India’s abstention at UNHRC vote on SL ‘a political decision’

4 April 2014 01:38 pm - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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India’s decision to abstain from voting on the U.S.-sponsored resolution at the UNHRC against alleged war crimes by Sri Lanka was taken at the “political” level for the welfare of the Tamils in that country, the External Affairs Ministry said on Friday.

“Any decision relating to foreign policy is a political decision, is it not? And no official will take a decision without taking a political sign off,” Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh told PTI.

Ms. Singh was replying to a question about Finance Minister P. Chidambaram’s remarks last week that the decision of abstention could have been taken by officials in the External Affairs Ministry.

Expressing unhappiness, Mr. Chidambaram had further said, “Twenty three countries had supported it and we also should have supported even if it was a watered down one.”

The Foreign Secretary said India abstained from voting on the resolution as it was “extremely intrusive” and that New Delhi has always been against any country-specific resolution in UNHRC.

“The last two resolutions called upon Sri Lankan government to look into the issue and to work toward reconciliation. This year the resolution was extremely intrusive. It proposed an international mechanism, an open ended international mechanism, and in our mind we do not want such an intrusive mechanism,” she said.

The Foreign Secretary said the decision to abstain was “based on our analysis” of the issue.

This is for the first time that India abstained from voting on the resolution — ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’.

“It’s not just showing solidarity with the Tamils in Sri Lanka for the sake of showing solidarity. We have to be able to get results on the ground and we have to show to Tamils in Sri Lanka that we are able to help them.

“You know the biggest housing project in the world is being implemented over there (by India),” she said. (The Hindu)

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Comments - 8

mack Friday, 04 April 2014 09:08 PM

then why did you vote in favour of it last time???hypocritical and cowered decision via DM Android App

Dilshan Saturday, 05 April 2014 03:56 AM

India is correct. last two years also were Political Decisions. We, as one of the members of UN and other world bodies, can't force or demand others to vote for us. We can't say that "If someone vote for us, it's good; if not hypocrisy !!!". Such thinking is the real hypocrisy. via DM Android App

Thanga Friday, 04 April 2014 10:56 PM

This news confirms the statement made by P. Chidambaram that the decision to abstain during voting was taken by the officials. Of course Chidambaram as a cabinet minister trotted out a lame excuse. On an important issue like this resolution he and G.K.Vasan should have initiated a cabinet discussion arrive at a decision but instead he was looking up the star!

It is up to the Ceylon Thamils to say what is good for them and what is not good for them. The TNA has expressed disappointment and regret over the way India voted.

It is true that India has launched a 50,000 housing scheme for war victims, but that is not a substitute for human dignity.

________________________________________

ranjithsilva Saturday, 05 April 2014 12:16 AM

Well, the whole fact behind the proposal was Political, mind you. This was not the end and will be more in the future as per analysis.

Suq Madique Saturday, 05 April 2014 02:08 AM

Come on India...maybe your ignorant masses will believe you but we know better. What was the price this time...release of the fishermen and possibly the 20/20 world cup title?

dharmapala Saturday, 05 April 2014 02:09 AM

indian prime minister has no right to interfear in asoveringing country,last two times india voted against srilanka. it is not only policits .it is a human rights ,constitution is a political. and human rights also politics.consitution is for human live.the congress party has enough problem in india,it is difficult to win coming election.

ahamad Saturday, 05 April 2014 02:20 AM

mack, she has very clearly explained why they voted last time and did not do so this time. Read the article before commenting.

Ocean Saturday, 05 April 2014 03:30 AM

Isn't that funny? India has so many thousands of people without houses and they help Sri Lanka to build? :) what next?

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India’s abstention at UNHRC vote on SL ‘a political decision’

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