Fonseka backs UN probe

8 June 2010 01:01 pm - 33 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Jamila Najmuddin VIDEO

Detained former Army Chief, General Sarath Fonseka says he is ready to testify before a war crimes probe if there are allegations backed by evidence and also supported a UN investigation on Sri Lanka in order to clear the country's name.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mirror online via telephone from Parliament this evening, the General insisted that the army as a unit did not commit any war crimes but added that if any individual was involved then it should be investigated.

“If anybody has committed war crimes and if I know anything about it, if I get any indications I will always come out and expose anything. Anything within my knowledge will be exposed. If anyone has made any indication I’m ready to go into details and find out. Exposing war crimes is a duty of anybody in this country if it is within the knowledge of anybody. Exposing war crimes is an obligation and anybody trying to hide it means he is committing and encouraging war crimes,” the General told Daily Mirror online.

Asked if he agrees to a UN war crimes probe on Sri Lanka the former Army Commander, who was part of the military during the final stages of the conflict, said that as Sri Lanka is working very closely with recognized organizations in the world, if anyone comes out with specific details then the government should cooperate, investigate and clear its name.

“I was supervising the war very closely and personally. I was commanding and worked with all the military operators of the army and even the Air Force. I knew all the details. We didn’t leave any room for anybody to commit any war crimes. And I have always given assurances that the Sri Lanka army never committed any war crime. The air force also ensured no civilian casualties. But if anybody can point out that an individual had committed a war crime we are always there to go into detail and find out. There should not be anything for anyone to hush up or hide or cover you,” Fonseka, who is a Member of Parliament, added.

The General, who is facing charges of conspiring against the government, also said that he does not fear for his life despite Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa telling the BBC the General will “hang” if he betrays the country.

“I do not fear for my life…We are not frightened because we have not committed any mistakes,” the General added. (Daily Mirror online)

VIDEO

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Comments - 33

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 06:33 PM

This man knows how to both deal with things legally and handle things tactfully.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 04:20 PM

This personal vendetta - between Gota and SF - will be of no benefit to Sri Lanka!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 04:20 PM

Dear General, your's was a wonderful statement, unlike the Defence Secretary's. Those against you, are the cowards!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 04:26 PM

This is a clear indication that SF had nothing to do with the alleged war-crimes.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 04:41 PM

Fonseka has become a mere 'puppet' of the West. He will never get any support from the majority Sri Lankans.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 04:53 PM

They both fought the war together - one as a General and the other a Defence Secretary. If the General is a 'traitor' then Gota too, must also be a 'traitor.'

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 04:54 PM

This is the most diplomatic way in which to sort-out this problem!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 05:22 PM

Well done sir! You are a real hero!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 06:09 PM

Well said Genaral! You are the real hero of Sri Lanka!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 03:55 PM

I respect you sir, for taking responsibility and not trying to hide from it.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 06:54 PM

We salute you, General. You are the hero of our motherland!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 07:07 PM

Those who did not commit any crimes remain straightforward and 'rock-solid.' I salute SF, the true 'liberator' of our nation!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 07:07 PM

Glad you didn't stoop to the same level as ... Congratulations, on your comeback!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 08:10 PM

Remember, the international actors will do their job and vanish, leaving the Tamil population to face the brunt of the angered majority.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 08:31 PM

If war-crimes were comitted, the government should not 'hide' anything and let an independent investigation take place.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 08:53 PM

You are a great and brave son of Mother Lanka, sir!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 09:13 PM

IT IS STILL NOT TOO LATE TO APOLOGIZE AND RECONCILE WITH BOTH GOTABAYA AND THE PRESIDENT!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 02:07 PM

Ever heard of 'signing your own death warrant' General?

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 03:51 PM

Most people don't understand General Fonseka's excellenct diplomacy. Read between lines! He is saving our country by means of his hypothetical statement. He won't put the Defense Secretary in trouble either. The Government has no intention to get these war-crimes charges cleared.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 03:50 PM

How could you have 'supervised' the war while you were in China?

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 03:50 PM

The greatest patriot of our times! We salute you, for coming forward to clear the country's name.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 03:21 PM

This is rediculous. Be careful you two Gotabaya and Fonseka on whatever you say.Some are waiting to fish in the troubled water.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 03:18 PM

but what did he tell the BBC ? perera

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 03:12 PM

True leader, True Warrier and True sri Lankan. Long Live the General. You are the Sri Lankan Lion.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 03:02 PM

NO WONDER GOTA SAYS FONSEKA IS A TRAITOR!!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 02:55 PM

UN says there was war crimes committed, if so it is right the Army Commander of the day clarifies, and set the record correct.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 02:54 PM

Tee harder you hit him the harder he bounces back.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 02:32 PM

Mr.fonseka and Mr.Gota please drop your persannal differences.Think about contry first

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 02:22 PM

A VERY GOOD RESPONSE.

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 02:20 PM

cearing war crime accusation can build good harmony among communities in Sri Lanka and it can also preven futuere war crimes!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 02:20 PM

A real brave hero unlike the cowards who call themselves "patriots"

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 02:13 PM

regardless of who you are, I salute Sir for your daring effort to clear Sri Lanka's name from war crimes!

Tuesday, 08 June 2010 02:11 PM

fish dies due to ugly mouth

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Fonseka backs UN probe

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