28 March, 2024

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Diplomatic Impunity – Why Suspected War Criminals Should Not Be Diplomats

By Alan Wallis –

Shavendra Silva

It was recently reported that Sri Lanka intended to deploy suspected war criminal, General Shavendra Silva, to South Africa to take up the post of deputy ambassador. In anticipation of this move SALC in consultation with the Foundation for Human Rights and a number of Solidarity Groups in South Africa, including that Tamil Federation of Gauteng and the South African Tamil Federation prepared and submitted a briefing paper to South African President Jacob Zuma, outlining the legal implications of recognising General Silva. The President is the person constitutionally mandated, in terms of section 84(2)(h) of the Constitution, to either receive and recognise foreign diplomats or to decline the sending state’s request.

Read more in www.southernafricalitigationcentre.org

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Latest comments

  • 0
    0

    Shavendra Silva should be taken out of the Foreign Service period, for his alleged conduct during the war, which of course has to be proven, but also his extremely bad conduct with regard to harassment of women. In short as the writer suggests Sri Lanka has to stop appointing forces personnel to diplomatic positions. This is extremely bad for Sri Lanka’s international relations. if such personnel were suitable or felt they had an inclination towards diplomacy, they should have taken a different career path.

  • 0
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    All this is possible because of the American help extended to MR and the Forces for carrying the agenda of the Americans. Shavendra is offered protection for his involvement of the massacre of the surrenderees at the behest of the Americans. So Shavendra has to be looked after, lest he spills the beans.

  • 0
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    gamini

    Would you also agree that Gota and Sarath did the dirty work for USA between 1987 and 1991 hence rewarded with green cards, enjoy continued protection from war crime investigation?

    • 0
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      Native, the Green Card ruse was a channel that the US adopted to cultivate leaders in the third world, to carry their brief. Gota, Basil, SF et al are among those who benifitted.

  • 0
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    Gamini, get a life.. Sore losers rumbling out of mad cow disease.

    • 0
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      Understandable, the Pseudo Patriots having indegestion these days. As for MR, operation successful but the patient dies. Acts speak for itself than reassuring words of non involvement by these do gooders.

  • 0
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    This article is utter rubbish. A Head of State receives only a head of mission and not members of his entourage. Shavendra was not considered for appointment as head of mission, though it might very well be his wish. Many countries might have reservations over him except, perhaps, China, Russia,Iran and Cuba. Pakistan could be persuaded, perhaps.But he may not want to be in those countries. So the question of his rejection by the President S Africa does not arise. Appointment of other members of a diplomatic mission is left to the appointing country subject to numbers ranks bilaterally agreed. For example, for appointment of a Service Attache there has to be special bilateral agreement.Shavendra was not being appointed as a Service Attache.

    Yes, One could protest; There might have been protests. The receiving country can only refuse a visa to a diplomat in the entourage as might have been the case of Shavendra.
    In this case the UN has sanitized Shavendra by agreeing to his elevation to Ambassador rank and other international assignments. Of course, member countries do not have to abide by that.

    One does not have to explain why the SLgovt is keen to keep Shavendra in good humour agreeing to anything he likes. Everyone knows it. It need not be spelt out.So he makes the best out of the situation.
    over

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