Lanka backs Israel's war

21 July 2010 05:04 pm - 48 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel and former Chief of Staff Donald Perera says Lanka is a staunch supporter of Israel's fight against Palestinian terror. He also says the Palestinians should be offered direct negotiations, without preconditions.

"No one wants bloodshed. The other side (Palestinians) should be offered direct negotiations, without preconditions, to determine its level of seriousness. These talks should focus on trying to reach a compromise that would allow both sides to sign an agreement," he said in and interview with Yedioth Ahronoth.

"In case the other side shows it is not interested in a compromise, (Israel) must move on to the military phase with full force. (The government) will have to explain to the citizens that (Israel) is headed for a long and difficult struggle that will exact a heavy price, but at the end of this struggle the country's situation will be much better," says the ambassador.

"Once you have the public's support, you should fight relentlessly until all of the terror hubs are destroyed. There is no going back."

"For years Israel has aided our war on terror through the exchange of information and the sale of military technology and equipment," says Perera.

"Our air force fleet includes 17 Kfir warplanes, and we also have Dabur patrol boats. Our pilots were trained in Israel, and we have received billions of dollars in aid over the past few years. This is why I asked to be assigned to Israel – a country I consider a partner in the war against terror. Many Sri Lankans admire Israel," says Perera, a native of the capital Colombo.

Addressing the deadly May 31 commando raid on a Gaza-bound Turkish ship, Perera says, "As a military man I can understand that Israel had to protect itself. Due to Sri Lanka's vast experience in fighting terror, I can say that it will always support countries that also oppose (terror)."

Despite its warm relations with Israel, Sri Lanka has also managed to maintain close ties with the Jewish state's biggest threat – Iran. "Sri Lanka is a developing nation in need of assistance. Iran helps us in the civilian realm," he says. "As to the sanctions imposed on (Tehran), these things should be discussed in the different forums. The Sri Lankan government is in favor of imposing military – not civilian – sanctions." (Ynetnews)

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Comments - 48

Mohamed Shafraz Thursday, 22 July 2010 05:51 AM

This is not just Muslim's issue, it is all about justice and injustice.

mehelar dubai Thursday, 22 July 2010 03:59 AM

Who sent this donky as a Ambassador

spark Thursday, 22 July 2010 04:14 AM

Watch out...many housemaids are going to lose their jobs in the middle east because of this statement.

Cynic Thursday, 22 July 2010 04:21 AM

Hope the Mahinda Rajapakse Road in Palestine is not renamed.

migsi Thursday, 22 July 2010 04:38 AM

we should admire friends who have helped us.you have simply said that openly well done ambassoder perera,there is nothing wrong with our own opinions.

Saj Thursday, 22 July 2010 04:51 AM

Guys..We just got relief from a long war, All communities are relaxed and thinking about a better future. We have lost more than enough from our lives, economy and so. Don't do the mistakes again and again, Find some better friends NOT Israel!!

Indira baron Thursday, 22 July 2010 04:57 AM

The man obviously knows nothing about Palestinians!

Saradial Thursday, 22 July 2010 05:23 AM

Do you have any Idea about the difference between terrorism and freedom fighting?

Ibnu Batuta Thursday, 22 July 2010 05:30 AM

Is this the stance of the government and President Mahinda Rajpakse who is considered to be a friend and staunch supporter of Palestine....?

Saibu Nana Thursday, 22 July 2010 05:30 AM

He is not speaking his own word...he is speaking the stance of GOSL..........so muslim community in SL should consider wheather is that still worth supporting MR Government or not....

psyke Thursday, 22 July 2010 05:36 AM

Guess who is poking at other countries now ?

bugger Thursday, 22 July 2010 05:44 AM

Huh, whats happening here

suwimal Thursday, 22 July 2010 03:57 AM

Now, this is a wholly different ball game. Is the govt going to say that the comments made were ambassador's personal opinion and not the govt's view point, as some minister announced when Weerawansa threatened to beseige UN Office in Colombo? Is our govt. going to be the international joker?

Faqi Thursday, 22 July 2010 06:12 AM

Yes we all know the difference. It all depends which side you are on. The LTTE fighters for Tamils were freedom fighters. So it applies to both sides. One mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter. Depends on which side you are on.

sandman Thursday, 22 July 2010 06:14 AM

This is the problem when you send non-diplomatic personnel on diplomatic assignments. His very words are UNDIPLOMATIC, so just imagine what damage this guy would do to Sri Lanka's image and credibility. And the big JOKE is that the President of this country, was/is involved in the Palestinian cause for a long time !!!!! Sri Lanka a LAND OF CONTRADICTIONS !!!!!

Faqi Thursday, 22 July 2010 06:19 AM

I wish more people look at it that way. Justice for the Palestinians and Justice for Israelis. But the terrorists will not allow it. There have been many instances in the past, where there was a breakthrough & a chance for a Just peace between the two parties, but just at time the terrorists would either blow up a civilian bus or attack civilians in a crowded market. Then everything l falls through. One cannot negotiate with terrorists.
The day terrorism is eradicated then peace would come. All humans want to live in peace no one really wants war.

Faqi Thursday, 22 July 2010 06:21 AM

spark - It will be a blessing in disguise if that happens. No housemaid should be sent to any middle eastern country. They treat them as slaves.

Shiyaz Thursday, 22 July 2010 06:51 AM

is this a double policy of the MR Government????

azath Thursday, 22 July 2010 06:53 AM

This is true color of the govt, The palastininan friend organization is only to get Muslims votes. Wake up Muslims

Roshan Thursday, 22 July 2010 07:25 AM

Donald Perera MUST aplogise for his remarks.

Ram Thursday, 22 July 2010 10:27 AM

He should be recalled

hue Thursday, 22 July 2010 12:21 PM

Park, Good question (Does he know the Sri Lankan policy on the Middle East?)

In fact do anyone except MR know the Sri Lankan policy on the Middle East?

Ranjith Thursday, 22 July 2010 03:12 PM

Donals has this of the limit even during his services. He does not know his limits. Poor Donanl (Duck?).

Sraradial Wednesday, 30 July 2014 06:22 AM

We should support justice not friend.

jagath Wednesday, 21 July 2010 08:21 PM

Our diplomacy is going in the wrong direction!

shiva Wednesday, 21 July 2010 05:41 PM

This guy is talking scrap, just to get in to Israel.....Whose country whose fighting.....!!!!

Don't know who sends the jokers as Ambassador

hamza Wednesday, 21 July 2010 06:42 PM

What will H.E. the President have to say, his being so sympathetic towards the people of Palastine and their struggle?

Yohan Wednesday, 21 July 2010 06:47 PM

A government, which 'does not read from the same hymn sheet' - no policy, no principles, no values!

Rattapakse Wednesday, 21 July 2010 06:49 PM

Does he know that President Rajapakse both WAS and IS a supporter of Palestine's cause? These guys should be trained to know 'what' and 'what not' to say!

M Wednesday, 21 July 2010 06:51 PM

Playing a sick, two-faced game!

NADARAJAH SETHURUPAN Wednesday, 21 July 2010 07:11 PM

Mahinda Rajapaksa has been the President of the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine for over 28 years.

Chandima Abayawarden Wednesday, 21 July 2010 07:28 PM

Careful with your words!

Hash Wednesday, 21 July 2010 07:28 PM

We are blaming the Americans and still following them ... It's like 'the crab's story'!

park Wednesday, 21 July 2010 07:39 PM

Does he know the Sri Lankan policy on the Middle East?

Navin Wednesday, 21 July 2010 07:43 PM

At last, a man of sense! Israel too is like Sri Lanka, a wonderful country - in a bad neighborhood! It, too, faces many enemies, from diverse locations. We are with the nation of Israel, always!

I Hussein Wednesday, 21 July 2010 07:48 PM

What an irresponsible statement!

citizen1 Wednesday, 21 July 2010 05:17 PM

I wonder what all those Palestinian supporters fom the govt wll have to say!!

Damith Wednesday, 21 July 2010 08:23 PM

Bravo! You have the SPINE to speak the truth sir! We admire it ... If they need peace, let them come forward and discuss the terms ... Don't let them play 'hide and seek' games ... Those who criticize Israel don't talk about how the Katyushka rocket strikes killed innocent civilians and kids in Tel Aviv.
Every war has two sides ... Try to understand this, fellow commenters ...

Edward Wednesday, 21 July 2010 08:59 PM

There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent self interests!

Lankan Wednesday, 21 July 2010 09:02 PM

Extending our support to any country will have no impact as Sri Lanka is considered a country which doesn't value human rights. All 'credit' should go to our national leaders for this.

Shanil Samarakoon Wednesday, 21 July 2010 09:24 PM

So inconsistent!

Faqi Wednesday, 21 July 2010 09:47 PM

'Shiva,' there is sense in what he says. He only says to destroy the terrorists and then negotiate for a peaceful solution. There is nothing wrong in that. I agree 100% with what he says. I have traveled in the area a few times and have observed what is happening at ground level. Israel is fighting for its very existence, every day. Israel has helped many third world countries to improve their agriculture & infrastructure.

Nesh Wednesday, 21 July 2010 09:57 PM

Did Sri Lanka offer 'direct negotiations without preconditions'?

Lankawick Wednesday, 21 July 2010 10:13 PM

Remember that Isreal supported Sri Lanka to defeat the LTTE! Isreal is our friend.

DaveRich Thursday, 22 July 2010 12:22 AM

This person doesn't know what consequences await him.

Shakir Thursday, 22 July 2010 02:55 AM

What is the response of government for his comment. Are you approving this? Or you are going to take action against him

Anil Thursday, 22 July 2010 03:46 AM

Mahinda was President of Sri lanka Palestine Friendship Society. What has happened to this friendship ?

MaPer Thursday, 22 July 2010 03:48 AM

Why are we inteferfering in other countries' internal affairs if we dont like other countries interfering in ours?

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Lanka backs Israel's war

Comments - 48

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