US is bullying SL: US congressman

21 February 2013 09:39 pm - 25 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The United States should not bully a small country like Sri Lanka, considering the difficulties it has had to face during a 30 year conflict, a member of the US House of Representatives who is visiting Sri Lanka, said yesterday.

“Why is the United States taking the lead in bullying a small country like Sri Lanka; when Sri Lanka has gone through a terrible conflict? Should we be looking at other countries when our own situation is yet to be cleared, for example even with Vietnam,” Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin Faleomavaega, Jr., a non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives from American Samoa, speaking to a group of journalists said last evening.

He noted that Sri Lanka has made significant progress with regard to reconciliation and reconstruction and should not be antagonized by the international community at forums such as the United Nations Human Rights Council.

He further stated that the decision to sponsor a resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC was a violation of President Obama’s stance of foreign policy which was “focused on engagement rather than confrontation”.

When questioned on why his views were different to that of a delegation comprising of Deputy Assistant Secretary James R. Moore, Deputy Assistant Secretary Vikram Singh and Deputy Assistant Secretary Jane Zimmerman at the end of last month, he stated “Who have they been listening to? I am going to be questioning their assessment of the local scenario when I get back to the States,” he said.

Mr. Faleomavaega stated that he would question Assistant Secretary South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake at a hearing (to discuss South Asian affairs) in the US congress in the coming week. “I told President Rajapaksa that he must do what he feels is in the best national interest of Sri Lanka and its government and people. I told he may get criticized for it, but he still needed to do what he felt was best for the country,” Mr. Faleomavaega said.

He met with President Rajapakasa, the Secretary of Defense Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga. He has also met with Leader of the TNA R. Sambandan and visited Jaffna.

“I spoke with Mr. Sambandan and I recognize that it is an internal issue of politics that needs to be resolved,” he said. (Dianne Silva)

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Comments - 25

mimi Friday, 22 February 2013 08:59 AM

He has no voting rights, so he can say anything, and not face the consequences.

Sarathkumar Saturday, 23 February 2013 09:05 AM

you sri lankans are 1/4 boiled eggs

madu Saturday, 23 February 2013 08:01 AM

Shanthapriya,
But Jeyalalitha Aachchi has no bain.

Nodrog Saturday, 23 February 2013 12:46 AM

So does it mean that anyone with voting rights has to face the consequences for telling the truth?

lankan Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

that's like soooo true via DM Android App

Yuri Friday, 22 February 2013 01:08 PM

This is how they do, when 10 beating, one cry for you. this time Geneva tour will be diffrent

tjeyar Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

In Sri Lankan words whoever criticize Sri Lanka are half boiled fools. via DM Android App

rohana Friday, 22 February 2013 11:39 AM

Why should this congressman take small change from
GOSL when he can have billions of dollars from tamil
diaspora in America? cant you see!!

Uncle Sam Friday, 22 February 2013 10:07 AM

Why are so many positive comments being disliked?? I know that its freedom but shouldn't we all be supportive of something good for the country?

kali Friday, 22 February 2013 10:01 AM

This is to the moderator:

You are either very slow and cant cope with the volume or a Government supporter who doesn't wish to publish anything critical of your masters. Sad

CJ Friday, 22 February 2013 09:28 AM

Not this one Sam.

Rodger Williams Friday, 22 February 2013 09:00 AM

This manis one of the biggest crooks and financial embezzelment in the US, soon to be tried. What he says must be flushed down the toliet!!!

straight record Friday, 22 February 2013 09:01 AM

Obama is not a convert to Islam, and 90% of whites did not vote against him. Mr or Ms Asoka: produce the statistics. I suggest you stop fomenting racism.

Ane Apoi Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

True! but u r too small. No one will listen. via DM Android App

Sam Friday, 22 February 2013 08:45 AM

Just wait till he get back to U.S, don't judge people in advance, i don't think u guys know this gentlemen untill totay, untill u read this artical.

Sam Friday, 22 February 2013 08:24 AM

U.S. Congressman is not like our local MP's, they are very influential and stand for what they believe is right, that is why U.S is developed and we are undeveloped.

Diyawanna Jerome Friday, 22 February 2013 07:52 AM

Sir, Congressman, I salute you for telling the truth.

A. gunaratne Friday, 22 February 2013 07:24 AM

Im sure if the GOSL offers its troops to Afganistan or Iraq,USA and the Nato countries will be our best buddies!!!!non of these UN mandates will be ever presented....

Asoka Friday, 22 February 2013 07:10 AM

Your can't do anything thou Obama is president but white senate rule America. Obama is USA first muslim convert and first black president of America.

Asoka Friday, 22 February 2013 07:06 AM

This gentleman also minority American. He knows last USA Presidential Election 90% whites voted against America's first muslim converted first black President. Last Presidential election America divided to white America and minority America and this is well known secret and figures will give clear picture also.

Raja Friday, 22 February 2013 06:45 AM

Thank you Mr congressman for assuring you would take this up with the US authorities on US soil.

kumar Friday, 22 February 2013 06:37 AM

He is not talking the money offered by the SL Govt. talks.

Grace Friday, 22 February 2013 06:30 AM

Sir,

Why can't you tell this in your country.

Ranil Friday, 22 February 2013 05:27 AM

Walk the talk my good man

shanthapriya Friday, 22 February 2013 03:38 AM

THESE REMARKS MUST BE INJECTED TO THE BRAINS OF PEOPLE LIKE JAYALALITHA, RANIL W, ROBERT O BLAME , AND SO MANY SHORT SIGHTED FOOLS

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US is bullying SL: US congressman

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