UNHRC 10th session:

Pro-LTTE lobby’s moves proved futile

RASIKA SOMARATHNA

Efforts of the Pro-LTTE lobby to make an adverse move against Sri Lanka at the 10th session of UN Human Rights Council(concluded recently) were proved futile, amidst the proactive representations made by the local delegation, head of the Lankan team, Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said yesterday.

Thus a desperate attempt to throw a lifeline to the few remaining LTTE leaders, hiding behind a forcibly kept human shield in the remaining uncleared pockets in Mullaitivu, had been defeated, with the majority support of the Council, the Minister added.

Addressing media after his successful visit to Geneva, the Minister said that during the month long sessions of the Council, the Lankan delegation had to work on a daily basis to counter the malicious propaganda machinery of the Pro-LTTE lobby.

They first tried to obtain support of the Council, for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay to issue a statement on the Sri Lankan situation, and after failing in the effort they tried to persuade the President of the Council to issue a statement.

Both were not approved by the majority of the 47 member Council, the Minister added.

The Minister said the Lankan delegation had taken steps to brief regional groups and cross sections regarding the true situation on Sri Lanka, and was very open to constructive criticism during deliberations.

Sri Lanka’s open and candid point of view was widely accepted, which was portrayed in the final result with an overwhelming majority supporting to negate any move against Sri Lanka, the Minister added.

The Minister identifying the countries which tried to make a move against Sri Lanka as long standing friends, said that they were misinformed with regards to the situation in the country.

The efforts of the Lankan delegation, which engaged in constructive dialogue with most countries, had helped to build bridges in removing these misconceptions to a great extent, he added.

The Minister also paid tribute to local envoy in Geneva Dr. Dayan Jayatilleke who laid the groundwork, and the visiting local team for their untiring efforts in presenting Sri Lanka’s case to the Council.