Canadian PM won’t attend CHOGM

7 October 2013 07:33 am - 38 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper while confirming he would not attend the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo said the Sri Lankan government had failed to uphold the core values of the Commonwealth.

Issuing a statement Harper said, “It is clear that the Sri Lankan government has failed to uphold the Commonwealth’s core values, which are cherished by Canadians. As such, as the Prime Minister of Canada, I will not attend the 2013 CHOGM in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This is a decision that I do not take lightly.”

The full statement:

“When Sri Lanka was selected to host the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Canada was hopeful that the Sri Lankan government would seize the opportunity to improve human rights conditions and take steps towards reconciliation and accountability. Unfortunately, this has not been the case.

“Canada is deeply concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka. The absence of accountability for the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian standards during and after the civil war is unacceptable.

“Canada noted with concern the impeachment of the Sri Lankan Chief Justice earlier this year, and we remain disturbed by ongoing reports of intimidation and incarceration of political leaders and journalists, harassment of minorities, reported disappearances, and allegations of extra judicial killings.

“Canada believes that if the Commonwealth is to remain relevant it must stand in defence of the basic principles of freedom, democracy, and respect for human dignity, which are the very foundation upon which the Commonwealth was built.

“It is clear that the Sri Lankan government has failed to uphold the Commonwealth’s core values, which are cherished by Canadians. As such, as the Prime Minister of Canada, I will not attend the 2013 CHOGM in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This is a decision that I do not take lightly.

“Canada will continue to monitor events in Sri Lanka and urge the government to implement fully the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, promote respect for human rights and the rule of law, and undertake an independent investigation into alleged violations of the human rights of thousands of civilians at the end of the conflict.

“Canada will continue to work with our partners and through the United Nations to draw attention to the situation in Sri Lanka. I have also asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs to review Canada’s financial contributions to Commonwealth programs and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

“The Honourable Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, will represent Canada at the meeting in Colombo.”

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Comments - 38

lankan Monday, 07 October 2013 04:01 PM

Seems like he is being bought !

Mangala Monday, 07 October 2013 12:30 PM

Who's big brother? may be yours, not ours. I am happy canadians not come here, some of money will not need to spend. If India not attend, that is better. CHOGM is old chap. Which is main human rights violator on those days. We are still shows our idiotism by preparing CHOGM by our tax payers money. Who killed our heros, back on 1700 to 1948? To me, this is kind of betray of our heroes. Well, what can accept from black whites. We still not got real patriotic leader.

muru Monday, 07 October 2013 12:42 PM

No Sir, ur a third class

Senaka S. Monday, 07 October 2013 12:54 PM

Sir, You decision was the BEST, and hope other would follow.

aja Monday, 07 October 2013 01:01 PM

why india.

Abdullah Monday, 07 October 2013 01:07 PM

Canada is a country with conscience.

Cobra Monday, 07 October 2013 01:10 PM

What he's done is o.k. by me but I am a little suspicious about the real motive behind the move!!!

Grace Monday, 07 October 2013 01:11 PM

Canada is stooping to such a low tactic to impress voters

Nihal B D Monday, 07 October 2013 01:27 PM

You better tell that to the Queen, who is the head of the Commonwealth states. Your absence will not be felt by us but your people who would think you cannot sort out issues related to CHOGM.

Jinadasa,J Monday, 07 October 2013 02:22 PM

Excellent act Mr.Prime Minister. Yes, human rights in SL are very bad. Jinadasa

Wadepiya Monday, 07 October 2013 12:17 PM

Very good. Don't come Less expences for SL. Eat a Vade and drink a tea and watch the CHOGM happenings on TV or Web.You are giving excuces about HR violations in SL; but SL too has some tough questions to you. That's why you are avoiding CHOGM. Whether you come or not CHOGM will take place as planned.

sss Monday, 07 October 2013 04:14 PM

May be he is busy enjoying the aftermath of the humanitarian effort he supported in Libya

saranga Tuesday, 08 October 2013 12:39 AM

Who gives a rat-ass about Canada

Jeewan Tuesday, 08 October 2013 09:03 AM

In Afghanitan,Iraq and Libya he showed the world "his Brand of Human Rights." He will get a thosai on his face very soon.

CHC Tuesday, 08 October 2013 09:15 AM

How would you know? You have proof?

CHC Tuesday, 08 October 2013 09:16 AM

I agree completely with you Saranga.

Suq Madique Tuesday, 08 October 2013 09:23 AM

Canada has exchanged their spine and conscience for a few tamil refugees votes.

Yuri Tuesday, 08 October 2013 10:11 AM

Actually Canada is highly Civilized. not gong to sit next to White van Drivers

Rohan Tuesday, 08 October 2013 10:55 AM

Hey Buiffalo the canadian PM is the best for the tamils and the diaspora.

FOX Monday, 07 October 2013 11:12 AM

HAT'S OFF SIR!

R Liyanage Monday, 07 October 2013 09:34 AM

W dont care of Canadians! but we would badly need our big brother India attending to the Event.

willows Monday, 07 October 2013 09:40 AM

go and fly a kite Sir.

mahinda attanayaka Monday, 07 October 2013 09:52 AM

Dear sir
As you mentioned your statement is not right. We try to do the best to Sri Lankan. We like to do more to us more than you. Because it is our country .as you know everywhere can find out short comes. Even your own country check back, how is??? So if you cannot come please keep silence without talking useless.

nihal Monday, 07 October 2013 09:53 AM

so who cares. They have to care about their vote base. Other thna that nothing is there.

sach Monday, 07 October 2013 10:03 AM

3rd grade acts to get immigrant votes

CHC Monday, 07 October 2013 10:03 AM

Good ridden of Bad Rubbish......!!!

vin Monday, 07 October 2013 10:05 AM

No one gives a shit about Canada anyway

OMG Monday, 07 October 2013 10:25 AM

One down!!

Gobi Monday, 07 October 2013 10:29 AM

Good move..Hope other contries to follow

Ceylonese Monday, 07 October 2013 09:33 AM

Backing killer LTTERs openly.

kumar Monday, 07 October 2013 11:13 AM

I think your comment is a 3rd grade one.

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 07 October 2013 11:16 AM

Well done, one country in the common wealth with a back bone and clear conscience.

CW Monday, 07 October 2013 11:16 AM

expel them from commonwealth.

ind Monday, 07 October 2013 11:45 AM

Who cares. will get the consequences very soon for cradling LTTE.

Dinal Monday, 07 October 2013 11:50 AM

Who gives a damn.......
Read Canada's Human rights record on its native people.....

nimal Monday, 07 October 2013 12:00 PM

No matter ,No harm,Everything will be ok!

Javi Monday, 07 October 2013 12:03 PM

Carrot hanging on stick

KP Monday, 07 October 2013 12:17 PM

in your dreams...

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Canadian PM won’t attend CHOGM

Comments - 38

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