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Ban hits out at Sri Lanka

16 March 2010 11:20 pm - 26     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon dismissed on Tuesday objections by Sri Lanka to his plan to establish a panel to look into possible human rights abuses there and said he would set it up without delay.

Ban told a news conference he was within his rights to appoint the commission of experts to probe possible violations during Sri Lanka's civil war despite a complaint from President Mahinda Rajapaksa this month that the move was unwarranted.

The UN chief also rejected as based on a "misunderstanding" a letter from non-aligned countries at the United Nations charging that he was exceeding his authority.

Ban said the appointment of the UN panel accorded with a joint statement with Sri Lanka issued after he visited Sri Lanka just after the end of the war last May.

"The panel I am establishing will advise me on the standards, benchmarks and parameters based on international experience that must guide any accountability process such as the one mentioned in the joint statement," he said.

"I am convinced that it is well within my power as the secretary-general of the United Nations to ask such a body to furnish me with advice of this nature," he said, adding that the group would report to him directly. "This does not in any way infringe on the sovereignty of Sri Lanka."

A statement issued by President Mahinda Rajapaksa's office on March 6 said the panel would be perceived as interference with the campaign for an April 8 general election and "would compel Sri Lanka to take necessary and appropriate action in that regard."

Ban said that despite the Sri Lankan objection and the non-aligned countries' letter there would be "no delay" in the establishment of the panel. He gave no further details of when it would be set up or who would serve on it.

The Sri Lankan government has denied charges of deliberately targeting civilians and other human rights breaches during the conflict with the Tigers.

Ban has come under pressure from critics who said that the timing of his visit, days after the end of the fighting, appeared to endorse the government's victory. (Reuters)
 

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  Comments - 26

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  • Wednesday, 17 March 2010 01:23 PM

    finally you stand up for UN. Good luck Sir!

    Thursday, 18 March 2010 12:09 AM

    In the event he appoints a panel of experts, he should get the ok from the SL President, regarding their background, intergrity, past performance, etc.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 10:54 PM

    Mr. Ban, this is a good and responsible reply, in your capacity as UN Secretary-General.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 10:43 PM

    Moon and Pillay want to justify their pay-packets.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 10:18 PM

    Mr. Moon, you may consider it within your power to set-up this advisory panel, but you should realize that it is also within the power of Sri Lanka not to let its members enter Sri Lanka, since we are a sovereign nation and not a 'colony' of the UN.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 07:35 PM

    Keep insisting that 'we did nothing wrong' by blocking inquiries and any sane person's suspicions will be aroused. Admit that there might well have been 'some shortcomings' (as it would be impossible to fight such a war without civillian casualties, even with a "zero casualty policy") and the pressure will gradually reduce.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 06:41 PM

    Please write your comments, in a decent manner. Prove to the world that Sri Lankans belong to a civilized society.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 04:36 PM

    MR Ban wha happend your advicer MR Nambiair he ran away to india who is behind the game.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 04:33 PM

    MR Ban it is to late srilanka hited you and UN for long time. before you.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 03:56 PM

    Ban, the shameless South Korian puppett is at it again. Heis gunning for his second term. Grinning like a monkey he is going to split UN into several groups.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 02:36 PM

    Ban Moon has become a joke of the world. Puppet of Pillay...

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 02:25 PM

    Sri Lanka has noting to fear. Let Moon appoint his panel.of experts.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 01:44 PM

    Ban will loose out in the end just like all the cock-a- doodles who supported the LTTE

    Tuesday, 16 March 2010 11:43 PM

    Like a tennis match, the ball is going from one side to the other!

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 01:18 PM

    Ban and SL, both are in denials.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 01:08 PM

    Hit Him With a CHUNK of SILENCE!

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 10:29 AM

    If Sri Lanka not voilated human right why is so scared? Face because SL in the under UN and UN have all power to do so.
    other wise there is no need UN and their Laws !!!!!

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 10:28 AM

    Govt is scared of the naked truth. Anything hidden is wrong.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 10:04 AM

    Ban -The stooge of western countries

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 09:35 AM

    Moonstruck!

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 09:20 AM

    of course, if you say so? you got some evidence?

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 09:13 AM

    SF is the good example of Sri lankan human right violation.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 08:58 AM

    but UN is in the pocket of some western powers!

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 08:57 AM

    Mmmm...just another eye wash!! For, your panel shall never step into Sri Lanka,they are going to stay somewhere outside to report you,and you'll make sure the report goes to the UN archives!!!

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 05:04 AM

    They seem to follow the example of military court of Sri Lanka. Hope that they will not stand on false allegations.

    Wednesday, 17 March 2010 04:56 AM

    Way to go Mr. Ban...
    UN is not in Sri Lanka but Sri Lanka is in UN


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