UN, EU concerned over violence

21 January 2010 02:22 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the European Union, in separate statements, expressed concerns over the pre-election violence in Sri Lanka. Both the UN and the EU also called on Sri Lanka to ensure a free and fair election.

Mr. Ban called on all Sri Lankan parties and their supporters to refrain from violence, abide by the electoral laws and rules, and avoid provocative actions both during and after the election period, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.

“The peaceful conduct of the first post-conflict national election is of the highest importance for long term peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka,” the Secretary-General stressed.

The European Union's foreign-policy director, Catherine Ashton, is 'deeply concerned' by political violence in Sri Lanka, a statement released in Brussels said.

Ashton is 'deeply concerned by mounting pre-electoral violence in Sri Lanka, which has already caused deaths and numerous injured,' the statement said.

'A peaceful environment is an essential prerequisite to free and fair elections,' and Ashton 'calls on all parties in Sri Lanka to actively contribute to a climate of serenity in which the people of Sri Lanka can choose their political leadership in free, fair and unbiased elections,' the EU statement said. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 17

Thursday, 21 January 2010 05:12 AM

Another foreign conspiracy?

Friday, 22 January 2010 04:13 PM

Well Quinton - you got the wrong end of the stick. Waky waky

Thursday, 21 January 2010 02:06 PM

Quire right, Manel. Let them leave us alone to kill our own. We don't need advice from foreigners on how to go about such matters. We 'll carry the Begging Bowl to them but let them just shut up and pay up.

Thursday, 21 January 2010 02:02 PM

Why is Mr Moon worried? It is the UN that rigs the elections.
Jan Chandra

Thursday, 21 January 2010 12:51 PM

Mr.Ban, Please concern over Afghanistan and Iraq not Sri -Lanka.

Thursday, 21 January 2010 12:08 PM

Dear "MOON",

Where is your and the US, EU's congradulatory message for Sri Lnaka eradicating the the "SUN" god. First send that before you preach!!

Thursday, 21 January 2010 06:26 AM

Dear Moon, don't put hurdles on our way to "FIVE STAR DEMOCRACY'.

Thursday, 21 January 2010 06:26 AM

The way things are moving I doubt it will be a free & fair election.

Thursday, 21 January 2010 06:13 AM

Ensure a free and fair election!!!
Don't dictate. We are having 'Five Star Democracy" in SL.
Use of public media is a very good example.

Thursday, 21 January 2010 02:42 AM

Its upto the govt to assure a free & fair election to prove their credentials to the international community. Govt says it is so efficient, doesnt it. In order to secure the GSP & other similar benefits from the int'l community, the elections have to be free and fair.

Thursday, 21 January 2010 05:07 AM

Only way to do that is to send in the observers'. Simply talking is all the UN does anyway !

Thursday, 21 January 2010 04:48 AM

Mr Wimal...an Another "International Conspiracy" !.

Thursday, 21 January 2010 04:40 AM

As long as these international organisation show discrimination in expressing their concern over violation of human rights and other cruelty against humanity, there can be no impact on what they say. Therefore they must set an example as neutral organisations if they are really doing justice to the world community.

Thursday, 21 January 2010 04:36 AM

Though UN&EU can't be umpires, be match refreies and thirdUmpires.

Thursday, 21 January 2010 03:19 AM

UN secretary mr koon you are late in action . this is your standed. we are s orry about y ou. srilanka matters you failed to do in a proper time.

Thursday, 21 January 2010 03:04 AM

Pre-Election violence... in Sri Lanka...? Never heard...!.

Thursday, 21 January 2010 02:52 AM

What an utterly disgraced elections. It is hard to believe opposition led by RW will ever work towards a common interest nor SF has any idea what damage he has done by entering politics. Both main candidates must hold responsibility about their supporters. Destroying property and killing people cannot be forgiven and should treat with criminal law. With the events unfolding in Sri Lanka, I am now convinced we have more enemies than LTTE.

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UN, EU concerned over violence

Comments - 17

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