IDU must apologise to Sri Lankan Govt, people - Mangala

PORTS and Aviation Minister Mangala Samaraweera yesterday urged the International Democrat Union (IDU) to apologise to the Sri Lankan Government and the people for its anti-democratic resolution on the Presidential Election in Sri Lanka. The IDU recently passed a resolution that the Presidential Election in Sri Lanka should be held this year.

Samaraweera said the IDU has no right whatsoever to interfere with the internal political affairs of another country or to influence the violation of the Constitution of another country.

In a news release issued last night, the Minister said : "The IDU is an amalgamation of approximately 80 right wing political parties of 60 countries comprising Christian Democrats and Conservatives. It was established on June 24, 1983 on the initiative of former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and George Bush, the then Vice President of USA.

"Though it identifies itself highlighting the term "Democrats" it is motivated to submerge the worldwide socialist democratic wave. Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is the president of one of its component organisations, the Asia Pacific Democratic Association.

The Majority of members of this organisation belong to the Opposition of each member country with the exception of a handful who are responsible state leaders. Wickremesinghe is a political leader who holds a record for being rejected by the people of his country at 12 elections."

Samaraweera's media announcement further expressed dismay and curiosity over the involvement of Australian Prime Minister and Norwegian Foreign Minister Jan Petersen on this resolution, while they share solidarity with Sri Lanka as friendly nations who are fully aware of the current political developments of this country.

"We are not surprised to find unity among a dwindling right wing international force to safeguard the aspirations of one of their favourites. We acknowledge their right to do so. But they must apologise to Sri Lanka and its people for adopting this undemocratic resolution."