Lanka values partnership with UN - FM

Rafik JALALDEEN

The partnership with the United Nations is most valuable at this juncture when Security Forces are moving to liberate the Northern Province in order to restore democracy as the Government had done in the Eastern Province, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said.

Addressing a ceremony held to mark the 63rd UN Day at UN compound yesterday, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said the UN is unique in that it is the only organization in which countries with widely differing political institutions and those at different stages of economic development, can exchange views, share their problems and experiences and probe each other’s reactions to policies of mutual interest.

“It is a place where the rich and poor have an equal voice and work towards a world order with justice and security for all,” he added.

The Minister noted that on several occasions, Sri Lanka had reiterated its commitment to the purpose and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and its commitment to continue to work in partnership with the UN country team in Sri Lanka in the promotion of socio-economic development.

He also appreciated to the UN network which has made its own contribution to peace building efforts in particular to ameliorate the conditions of the IDPs affected by the on going conflict and to assist the Government to provide food and medicines to reach the civilians entrapped in the uncleared areas.

“Sri Lanka received many compliments from the International community acknowledging the factual situation of the Government providing relief assistance and food supplies to civilians living under the LTTE clutches, amid fact that a large portion of this assistance are being pilfered by the LTTE”, he remarked.

Minister Bogollagama stressed that the UN network and its cooperation are most valuable at this juncture as the Security Forces are on the verge of liberating the Northern Province from the LTTE.

“We are appreciative of the assistance of the UN in supporting the humanitarian corridor which is being prepared to ensure the safe passage of the IDPs seeking protection in the cleared areas.

The UN support is clearly visible in Vavuniya which has been identified as a humanitarian assistance hub,” the Minister said.

He asserted that current military operations are being conducted on the Government directive to the Security Forces to adhere strictly on a strategy of “Zero civilian casualty”. “Sri Lanka is an example of how terrorism can be combated while promoting and protecting human rights,” he added.

The United Nations in Colombo to mark launched a photo exhibition from children ages between 8 to 18 in the Eastern Province to demonstrate the consequences of tsunami and the conflict.