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Queen faces conflict on Sri Lanka summit

1 May 2013 08:59 am - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Diplomats said the Government had not yet decided to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) because of concerns over human rights abuses in the country but that the Palace must also take into account the views of 15 other countries where she is head of state on her presence.

"The Queen does consult the prime minister on travel to the Commonwealth but she also seeks the wider advice from her other realms among Commonwealth governments," an official said.

Major Commonwealth members have taken opposite stands on Sri Lanka fitness to hold the meeting. Canada has demanded a credible inquiry into allegations that up to 40,000 civilians were killed by Sri Lankan troops in the final phase of its war against Tamil rebels in 2009 before the summit can take place but Australia has condemned boycott proposals as "wrong".

Sir Malcolm Rifkind, MP, the former foreign secretary, said divisions in the Commonwealth should be resolved in the coming weeks so the Queen does not receive different views. "I think that the next few weeks should be used to force a sensible debate, so that at the very least, we can force the Sri Lankan government to take some serious measures to address the criticism that is being levelled," he said.

 "The Queen will never exercise explicit pressure on the governments where is she is head of state. She has an honorific role in the literal sense and is in a delicate position."

The Government hopes the summit can heap pressure on the Sri Lankan government to embrace "Commonwealth values"(The Telegraph)

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  Comments - 13

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  • KING KONG Wednesday, 01 May 2013 09:25 AM

    Any one visits our land will be warmly welcomed.....but we will not force anyone to visit. But be assured that we will not behave like the thugs in Tamil Nadu!

    Lobo Wednesday, 01 May 2013 09:39 AM

    The Q should recall how the British apologized for plundering, killing and suppressing their colonies before making her decision.

    Dilhan Wednesday, 01 May 2013 09:49 AM

    Why we still salute Queen

    galapitamada Wednesday, 01 May 2013 09:57 AM

    The whole world is like a law of the jungle

    Kondebedapucheena Wednesday, 01 May 2013 10:15 AM

    Diaspora control West

    Ranil Wednesday, 01 May 2013 11:03 AM

    Wont be missed, we have a king, queen and princeses and an army of lords and ladyships at least thats what they think

    RamUK Wednesday, 01 May 2013 11:09 AM

    just shut up.....

    Labby Wednesday, 01 May 2013 11:11 AM

    @Dilhan, either we honor the queen for what she is or we leave the Commonwealth. We can't have it both ways.

    RamUK Wednesday, 01 May 2013 11:11 AM

    she will politely refuse on medical grounds

    Calistus Jayatilleke Wednesday, 01 May 2013 11:18 AM

    The Queen should also be concerned about being killed considering the way the ruling politicians "murder the queen" when they speak. So, it is better for her to avoid traveling to this God forsaken place.

    vsh Wednesday, 01 May 2013 11:24 AM

    Queen for England, not for us, so who cares?

    Suq Madique Thursday, 02 May 2013 03:46 AM

    and we will excuse your comments also on medical grounds....

    Buffaloa Citizen Thursday, 02 May 2013 05:08 AM

    Only as murderers as done in 1956, 1958, 1977, 1983 and thereafter as war criminals in 2009.


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