An acid test of independence

There is a welcome and brisk coming together of local political and progressive forces to protect Sri Lanka's legitimate interests in the face of the panel report which was a personal initiative of Ban Ki-Moon to advise him on what are referred to as accountability issues in relation to this country. It needs to be pointed out that the said report has not been sanctioned by the UN and to that extent should be rejected out of hand by all responsible sections of the world community. The interview we carry on this page with External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris puts the record straight on a multiplicity of queries the panel report raises.

As we pointed out in this commentary on April 23, Sri Lanka has no quarrel with the UN on this score and does not aim at having one with the international organization either. For, it is plain to see that this controversial report is not of UN origin. But equally clear is the fact that the UNSG is in an attempt to make public a report which was intended for his sole, personal information and if the UNSG does so, he would be grossly violating the norms of his office. While this situation poses difficult challenges for Sri Lanka, the same goes for the UNSG. For, the latter would need to clear himself of some accusations which the questioning sections of the world would be leveling against him.

For instance, what are the compulsions behind the UNSG's purported moves to make public a purely personal document of an advisory nature? The sensible sections of world opinion are waiting for an answer to this crucial question. In other words, is the UNSG acting independently or is he acting at the behest of others, who have a vested interest in undermining Sri Lanka's integrity and independence?

The view is already widespread that Ban is not alone in this thorny issue and clearing himself of this allegation constitutes one of the most onerous challenges currently before the UN chief.

If the UNSG is, indeed, acting under outside compulsions, then, the conclusion is inescapable that he is compromising the integrity and independence of his position. That is, seriously subverting the UN system and its values and making the structure subservient to those forces and powers which are intent on undermining the independence of smaller states.

Therefore, one could conclude that this is a time of test for the UNSG and we hope that he would clear himself of these allegations and thereby help in upholding the honour and dignity of the UN. The UN embodies the just hopes and aspirations of the peoples of the world and this unique identity of the international organization should be sustained, come what may.

In fact at the current juncture, this too is a challenge the world community needs to meet. That is, protecting the UN from attempts at misusing it, for purposes which may run contrary to the cherished principles of the world organization. This task is as vital as upholding the integrity and independence of its member states. For, all states, big or small, stand to gain by a UN system which would remain committed to its ideals and values which have served the peoples of the world so well over the decades.

The world needs to recollect at the present moment that the UN system is founded on the time-honoured principle of the equality of states. Besides, it is sustained by the conviction that the independence and integrity of every state must be upheld and nurtured. To the degree to which these principles are stringently upheld, the UN would continue to serve the peoples of the world. It goes without saying that, therefore, it is in the interests of all to continuously strengthen and uphold the independence of the personnel serving the UN. The present problems arising from the panel report could, therefore, be used by the international community to defend and further strengthen the universally valued UN system.

Thinking and acting collectively and unitedly in the common interest is the essence of the UN. Therefore, the system would continue to prove effective only to the degree to which the necessary personnel, mechanisms and processes which would make these aims possible are not only in place but are continuously strengthened and reinvigorated.

Apparently, these aims should be promoted by the world community in its own interest, lest UN personnel are manipulated by the hegemonic powers of the world and prostituted to serve their ulterior aims.

The world community needs to work indefatigably towards these aims, even while fighting to defend the inalienable rights of all states, big or small. As said by us a few days back, Sri Lanka should work vigorously towards winning on to its side as many countries as possible in the face of the issues arising from the panel report. As mentioned by us, the Non-aligned Movement should see in this crisis, an opportunity to come together once again and to work courageously towards upholding the legitimate rights of the smaller countries of the world.