacceptable conditions and ultimatum stated in the letter dated 17th June 2010.

The Ambassador of the European Union thanked the Minister for External Affairs for the briefing on the position of the government on the letter sent by the European Commission on 17th June 2010. The Ambassador reiterated that the objective of the European Commission at this point was to find a way forward in a mutually acceptable manner. He also stated that the Commission will explore modalities in order to react constructively to the views expressed by the government, and resume forward-looking discussions.

The Minister agreed to consider constructive proposals by the European Commission in this regard, which did not compromise the dignity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. The Ambassadors of EU, France and Netherlands, as well as Charges of UK, Germany and Romania were present at the Meeting, together with Senior Officials of the Ministry of External Affairs. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 10

karai Kattai Saturday, 10 July 2010 06:27 AM

I think this GSP saga has no end. The same G L Peiris said he will not give into the demand of EU. So what is there to talk. Over to you MR Peiris.

ruwan Saturday, 10 July 2010 08:39 AM

This GSP wound is coming again.if you dont have this people will get used to the life without GSP.This is the only lead EU has to bully us.

Nandimithra Saturday, 10 July 2010 08:40 AM

Is GL implying that EU is pushing us to give us GSP+ or is he backtracking from his high horse and he called in the Ambassadors asking for another chance..

Louisa Saturday, 10 July 2010 08:53 AM

What a pity. It looks like it is the EU who cannot let go in this instance. S/L should not agree to any conditions which are detrimental to the country.

Amaris Saturday, 10 July 2010 10:03 AM

Again and again and again
Come on !!!

Rajesh Saturday, 10 July 2010 10:50 AM

I think GL has gone back to EU, asking them to reconsider, but while maintaining SL Govt's position.... He's gone back to say sorry and compromise "diplomatically".....

MARS Saturday, 10 July 2010 02:46 PM

GSP and Weerawansa drams will come to an end soon.

senra Saturday, 10 July 2010 03:02 PM

Please EU, restore this help. Our professionals - engineers, doctors, scientists, managers depend on these for there pay check since the blue collar workers are the ones who shoulder the economy in SL. The higher education in SL is going on ONLY for sixty yeras which is too short for professionals to develop a knowledge based economy

Lakshman Sunday, 11 July 2010 03:32 AM

Central bank says there is no impact without GSP+ and this minister says he will not beg for it. Our politicians don't know what they are talking. SHAME

raj Sunday, 11 July 2010 04:05 AM

Like UN, EU should also trust Sri Lanka's EM!

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EU, Lanka in GSP talks

Comments - 10

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