Investigation unnecessary for extension of GSP + for Sri Lanka
:Foreign Minister
The Government of Sri Lanka finds the procedure of instituting an
investigation unnecessary and inappropriate, given the extensive
cooperation Sri Lanka has extended to the UN/ILO convention supervisory
bodies relevant to the GSP + process and also through its continuous
interaction with the European institutions stated Foreign Minister
Rohitha Bogollagama, when he met Benita Ferrero Waldner, EU External
Relations Commissioner, on the fringes of the UNGA in New York on
Tuesday.
He further stated that the Government of Sri Lanka will await the
official announcement and the intimation of the EU on the proposed
investigation to formally respond in this regard. Minister Bogollagama
sought to discuss this issue having learnt that the European Commission
had proposed to conduct an investigation on Sri Lanka as per its
regulations governing the GSP scheme.
The Foreign Minister explained that the Sri Lanka Governments
response to any proposed EU measures in connection with the extension of
the GSP +
facility will be structured bearing in mind the country's national
priorities and interests which in this context are protection of the
territorial integrity and fight against separatism, eradication of
terrorism, restoring democracy and empowering the people. He therefore
regretted that this action by the EC was being taken at a time that Sri
Lanka is in the process of post conflict development for its people and
would not have expected such a measure from a friendly development
partner with whom there has been continuous and open engagement.
He added that Sri Lanka has continuously maintained the most cordial
relations with all the EU member states.
Elaborating on the post; conflict strategy of empowering the people
in the North and East, Minister Bogollagama underscored the imperative
need to develop markets and seek their access, which however by the
envisaged action of an investigation by the EU would result in depriving
those who had been subjugated by the LTTE. He stated that it was not the
Government which needed to be assisted but the people of Sri Lanka, who
had been victims of terrorism.
Commissioner Waldner acknowledged; that the Government of Sri Lanka
as been compelled to take military measures to counter LTTE terrorism
and outlined that their concern was primarily the safety of civilians.
Foreign Minister Bogollagama appreciated her positive recognition of the
Government's action against the LTTE. The Commissioner explained that
the investigation will mainly be on human rights, and such a procedure
has been a process that has worked in other countries. She wished that I
the EU's action be regarded positively in terms of a review of the
conditions Sri Lanka had undertaken, as there is a mandatory compliance
the EU requires to extend the GSP+ facility.
Addressing the Commissioner's concern on the possible civilian
collateral Minister Bogollagama pointed out the Governments experience
when clearing the Eastern Province of terrorism which had no civilian
casualty and emphasised that the same strategy has been adopted for the
clearance of the North in order to reestablish democratic rule.
With regard to the military engagement and the humanitarian situation
in the North be referred to the humanitarian corridors that had been
created for easy movement of persons and supplies between the cleared
and uncleared areas. The Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the
manner in which the Government is collaborating with the UN, ICRC and
other INGOs.
He assured that the political process of devolution as contained in
the Constitution was being implemented and the APRC process was looking
at further measures of devolution, which at present is progressing. |