March 19, 2012
by Zacki Jabbar
With India likely to back the US resolution to the UNHRC on accountability and reconciliation issues in Sri Lanka, to be taken up in Geneva this week, the government says that it is opposed to external monitoring of the implementation of the LLRC recommendations.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday told a joint sitting of parliament that his government was "inclined to vote in favour of the US Resolution if it covers our objectives, namely the achievement of a future for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka based on equality, dignity, justice and self respect."
"We are still waiting for the final draft, but we intend to vote in its favour", the Prime Minister, who is facing an ultimatum from the DMK, whose support is required to keep his government in power, had said, adding that "India has asked the Sri Lankan government to stand by its commitment to broaden the dialogue with political parties, including the Tamil National Alliance to achieve forward looking and meaningful devolution of power."
Cabinet Spokesman and Acting Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said on Friday, that the US Resolution did not refer to war crimes, but inter alia calls for "another team" to monitor the implementation of the LLRC’s recommendations, which was where the problem arose.
The crux of the resolution was that the eradication of terrorism should have been done in conformity with international law, refugees should have been protected and "Another Team" be appointed to monitor the implementation of the LLRC’s recommendations, he said.
The involvement of external monitors in what should be an internal process was questionable, the Minister observed, while adding that such assistance could be requested if the need arose.
The government was ready to face the US resolution that was scheduled to be taken up at the UNHRC on March 23, Yapa said adding "I cannot say if we would win or lose. Some members have been influenced to vote against us. We are confident of receiving India’s support. Special envoys have been sent to canvass the support of countries, where Sri Lanka does not have diplomatic missions."
The government was cooperating with the UNHRC, but would not be dictated to by local and foreign NGOs. Representatives of a particular NGO had arrived in Geneva and were receiving special treatment, he said.
The Minister said that the problems faced by the Tamils who were displaced by the war, would be speedily addressed.
