Panel Report handling:

UN procedures overlooked - Minister Prof G.L.Peiris

Multilateral organizations’ structures, procedures must remain consistent:

Rasika SOMARATHNA

It is vitally important that the structures and procedures of multilateral organizations remain consistent and devoid of discrimination, External Affairs Minister Prof G.L.Peiris told the diplomatic community in Colombo yesterday.

Referring to sending the ‘Darusman’ Report to the UN Human Rights Council recently, the minister said that this was not in keeping with the UN procedural requirements.

He said that deep regret had been expressed to the UN Secretary General at the non-consultation of Sri Lanka prior to the Report being sent to the President of the UN Human Rights Council.

“It was pointed out that Sri Lanka as the concerned party was not informed of such an action and it came to light through a third party in Geneva, who had been informed by the UN Human Rights Commissioner,” he added.

The minister noted that the UN Secretary General had admitted that there had been a lapse. Commenting on the moves made by Canada during the 18th session of the UN Human Rights Council to have an interactive dialogue on Sri Lanka especially on the LLRC report at the next session in March 2012, Prof Peiris said that the attempt was procedurally flawed.

He said that the LLRC report does not physically exist and it was due on November 15. Many countries after being informed about the situation, acknowledged the danger in allowing action on a domestic process which is yet to see the light of day, he added.

Such selective and subjective action could not only affect Sri Lanka but any country in the future, the minister added stressing on the need to stick with established procedure.

The minister also said that he had recently attended the annual Commonwealth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting where most developing countries, including Sri Lanka, had questioned the value addition of a Commonwealth charter prepared by compiling all existing rules and declarations.

Report to the Cabinet by External Affairs Minister to be published tomorrow.