Fri, 29 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Video: US says it is working with a lot of nations on SL issue

19 March 2013 03:32 am - 24     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

While claiming that it is going ahead with its resolution against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the United States on Monday said it is working with a lot of governments who share its concerns about the lack of progress in Sri Lanka.

State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland, on Monday, told reporters at her daily news conference that, “It is not a surprise to the government of Sri Lanka that we are doing this. We made clear publicly and privately that this was a response to the fact that we just didn't see the kind of movement that was necessary.”

The following is the transcript of the briefing on Sri Lanka

QUESTION: If I can check with you on Sri Lanka. The U.S. delegation which is going to – in Geneva right now, the kind of talks you’re having with the Sri Lankan government and also the Indian government on this issue, do you have something to say on that?

MS. NULAND: Well, you know when we’ve spoken about it here that we are sponsoring a new resolution in the Human Rights Council and we’re working with a lot of governments who share our concerns about the lack of progress in Sri Lanka. It is not a surprise to the Government of Sri Lanka that we are doing this. We made clear publicly and privately that this was a response to the fact that we just didn’t see the kind of movement that was necessary. We didn’t see promises fulfilled. So we’re being very transparent with the Government of Sri Lanka, and we’re expecting strong support for the resolution that we’ve put forward.

QUESTION: But there are sections from the pro-LTT groups which are coming up very strongly in support of the resolutions in Geneva. Do you think that this – there are some critics who say the passing of this resolution will give boost to LTT activities not only in Sri Lanka but world over.

MS. NULAND: Well, the best thing that the Government of Sri Lanka could do for its own people and to undercut the claims of these groups would be to fulfill the obligations that it made to the international community to take the process forward. So that hasn’t happened, and we are taking more measures in the Human Rights Council to make clear that progress has been insufficient.

QUESTION: And then lastly, has the Indian government approached you for any change in the draft resolution?

MS. NULAND: I don’t have any details about the discussions that are ongoing. I’ll send you to our mission out there.

QUESTION: As far as the human rights in Sri Lanka are concerned, especially for the minorities and this new and old resolution at the United Nations, and Sri Lankan Ambassador also had been talking about this – these resolutions and progress in Sri Lanka. My question is that – have you been talking with the Sri Lankan government or their Ambassador here about these issues before the resolution or during this resolution? And what was their action or reaction?

MS. NULAND: I think I said in response to Lalit’s question that this – the fact that we were going to move forward in Geneva again was no surprise to the Government of Sri Lanka. I remember when the Foreign Minister was here last year and met with Secretary Clinton, she made clear that if we didn’t have progress, we would go forward. And that’s what we’ve done.

WATCH



Meanwhile, the final version of the resolution which is a toned down document as compared to the previous drafts of the US resolution on Sri Lanka was tabled at the UNHRC on Monday.
 
The final draft welcomes the announcement of Northern Provincial Council polls in September 2013 and acknowledges Sri Lanka’s progress in rebuilding infrastructure, resettlement of IDPs and demining but notes that much work lies ahead. The final draft of the US resolution on Promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka tabled at the Council at 6 p.m. Geneva time yesterday, has 32 co-sponsors, including the United States.
 
The full resolution;
 
 
 
The Human Rights Council,
 
Reaffirming the purposes and principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations,
 
Guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights and other relevant instruments,
 
Bearing in mind General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006,
 
Recalling Council resolutions 5/1 and 5/2 of 18 June 2007, on institution-building of the Human Rights Council,
 
Recalling Human Rights Council resolution 19/2 of 22 March 2012 on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka,
 
Reaffirming that it is the responsibility of each State to ensure the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of its entire population,
 
Reaffirming also that States must ensure that any measure taken to combat terrorism complies with their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, as applicable,
 
Welcoming the announcement by the Government of Sri Lanka to hold elections to the Provincial Council in the Northern Province in September 2013,
 
Welcoming and acknowledging the progress made by the Government of Sri Lanka in rebuilding infrastructure, demining, resettling the majority of internally displaced persons, and noting nonetheless that considerable work lies ahead in the areas of justice, reconciliation and resumption of livelihoods, and stressing the importance of the full participation of local populations, including representatives of civil society and minorities, in these efforts,
 
Taking note of the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission of Sri Lanka and its findings and recommendations, and acknowledging its possible contribution to the process of national reconciliation in Sri Lanka,
 
Taking note of the National Plan of Action to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission of the Government of Sri Lanka and its commitments as set forth in response to the findings and recommendations of the Commission,
 
Noting that the national plan of action does not adequately address all of the findings and constructive recommendations of the Commission,
 
Recalling the constructive recommendations contained in the Commission’s report, including the need to credibly investigate widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, demilitarize the north of Sri Lanka, implement impartial land dispute resolution mechanisms, re-evaluate detention policies, strengthen formerly independent civil institutions, reach a political settlement on the devolution of power to the provinces, promote and protect the right of freedom of expression for all and enact rule of law reforms,
 
Noting with concern that the National Plan of Action and the Commission’s report do not adequately address serious allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law,
 
Expressing concern at the continuing reports of violations of human rights in Sri Lanka, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, and violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as well as intimidation of and reprisals against human rights defenders, members of civil society and journalists, threats to judicial independence and the rule of law, and discrimination on the basis of religion or belief,
 
Calling upon the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfil its public commitments, including on the devolution of political authority, which is integral to reconciliation and the full enjoyment of human rights by all members of its population,
 
Expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka in facilitating the visit of a technical mission from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and encouraging the Government to increase its dialogue and cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner,
 
Noting the High Commissioner’s call for an independent and credible international investigation into alleged violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law,
 
1.       Welcomes the report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on advice and technical assistance for the Government of Sri Lanka on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka[1] and the recommendations and conclusions contained therein, in particular on the establishment of a truth-seeking mechanism as an integral part of a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to transitional justice;
 
2.       Encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations made in the report of the Office of the High Commissioner, and also calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to conduct an independent and credible investigation into allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as applicable;
 
3.       Reiterates its call upon the Government of Sri Lanka to implement effectively the constructive recommendations made in the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, and to take all necessary additional steps to fulfil its relevant legal obligations and commitment to initiate credible and independent actions to ensure justice, equity and accountability, and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans;
 
4.       Encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to cooperate with special procedures mandate holders and to respond formally to their outstanding requests, including by extending invitations and providing access;
 
5.       Encourages the Office of the High Commissioner and relevant special procedures mandate holders to provide, in consultation with and with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka, advice and technical assistance on implementing the above-mentioned steps;
 
6.       Requests the Office of the High Commissioner, with input from relevant special procedures mandate holders, as appropriate, to present an oral updateto the Human Rights Council at its twenty-fourth session, and a comprehensive report  followed by a discussion at the twenty-fifth session, on the implementation of the present resolution
 
 
 
Co-sponsors of the resolution;
 Austria, Canada, Croatia, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 24

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • DXB Tuesday, 19 March 2013 06:41 AM

    Gota , We belive that MR will give Reprimand to Gota to stop it !!!

    idroos2002 Tuesday, 19 March 2013 05:23 PM

    We successive regimes have helped the US to cause a prextext to interfere .As this lady had mentioned the militancy from t minorities could have been cut at the bud if the majority has allowed the them to practice their constitutional rights for the minorities simple as that .Its far far lesser than seperation.

    raj Tuesday, 19 March 2013 05:21 PM

    By failing attrocities that has taken place in Sri Lanka, now US is comforting dead bodies by passing this resolution. It will have no impact on the victims.

    dougg Tuesday, 19 March 2013 04:18 PM

    I'm sick of western and some EU selfish system.we have to be careful with them.

    janahanda Tuesday, 19 March 2013 12:14 PM

    Sanctions!Sanctions!Sanctions!Sanctions!

    Be fair...... Tuesday, 19 March 2013 07:04 AM

    USA is hyprocy and not a democracy. When drones kill innocent civilians, thats to protect world peace. The war in Sri lanka to them seems ethinc cleansing. How definitions can change.

    Srilankan Tuesday, 19 March 2013 06:54 AM

    How can you say that "ind"? lets do a voting in North East regarding this....

    kumar Tuesday, 19 March 2013 06:55 AM

    Tamils always liked to live peacefully with others. But the question is are you allowing them to do so? You are talking of highly populated Tamil speaking majority , can you tell us how many Tamil speaking MP's they have selected ? . Most of the Tamils living in Colombo are for the jobs, medical treatments, to go abroad etc. They are not permanent settlers of the city.

    jacoob Tuesday, 19 March 2013 06:44 AM

    Pa Pa parrot pa pa why tamil living with sinhalese .. pa pa ..parrot pa pa ..

    Ravindram Tuesday, 19 March 2013 06:42 AM

    1983 riots was the work of ignorant tamils who thought they were all powerful because they had the backing of India.

    Saman Tuesday, 19 March 2013 06:42 AM

    Funny all this coming from the biggest mass murderer in human history; the USA.

    wiren Tuesday, 19 March 2013 03:38 AM

    The US policy of interfering and ruining countries is well known. Iraq is a glaring example where no weapons of mass destruction were ever found despite the US insisting on it. SL should be wary of any interference by US.

    rafik Tuesday, 19 March 2013 06:30 AM

    Ind are you sure about your commend tamil people living peacfully in sri lanka did you came to north and east we are not alawed to open our mouth cotroled by your SLM.

    Migara Tuesday, 19 March 2013 06:23 AM

    Go and Correct your HR records ..THis is not to say GOV of SL is doing the correct thing..GOV of SL must have a honest and transparant approach to ethnic problem ..and HR of innocent Civiilinas Must be protected and corruption must be stoped.. SL is on fast tract to economic crisis due to wasteful nonstategic investment based on ego and so GOV please think about the country foe god's sake .

    HelloWorld Tuesday, 19 March 2013 05:59 AM

    then who should take the responsibility of attacking the mosques here in Sri lanka?

    Buffaloa Citizen Tuesday, 19 March 2013 05:53 AM

    Next you will be stating that the 1983 riots are also a making of USA...

    Banana Tuesday, 19 March 2013 05:48 AM

    The US no doubt is working with other countries towards regime change in Sri Lanka!!!!!

    ind Tuesday, 19 March 2013 04:48 AM

    Innocent Tamil people don't want any political solution or what ever. They only need is to live peacefully doing their jobs. Only Tamil people who live in abroad, Tamil political parties, NGOs and Countries like UK, US, Norway and few others want political solution. If Tamil people are so discriminated, why are they living peacefully with Sinhalese in other parts of Sri Lanka for decades. Remember, Colombo city is highly populated with Tamil people and Tamil speaking are the majority of the City !!!!!

    DXB Tuesday, 19 March 2013 04:35 AM

    US created huge negative image about Sri Lanka in Tamil Nadu , US should take the responisbiility of the assaults on Budhist clergies .

    Lankawick Tuesday, 19 March 2013 04:32 AM

    Sri Lanka can fullfill any / all promises......
    agree with any resolutions.....

    that will NOT work with the LTTE rump controlled Tamil diaspora....
    they will keep on screaming /for Eelaam...
    US will go along...hoping for a regime change....

    lkboy Tuesday, 19 March 2013 04:33 AM

    Q: and what sort of progress have you made in Iraq & Afghanistan?

    A: err.. sorry. what do you mean? I can't remember.

    Srilankan Tuesday, 19 March 2013 04:26 AM

    Good Move....Only political solution will give long lasting peace in Sri Lanka.

    Suq Madique Tuesday, 19 March 2013 04:00 AM

    The hidden agenda behind all this is to create a backlash and plunge us back into war and not for love of tamils or human rights violations.


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H