India, Australia back CHOGM in SL

31 October 2013 12:02 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Australian and Indian foreign ministers say they will not follow Canada in boycotting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka due to concerns over the country's human rights issues.

Speaking at a press conference with her Indian counterpart Salman Khurshid in Perth on Thursday, Julie Bishop said it was important to engage with Sri Lanka as it rebuilt itself in the aftermath of 30-year civil conflict.

"It's our view that Commonwealth countries should work with Sri Lanka to meet the challenges that they face and we certainly will be encouraging countries to do that," Ms Bishop said.

"We have sent that message to Canada in a number of ways. They make their own decision obviously.

"But both Prime Minister Tony Abbott and I will be there, working with the Sri Lankan government, encouraging the Sri Lankan government to address its challenges to be a contributing regional and Commonwealth global nation.

"We think that's essential for the long-term prospects of reconciliation in Sri Lanka."

Mr Khurshid said he would attend, but it was yet to be confirmed whether Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would also be there.

He said it was important that the Commonwealth was strengthened.

"People have very strong deep-rooted views about what should be done," he said.

"There are obviously very, very serious concerns that may have been felt in domestic terms by the Canadian government.

"But I think it is important for leaders to take some things in their stride and look at the larger picture and the commitment that we all have to the Commonwealth."

Mr Khurshid is in Perth for key talks at the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation meeting on Friday. (Source: AAP)

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Comments - 15

Saskia Thursday, 31 October 2013 12:17 PM

You will feel the pain later. Just ask yourself if Srilanka complies to the Common wealth's principles. You have played with thousands of lives. May the god teaches you the lessons.

Ceylonese Thursday, 31 October 2013 12:47 PM

However the Australian governments main concern is to stop the influx of boat people from Sri Lanka.

Suq Madique Thursday, 31 October 2013 01:17 PM

These are voices of sanity unlike the morons from Canada and New Zealand

Fawzan Thursday, 31 October 2013 04:53 PM

India is a party to the alleged atrocities committed in Sri Lanka. It bounds to hide all the crime committed in Sri Lanka.

Be Fair Thursday, 31 October 2013 05:36 PM

Well, I will be cautious of their approach.
Hope they wont come here and hold us for hostage on the HR matter. For me life need to go on, all of us SRI LANKANS have paid a price for 30 years on this damn war, NO MORE of it PLEASE

antonsunil77 Thursday, 31 October 2013 08:49 PM

The world over knows the truth, but some so called champions of human rights are are using Our country as a scape goat to hide their human right abuses. E.g Uk, USA, Malaysia etc.

Shehan Thursday, 31 October 2013 08:56 PM

@ Suq Madique

Correct me if I'm wrong, my understanding is that New Zealand will be attending CHOGM.

As for Canada, it is their sole decision which everyone should respect.

Park Thursday, 31 October 2013 09:54 PM

Do not misunderstand, they are not supporting Sri Lanka but supporting the Commonwealth institution.

Nims Thursday, 31 October 2013 10:28 PM

Indian Prime Minister had to take the decision. If not India too will end up in the same shit that Sri Lanka suffered for 30 years. No one can trust the Tamil Nadu politicians. Indian Prime Minister took the decision in the interest of the future of India

MJ Thursday, 31 October 2013 11:49 PM

The world is not black and white. It's filled with shades of gray. Canada and Tamil Nadu are trying to use an external conflict (Sri Lanka) to maneuver their domestic political agendas. Thank god the rest of the world wont be drinking from their Kool-Aid.

ram Friday, 01 November 2013 02:48 AM

MJ you can see the reaction of rest of the world after CHOGM

Chandima Friday, 01 November 2013 02:52 AM

It is really painful for your right! :DD

sanath Friday, 01 November 2013 02:55 AM

canada and india's governments are worrying about their next election.

Kiris Baba Amaray Friday, 01 November 2013 04:05 AM

Yes Sir, we welcome your valuable statement, I appreciate your braveness indeed. You or the Australian Foreign Minister never bothered about "Canada"

ANTON Friday, 01 November 2013 05:08 AM

SOON THERE WILL BE A NEW STATE IN CANADA, LITTLE MADURAI

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India, Australia back CHOGM in SL

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