UN should heal wounds rather than complicate matters - Russian Ambassador

The duty of the UN is to heal the wounds of a people who had suffered from the pangs of a war rather than complicate matters, said Russian Ambassador Vladimir Mikhaylov referring to the controversial Darusman report.

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne exhanging mementos with the Russians

He was also speaking at a meeting held at the Gampola Ambuluwawa Bio-Diversity Complex Auditorium to mark the 50th anniversary of Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarins maiden voyage to space on Monday. Visiting Russian Cosmonaut and Gagarin's contemporary Vladimir was also present at the meeting which was presided by Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne.

The Russian Ambassador said Russia is a friend of Sri Lanka who assisted Sri Lanka in its efforts to end terrorism and it would always remain so.

The Russian Ambassador said certain forces which detested Sri Lanka's ability to wipe out terrorism were making various allegations against the country which are untrue.

Being the Russian Ambassador in Sri Lanka for the last two and a half years he had witnessed the manner in which the President and Security Forces chiefs had taken measures to protect the lives of people affected by the war.

Sri Lanka President had taken extra caution than any other world leader to protect the lives of civilians trapped by the war. The Russian Ambassador said certain Western Nations followed double standards on the issue of human rights.

Human rights are being severely violated in many countries today but they were conveniently ignoring them and there was no evident reason as to why they were doing so.

Russian Cosmonaut and Chairman Yuri Gagarin Foundation Vladimir Lyakov said he had joined a journey to space three times in his life. During his third journey in 1989 he remember seeing Sri Lanka as a tiny dot near India from outer space. He said Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and its people had genuine and friendly faces. Ambuluwawa is very picturesque environment and it had become a centre for all religions. He also thanked Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne for his indefatigable efforts to develop Ambuluwawa to its present state.

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said Russia was the first nation to protest against the controversial Darusman report. Sri Lanka is indebted to Russia for being a genuine friend and taking a direct stand against this controversial report.