EU concerned over Sri Lanka's human rights and accountability 
Tue, Mar 12, 2013, 11:08 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Mar 12, Colombo: The European Union has concerns on human rights and accountability in Sri Lanka, Head of Delegation of the EU to Sri Lanka Bernard Savage says.
The EU representative says that issues of human rights and accountability must be addressed and EU has publicly commented on the issue.
"That is why the EU supported the US resolution at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) last year and has expressed support to this year's resolution as well," Savage has told a weekly English newspaper in an interview.
Speaking of the reconciliation, process, the EU chief has noted that there's not enough done by the Sri Lankan government.
"A political settlement has not yet been reached. The root cause of the conflict has to be addressed. A military victory has been won and everyone welcomes the end of the conflict. Now the issues that caused the conflict in the first place need to be looked at and addressed," Savage has said.
He has added that no one expects the country to resolve the ethnic issue in a short space of time, but the government needs to indicate that they have set out to achieve a goal and are striving to achieve it.
Referring to the impact the country would have to face if the government fails to address concerns raised by the international community, Savage has said that the whole ethos of the UNHRC is to work with Sri Lanka to achieve long-term development.
"If the country can reach a level of cooperation, then there is no list of consequences. The US resolutions are procedural motions. It is not quid pro quo situation," he asserted.

Statement by Liberal Leader Bob Rae on Commonwealth Day

POSTED ON MARCH 11, 2013

THUNDER BAY, ON– Liberal Leader Bob Rae made the following statement today on Commonwealth Day:

“Today Canadians join with people of all ethnicities and faiths around the world in marking Commonwealth Day. This is an occasion to reflect on and celebrate the ties that unite our diverse Commonwealth family of 54 nations.

It is also a time to take note of our common history and the shared values that define the Commonwealth: democracy, peace, rule of law and opportunity for all. Canada must remain committed to advancing these founding principles, and continue building on the Commonwealth’s long history of fostering democracy.

The Commonwealth is presently engaged in an important renewal process that will strengthen the association’s commitment to democracy and respect for human rights. The growing opposition to holding the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka highlights the importance of holding all member states to a basic standard of respecting the rule of law and democracy. It will be an important test of the Commonwealth’s actual commitment to its beliefs.

On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I am pleased to join Canadians in celebrating Commonwealth Day with the two billion Commonwealth citizens around the world.”

Sri Lanka says pro-LTTE groups using international forces for regime change in country

Mar 11, Colombo: Sri Lanka says groups supporting the Tami Tiger terrorist group LTTE are using international forces to change the Sri Lankan government.
Minister of Investment Promotion Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said the groups supporting LTTE who could not defeat Sri Lanka through war are now trying to attack the country by creating conflicts using international forces.
Addressing a public meeting the Minister alleged that international forces envious of Sri Lanka's rapid development process are exerting pressure on Sri Lanka and hatching conspiracies to make a regime change in the country.
The Minister noted that there were reports of civilian casualties committed by the United States during its military operations in Afghanistan but most countries were overlooking such abuses and yet making allegations against countries like Sri Lanka.
The US has tabled a draft resolution against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council calling for an international investigation into the alleged human right violations during the final phase of the war with the LTTE. The resolution will be taken soon up for a vote at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The Minister said that the people of this country are solidly backing the President and the government and therefore, the objective of pro-tiger terrorist elements, the anti-Sri Lankan international forces and the treacherous elements in the country backing the international forces to topple the government will not succeed.
"Despite all this, the Sri Lankan government will not be shaken by such allegations and will instead continue with its policies for the country," the Minister said.