Veluppillai Thangavelu
Although the outcome of the US resolution during the 25th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council was a foregone conclusion, many were worried about the margin of victory.
The UNHRC has 47 member-nations elected by the UN General Assembly on a rotational three-year term representing five geographical groups – Africa-13, Asia-13, Eastern Europe-6, Latin America & the Caribbean -8, and Western European and Other states-7.
This was the third showdown by US at Geneva against Sri Lanka. In 2012, US sponsored resolution titled Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka got the support of 24 (including India) out of 47 member states of UN Human Rights Council, while 15 member-states voted against and eight abstained.
In 2013 the voting was 31 in favour, 15 against and 1 abstained giving a majority of 16 votes.
This year the US resolution was supported by 23, 12 against and 12 abstained giving a majority of only 11 votes. India was one of the countries that abstained from voting.
UN member nations are usually reluctant to vote for country specific resolutions demanding international probes into internal issues. The voting reflected the mindset of such countries. Voting shows more countries abstained this year than in 2013. Also support for the resolution dropped from 31 to 24 and those opposed from 15 to 12. The reason is due to new member states elected to the UNHCR during 2013.
The following shows how member states voted this time.
Countries that voted ‘Yes’: Argentina, Austria, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Montenegro, Peru, South Korea, Romania, Sierra Leone, Macedonia, United Kingdom and the United Station of America.
Countries that voted ‘No’: Algeria, China, Congo, Cuba, Kenya, Maldives, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, Venezuela and Vietnam
Countries that Abstained: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Gabon India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Morocco, Namibia, Philippines and South Africa
Thus India, South Africa, Japan, and Indonesia were among the prominent countries which abstained from voting on the resolution. Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, China, Russia, Maldives voted against it. It is interesting to observe that those countries which voted against the resolution have a dismal record on human rights domestically. China invaded Tibet and forcibly occupying it since 1949. Prior to the invasion Tibet was a sovereign state inhabited by a people with a distinct language, culture, religion, history and customs. Occupation of Tibet by the Chinese military has witnessed oppression and brutalisation of what was once a “Spiritual Kingdom.” Since the occupation it is reported 1.2 million Tibetans have died. Russia “invaded” Ukraine and annexed Crimea at the beginning of March, 2014 claiming Crimea was part of Russian Federation till it was ceded to Ukraine in 1954. About Cuba and Vietnam the less said it is better. Both are one party communist dictatorship where there are no free elections. In Saudi Arabia and Kuwait there is comprehensive system of institutionalised discrimination against women.
In all there were 3 drafts before the final one. When the initial draft came out there was disappointment all around. Normally the initial draft will be worded strongly and the process of dilution takes place thereafter. This year it was the other way round. The final draft was relatively stronger than the previous drafts. It should be noted that the final US draft resolution was prepared by the office of Navaneetham Pillay. Here are some highlights of the changed draft resolution:
• The OHCHR to investigate into the war crimes that took place between the time periods 2002 to 2009.
• The resolution demands accountability for the killing of as many as 40, 000 civilians during the end of war between Sri Lankan government and LTTE.
• The OHCHR will not probe into the allegations of human rights violations in the post-war period. That is, no war crimes committed after 2009, when the war ended, will fall within the ambit of investigation.
• The change also excluded the Indian participation in the pre-2002 period especially during the Indian peacekeeping Force mission from July 29, 1987 to March 24, 1990.
• The resolution mandated the OHCHR to investigate human rights abuses and violations in Sri Lanka including the period covered by the LLRC.
The council approved the US-led resolution authorizing Pillay’s office to launch “a comprehensive investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka.” The inquiry also seeks to hold perpetrators accountable.
The UNHRC resolution expressed deep concern at reported intimidation and retaliation against civil society members who engage with UN human rights mechanisms, including those who met with High Commissioner Navi Pillay during her visit to Colombo.
It expressed serious concern at the continuing reports of violations of human rights in Sri Lanka, including sexual and gender-based violence, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture and violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, threats to judicial independence and the rule of law, as well as intimidation of and reprisals against human rights defenders, members of civil society, lawyers and journalists.
The resolution expressed alarm at the significant surge in attacks against members of religious minority groups in Sri Lanka, including Hindus, Muslims and Christians.
It called upon the Sri Lankan government to fulfill its public commitments, including on the devolution of political authority, which is integral to reconciliation and the full enjoyment of human rights by all members of its population.
The resolution noted that the national plan of action does not adequately address all of the findings and constructive recommendations of the LLRC.
It encouraged Sri Lanka to increase its dialogue and cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner, including with regard to technical assistance.
There were attempts made by countries like Pakistan, China and Cuba to scuttle the resolution, but those attempts were defeated.
The resolution was taken for vote following much delay after Pakistan suggested a no-action motion to postpone it due to insufficient funds and China demanding time for an explanation prior to the vote.
The no-action motion, backed by Cuba and Russia, was eventually defeated with a majority of 9 votes. 16 members voted in favour while 25 voted against and 6 states abstained.
Due to the defeat of the no action motion, the call to remove the paragraph empowering an international investigation was taken up for vote. The paragraph was kept in the resolution with 23 voting to keep the paragraph and 14 voting to remove it and 10 abstaining.
The biggest surprise came from India which abstained from voting on an “intrusive” US-sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC. Earlier India said it will vote in favour of the resolution.
British Prime Minister Cameron welcomed the resolution and was pleased that the UNHRC agreed to press ahead with its own independent investigation into the alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Cameron was a driving force behind the US.
Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, in a statement welcomed the adoption today of a resolution by the UN Human Rights Council that reiterates the need for the Government of Sri Lanka to address outstanding issues of reconciliation and accountability and serious human rights violations and abuses.
US Secretary of State John Kerry also said the UNHRC decision “sends a clear message” to the Rajapaksa government that the time to pursue lasting peace and prosperity is now. “Today’s vote in the UN Human Rights Council sends a clear message: the time to pursue lasting peace and prosperity is now; justice and accountability cannot wait,” Mr. Kerry said. He also expressed deep concern over recent actions against some of Sri Lanka’s citizens, including detentions and harassment of civil society activists.
Amnesty International welcoming the resolution said “The U.N. inquiry brings new hope for the thousands of victims of abuses in Sri Lanka,” said David Griffiths, its Asia-Pacific deputy director, saying Colombo had twice ignored calls by the council to conduct an independent probe. Now they have a fresh opportunity to restore some international credibility by cooperating with the investigation.”
In a clumsy explanation Permanent Representative of India to the UN Offices here, Dilip Sinha, claimed that the resolution at the UNHRC imposes an “intrusive approach” of international investigative mechanism which was counterproductive apart from being “inconsistent and impractical”.
Dilip Sinha noted that unlike the resolutions in 2009, 2012 and 2013, this resolution asks the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to “investigate, assess and monitor” the alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka during the last phases of the war with the Liberation Tigers of Thamil Eelam (LTTE) which was an “intrusive” approach that undermines national sovereignty.
“It has been India’s firm belief that adopting an intrusive approach that undermines national sovereignty and institutions is counterproductive. Any significant departure from the core principle of constructive international dialogue and cooperation has the potential to undermine efforts of Human Rights Council for promoting universal respect for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Sinha said.
“As the closest neighbour with thousands of years of relations with Sri Lanka, we cannot remain untouched by developments in that country. Since the end of the armed conflict, India remains engaged in a substantial way in the relief, resettlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction process in Sri Lanka,” the explanation of India’s vote said.
“We have extended substantial assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka in its efforts for resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons, de-mining, education, connectivity, livelihood restoration, economic revival, etc. This has contributed towards return of a modicum of normalcy to the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka,” he said.
India’s abstention has placed India and US in a collision course. If it comes to the worse US is prepared to by-pass India in dealing with Sri Lanka.
The long explanation by India does not cut ice since India was telling the Thamil National Alliance that Mahinda Rajapaksa is recalcitrant and not listening. India couldn’t get Sri Lanka to implement 13 A + fully despite promises to Salman Kurshid, Minister of Foreign Affairs. In a rare show of dissent, the TNA said it was disappointed by India’s stand.
An elated President Mahinda Rajapaksa ordered the release of all Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody, hours after India abstained from backing a resolution against Colombo at the UN. Just over 100 Indian fishermen remain in Sri Lankan custody after some 170 others were freed last week, reported Xinhua.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a show of bravado has said he has nothing to fear as his country faces a US-moved human rights resolution at the UN rights body. Addressing a televised question and answer session last night, the president said,” We have nothing to be worried of, I am not worried”.
He said a handful of powerful countries are being backed by local elements to undermine him and his government. “The opposition who can never be victorious in the country and certain NGOs are carrying tales to the international community. They try to win this way,” Rajapaksa quipped.
“This commissioner (Pillay) came here and stayed for 4 days gathering incorrect information. Now they are trying to base that wrong information. We have rejected it. We have said we will not accept it,” he said.
Rajapaksa said Cuba and Israel have also faced similar action by the UN Human Rights Council against their countries.
“So it is not only us. There are more countries”. Rajapaksa said he had guaranteed the right to live of all Sri Lankan communities by ending the separatist armed campaign of the LTTE.
Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said New Delhi should have supported the resolution. “It is my personal opinion. Twenty three countries had supported it and we also should have supported even if it was a watered down one,” he told reporters in Chennai. The decision could have been taken by officials in the External Affairs Ministry.” If Chidambaram is right, then the cabinet which he is a member has abdicated its power to unelected officials. It is also a blow to the Congress candidate’s chances in the forthcoming elections in Thamil Nadu.
DMK leader M. Karunanidhi described India’s decision to abstain from voting on the US-backed resolution in Geneva against Sri Lanka for its alleged human rights violations as “a mother strangling her own child”. “India’s stand has made us hang our head in shame before the world community. While countries like the US that had no direct connection with the Sri Lankan Thamils, have moved a resolution purely for the purpose of upholding human rights, India, the motherland of Thamils, has abstained from voting. India’s stand brings blood in our eyes,” Mr Karunanidhi said in a statement.
Sadly there was no serious agitation by political and civil groups in Thamil Nadu demanding India to support the resolution. Only a few fringe groups agitated over the issue by holding rallies and meetings. Lack of interest by major parties is probably due to the current election campaign.
The Commissioner for Human Rights has been asked to present an oral update to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-seventh fourth session (September 08-26, 2014) and a comprehensive report followed by a discussion on the implementation of the present resolution at its twenty-eighth fifth session in March, 2015.
Whether Sri Lanka will mend its ways is very doubtful. Sri Lanka has already rejected the resolution and said it will not comply. The uncompromising and hardened attitude of the government is bound to increase tension between the government and the TNA. Already there is friction between the Northern Provincial Council and the government on number of pressing issues. The resolution in support of the UN High Commissioner’s report and wants an international enquiry under the UN auspices has angered the government.
A section of Thamil Diaspora says the resolution has failed to address the “core issues” facing the Thamil people. By core issues it is meant holding referendum in the Northeast, inquiry into genocide and political settlement to the ethnic issue. TNA’s strategy is one of taking incremental step at a time. It is time consuming but there is no other way. It is better to have a relatively ‘weak’ resolution than to go for a strong resolution and lose it. We must be mindful of the fact unlike in 2013; this time around US has to sweat hard to muster the necessary votes.
Abhaya / March 30, 2014
yippie for tamil [Edited out]..
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Dodo / March 30, 2014
India was playing its usual DOUBLE GAME – let’s not forget India’s role in so many wars in South Asia!
But the fact is that ECONOMIC SANCTIONS will be forth coming on the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime and the economy will crash so Sinhala who are already fed up and disgusted with the corrupt and criminal Rajapakse military dictatorship and the rotten political culture it has promoted will jump ship and vote for anyone but the Jarapassa regime.
The low turnout at the western and Southern PC polls is an indicator of how fed up people are of elections and CORRUPT POLITICIANS.
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Javi / March 30, 2014
“|” It should be noted that the final `US draft resolution was prepared` by the office of Navaneetham Pillay.”|”
Veluppillai Thangavelu,
Now that is a bridge too far off.Pity you have not witnessed law in the making ground up.
US Resolution was proposed by US Prof.of Law Yale & Harvard Samanta`Power` debated upon and finalised to a finish for the vote to take place.
Talaban LTTE/Tamils did not do it but carried out protest like cannon fodder. The turning point was the witch-hunt impeachment of the 43rd Chief Justice.-
End result Commissioner Human Rights Council – international inquiry.
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jansee / March 30, 2014
Javi:
The same UNHRC praised SL in 2009 but today that name is in tatters. Navi Pillay was also the then Commissioner. It may be small steps each time but eventually “we will get there”. If you guys eventually realise the good we have done for ALL sri lankans, then you can thank us for it.
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Javi / April 4, 2014
“If you guys eventually realise the good we have done for
ALL sri lankans, then you can thank us for it.”
“but today that name is in tatters.”
Yes really Navy Gunner Silva’s name never appear in the Rajiv attempt and assassination! Why so? Sonia’s pop a Nazi who spent 2 years in Russian jail.
You are like the Kashmir terrorist who want the whole island by multiplying from different sources- `The Vomit`!
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Appali / March 30, 2014
Aiyooo Banda.. Can you also pick out the nations who has a worse record of Human rights That voted for the resolution. such as Benin, Botswana,Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire,Mexico, Montenegro,Sierra Leone, Macedonia and Romania.. Have you even bothered to sit and read their records.. Epically Mexico talk about Disappearances.. And the Ethnic Minority Roma in some eastern European nations.. But Bando THE BIGGEST ARE THE USA AND UK.. REMEMBER THAT GENOCIDE WAR IN IRAQ..HOW THEY LIED TO THE WORLD AND LOOK AT IRAQ TODAY.. CMB telegraph.. I know mainly u guys are Tamil net minus the Venom.. But seriously Bringing clowns like Band and selva who writes Rubbish That is a Insult to you Ones sided Readers.. BY THE WAY WHY HAVENT CMB TELEGRAPH COVERED THE RECENT PC ELECTIONS IN SRI LANKA.. AFTER ALL IN THE WORLD OF THE TNA LEADERS ITS ABOUT ALL SRI LANKA????? RIGHT????
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Amarasiri / March 30, 2014
Veluppillai Thangavelu –
“Although the outcome of the US resolution during the 25th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council was a foregone conclusion, many were worried about the margin of victory.”
“There were many UNHRC resolutions. The most telling had nothing to do with Sri Lanka, namely the Pakistan-sponsored resolution on the use of drones (read, ‘Pakistan’s Resolution against the USA’) and the five resolutions on Israel. “
Sri Lanka is only a minor speck in the Global Events. Get real.
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Appali / March 30, 2014
‘The resolution noted that the national plan of action does not adequately address all of the findings and constructive recommendations of the LLRC.” AMMM another attempt to pick and choose word to suit ones own twisted political needs and crimes.. in fact the previous resolutions by the very nations and UNHCr has praised the LLRC and the basis which these very nations argued to implement. even this resolution has said the LLRC is the vital component to be implemented.. Also the same is true by the TNA on the LLRC.. But its the failure to implement this ONLY has made the int Inquiry.. So this Band is talking rubbish and twisted certain worlds.. WE ALL KNOW INDIA KNEW FULL WELL OF THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE DRAFT AND WHICH WAY IT WOULD PASS. IN ITS BACK-DOOR DEAL WITH THE USA IT HELP AMEND THE TIME PERIOD FROM 2002-09 (WHERE SRI LANKA GOVERNMENT ARGUED IF INT INQUIRY IS LAUNCHED IT SHOULD COVER THE PERIOD FROM 81-2009).. THIS INDIA SECURED TO SAVE ITS CRIMES DURING THE IPKF DAYS.. AND REASON IT ABSTAINED AND NOT VOTED AGAINST IT (IT REALLY FELT INTRUSIVE) TO HAVE LEVERAGE WITH CURRENT AND FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF SRI LANKA. AND WE SEE THE TNA CRITICISM AGAINT POLITICS AS TNA GOT WHAT IT WANTED.. AND KNEW THROUGH BACK-DOOR DIPLOMACY INDIA’S STAND.. I HOPE THIS BIASED AND BORED CANADIAN GRANDFATHER AND LTTE CHEER-LEADER UNDERSTAND THESE FACTS.. EVEN BIT BY BIT
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Chris Subramaniam / March 30, 2014
It is a great analysis .The use of the word clumsy to describe the Indian Foreign ministry official’s statement is very appropriate.
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Haruki Ranarajah / March 30, 2014
Thangavelu
You seem to ignore the inconvenient fact that human rights violations and war crimes by the LTTE between 2002 and 2009 are also going to be investigated by Navi Pillay’s international obfuscating mechanism. It will be interesting to see what role the WTM, banned by the Canadian government as a front organization of the LTTE in June 2008 when you were its vice-president, played in all this.
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Waran / March 30, 2014
Haruki Ranarajah, You certainly do not know what you are talking about, Mr. Vellupillai Thangavelu is President of TNA – Canada ! Not Vice President of WTM !. Stop the BS !
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Haruki Ranarajah / April 2, 2014
Waran
How ya doin’ Waran Vaithilingam, the phony MP for fake TGTE? Thank you for informing CT readers about the new avatar of Thangavelu. He can tell that to the investigation when it starts.
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Dinuk / March 30, 2014
Indeed the Mahinda Jarapassa regime should be worried about its declining margin of victory on all fronts.
The Southern and western PC polls have shown that the Sinhala voter is fed up with the CORRUPT and CRIMINAL POLITICAL CULTURE in the Miracle of Asia – by NOT voting for anyone.
Voter apathy and low turn out like the ABSTENTIONS in Geneve is a sign that the tide is turning against the corrupt and criminal Mahinda Rajapaksa military dictatorship as much as the UNP dictators Ranil and and that the Sinhala voter is fed up with ALL POLITICIANS and the STAGE IS SET for a dramatic change.. Madam Chandrika Kumaranatunge CBK will be a WINNER at the next Presidential election.
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mechanic / March 30, 2014
Goooood. Forget the resolution and lay all the hopes for your Peelam on Chandrika.
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Paul / March 30, 2014
‘Prior to the invasion Tibet was a sovereign state inhabited by a people with a distinct language, culture, religion, history and customs’
What shameless lies and half-truths you write. I’d say the half-truths are worse because they subvert Truth.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet
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A Reader / March 30, 2014
Thiru Thangavelu,
Many are happy that the resolution passed and that there will be an international investigation.
We Sri Lankan Tamils will now need to focus on the United States, Canada and the European Union, the United Kingdom included. Forget India. Its unreliable. Our parliamentarians should not bother to meet with their officials or diplomats.
India needs the Sri Lankan Tamils just as it needs Colombo. Without us in the North, India has little clout on Sri Lanka. Let it deal with the Sinification of the Sri Lankan south directly with Colombo! Our future is with the North Atlantic Axis.
A few points are in order. There were no real protests in Tamil Nadu on India’s duplicity. The street protests in Tamil Nadu by marginal and fringe groups appear in retrospect to have been a gimmick and do not count for much. They have more to do with local Indian politics than Sri Lanka. Civil society in Chennai was silent – elections or no elections. Lets not count on them.
The BJP’s Subramanyam Swamy in fact commended Manmohan Singh’s duplicity in a brazen manner. Lets not place our eggs on the Modi basket for now either. Subramanyam Swamy is a Rajapakse stooge.
Our future, like Singapore and Oman, is with North America and Europe.
There are limits to European power as witnessed in Crimea, Georgia and Syria. But in that case, Europe was dealing with a strong Russia. The context in Sri Lanka is different. China is far away consumed with conflicts over the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Russia is pressed with more immediate problems in its inner neighborhood. India is immaterial – at least for now.
The TNA should stop visiting New Delhi and should not accept invitations by the Indian High Commission in Colombo. Lets not get carried away with New Delhi or even Chennai.
Have a happy Tamil new year. Its finally a time of hope.
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Rajan Walpola / March 30, 2014
A reader (aka Pipe Dreamer)
Have a lot in your head? Do not dream that long.
Align you Peelamist with USA and EU? What a f**king joke is that? By sidelining India to achieve your goals? DO you think Indian Central Government would allow a thamil Peelam at the tail of Toilet-nadu.
Let us see how long your dream is going.
You Peelamist remind me the story of the fox who came a long distance behind a billy goat thinking his majestic balls would fall at any minute as they were hanging in a thin skin so that fox have a free meal. Keep dreaming you looser that is all you could do.
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mani / March 30, 2014
What India can do or not do is not important but what UK, USA and Europe could do to Sri Lanka if riled is something that all the people commenting should consider. They don’t even have to do much, simple travel ban would bring the current regime to its knees. The bulk of Sri Lankan exports are to USA and EUROPE. With China it has been and would be one way traffic. Therefore Sri Lanka needs these countries more than they need Sri Lanka.
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Shiva / March 30, 2014
India is worst undemocratic, corrupt and barbaric nation in South East Asia under the UPA regime.
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Banda / March 30, 2014
Indian ambassador to UNHRC Dilip Singha said “this resolution titled promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka at the UNHRC imposes an intrusive approach of international investigative mechanism which was counterproductive apart from being inconsistent and impractical.” That means US would get no backing from India.
That means, Hindians realized that neo-con gang has a preconceived agenda and they are using Indians to divide Sri Lanka for their own geopolitical ends at long last. And Tamils are using the neo-cons to get a step closer to their own goal Eelam. If that happens its amen for Indian union. MR must have known it. Otherwise would he say, I don’t care about the outcome of the vote at UNHRC.
For one thing, Sri Lanka will not grant visa to Pilliya or her agents now. Looking at India’s stance, she’ll have get her poodles do their interviews and write her report in New York not even in India. When she present her one sided report to Security Council both China and Russia will veto it. End of the story.
Now that MR won his PC elections handsomely he’ll go on to win every election to come and stay put in his job for another term or two. Are neo-cons going to send drones to bomb us or their SEALS to pluck MR out like Bin Ladden? Hooooooooooo.
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Javi / March 30, 2014
“|”discussion on the implementation of the present resolution at its twenty-eighth fifth session in March, 2015.
Whether Sri Lanka will mend its ways is very doubtful. “|”
Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs
She has a very subtle EU weapon `trade` which she uses very often to effect.
The Spice Colony main trade is to the EU; so how will it pay back China?? China’s main trading partner is the EU; only last week Xi was pleading at the nuclear summit Netherlands for free trade with the EU to overcome the tariffs in place for dumping and Human rights.
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Halt / March 30, 2014
Russia annexing Cremia has nothing to do with the human right violation, are you stupid. it was done through a referendum. you are reporting here like a pimp of US/UK.
what Russia did was legal and fair. as a big and powerful nation it should protect its boundaries from stupid NATO and UN. Sri Lanka facing investigation for both the LTTE crimes as well. be happy till you get caught.
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Richmond Peiris / March 30, 2014
I read this in an Editorial published by a well-read newspaper in Sri Lanka:
“All officials of the UN from the Secretary General downwards are essentially, creatures of the West. It is the West that meets the bulk of the UN’s expenditure through ‘donations’ to that body. The office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights which is the secretariat of the UNHRC is no different. Two thirds of its budget comes from western countries in the form of donations for earmarked tasks and whoever becomes the UN human rights commissioner is a creature of the West. What we have here is a situation where the Western nations sponsor resolutions in UN bodies sponsored by the West, and NGOs sponsored by the West make representations against the targeted country within these bodies sponsored by the West. Then the West arm twists countries that are dependent on the West for defence, economic aid or trade and they obtain the necessary majority to push their resolution through. After the resolution is passed, the investigation itself is carried out by employees of the OHCHR who are paid for and maintained by the Western powers and even the budget for the investigation would almost certainly have come from the West as an earmarked donation.”
“Contrary to the usual practice followed by small weak countries, Sri Lanka should roar out its defiance against this inequity for the whole world to hear. Figuratively speaking, it’s time to doff the coat and tie, get into a sarong, drink half a bottle of arrack and discuss foreign policy in Sinhala with the sarong held shoulder high. Sri Lanka has no option but to resist. Under no circumstances should anybody from the OHCHR be allowed to set foot in Sri Lanka. Nor should SL cooperate with the investigation in any way. Instead SL should continue to marshal support for its cause from around the world. The Australian reaction to the resolution against Sri Lanka was swift and sharp, telling the whole world that this was not the best way to go about things in Sri Lanka. The day before the UNHRC vote, three more US Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Pat Roberts (R-Kansas), and Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) signed the pro-Sri Lanka Senate resolution No: 364 thus bringing the total number of signatories to 14. This too is a significant development that shows the level of disquiet over the SL matter within the USA itself.”
(If India, China, Russia, Australia and some US law-makers too are against this resolution, the rest will be history!!!!):
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Shiva / March 30, 2014
Only communist and Rogue regimes including Pakistan and China supported Sri Lanka and it is evident that Sri Lanka is in the group of Rogue nations!
This is sufficient for the Tamils to win “Eelam” and regain their lost sovereignty.
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piyadasa yalagala / March 30, 2014
Leading political party of Tamil-TNA playing fool with North of Tamil people, that had been who suffer 30 years war by LTTE-terrorist outfit. Playing game and dance according to the tune of Big-power must come to end by TNA, narrow game of politics. Instead of lie to majority of Tamils, that by TNA be broad mind-policy should be adopted reconciliation and rehabilitation work for the vested interest of Tamils.
TNA is currently dilemma of Tamil issues to be settle by amicable way in Nationally not by International support of US, UK or UNHRC or other outfits. TNA is negative approach of Tamil issue.
TNA still in wrong path, that Tamil nationalism can be hard to decipher, because it is directed against sovereignty of Sri lankan people. The TNA is misdirected by certain groups that LTTE history of Terrorism since last 30 years which finds shameful.
Majority of democratic in country still claim that many massacre by LTTE terrorist outfit no assured never happen! Even no one take responsibility of crime committed by LTTE. Is TNA can give such assurance to public of Sri lankns?
TNA keep Tamil nationalism aside ,however, neither TNA nor EX-LTTE join mainstream democratic politics in Island by interest of whole nation.
TNA and Diaspora has realized that Human Rights Council or USA or UK or India has no opportunity and should seize it to solve problems of Tamils in the an Island.
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Shiva / March 30, 2014
Your crocodile tears won’t work. Tamils have been under the Sinhala Buddhist Apartheid chauvinism and racism and only solution is “Eelam” for the Tamils.
The corrupt and criminal Indian UPA regime will be out of power in May 2014, the Rajapakse’s and the Sinhala criminals’ pay back time starts.
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lal / March 31, 2014
Shiva,
You can have your Ealam and go there but it has to be outside of Sri Lankan territory. Do not forget that the north was an integral part of Rajarata under Sinhala rule until the invading Dravidians arrived, and the east was part of Kandyan kingdom. You can have Ealam like other squalid Tamil ghettos like Little Indias of Penang and Singapore but not in Sri Lanka. Take as many other ungrateful, moaning, miserable members of your tribe with you. Be it far away from Lankan shores and asap.
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Off the Cuff / March 31, 2014
Dear Shiva,
You wrote “Tamils have been under the Sinhala Buddhist Apartheid chauvinism and racism” >
What Tamils are you writing about?
The brutalized 75% Servile class or the 25% Ruling class who brutalized them?
Let’s have a close look at your claims shall we?
Apartheid
75% of Tamils in the North had to live in DESIGNATED Ghettos by the Fiat of a 25% ruling class of Tamils.
That 75% was denied an Education to keep them ignorant, Denied the use of Public Wells to quench their thirst, Denied the freedom to chose their livelihood (a scavenger’s progeny were compelled to be scavengers even if they had the intelligence of an Einstein), Denied a fair wage for a days work, Denied the use of Public Transport, Denied equal Seating, Denied Religious freedom, Segregated even the Christian Churches and the list goes on and on and on.
And the Tamil leadership of that Era, the Ramanathan’s wanted that codified and written into the Ceylon Constitution!
Here is a verbatim report from a VICTIM of the Northern Apartheid practiced by that ruling 25% of Tamils. Actually it was a very BRUTAL form of SLAVERY with unparallelled in Sri Lanka.
The poor Tamils worked in the properties and homes of the upper-caste Tamils. We could not go in buses or attend school. Our very presence was ‘polluting’. When the buses were nationalized by SWRD, the CTB allowed anyone to travel in them. THAT angered the Tamil leaders. It was the Church that grudgingly opened doors very slightly to the oppressed Tamils by allowing them to learn English and read the Bible. In my young days I sat on the class-room floor or carried a low stool from class to class, as only the high castes could sit on chairs. The teachers treated me and another child like me as excreta and punished us for daring to be there. But, I thought that was the law – each had his station in life.
When I moved to Hatton and later to Colombo, I found a very different world. It was a transforming experience for me and my wife to find that our workmates, mostly Sinhalese would actually sit with us and share a cup of tea. We found that we could go to night school and study without being threatened, beaten up, or go and borrow books, and do things that would bring swift retribution ‘back in the North’; our dwellings would have been torched and our women raped with impunity. This was in the late 1950s,
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/12770)
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=67022
The Prevention of Social Disabilities Act of 1957 remained a Dead Letter in the North because ALL 11 of the Elected Tamil MP’s colluded with all 14 top Civil Administrators of the North to SUBVERT it. Surprise surprise the singular common factor amongst those 25 corroborators was the fact that ALL of them belonged to that infamous Tamil Ruling class.
It was only after the Act was amended in 1971, giving the Police, the power to prosecute the Criminals that a prominent member of that Ruling 25% was prosecuted and convicted.
Thanks to forthright Tamils we now know what went on behind the Cadjan Curtain, hence your propaganda will not work.
You say ” and only solution is “Eelam” for the Tamils”
That was the aim of that Ruling Class of Tamils since the 1920s. Decades before Independence. In fact the Ramanathan’s wanted to establish a “Tamil Akam” (Kingdom) encompassing Tamil Nadu, parts of India and parts of Lanka. Read his speeches of that era.
Kind Regards,
OTC
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Fathima Fukushima / March 31, 2014
Which investigation?
UNHRC investigation or CID investigation?
CID investigation has already started. 28 south Indians arrested so far. More to come.
When all investigations are done, which community will be WORSE off?
Hint: South India.
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piyadasa yalagala / March 31, 2014
Dr Shiva…..your perceptions of approach this result of TNA politics in a mismatch between Tamil and Sinhalese Nationalism. I am not Nationalist of ‘any kind’ what you talk, but I totally an opposed Criminalization and Lumpenisation of system of Democracy setup originated by Western Capitalism. Is accepted fact Capitalism had been played very progressive role in past 500 years of that in origin, rise and development in Capitalism throughout world.
What ever JVP and LTTE did in past and present is anarchist-Terrorism of politics has undermine PEOPLE RIGHTS of DEMOCRACY last 45 years accepts by Western capitalism in the terms of democracy.
Dr Shive you are blind on politically that you are more crazy short term gain that on “Rajapakase regime change” or to be overthrown by hook or crook. Even you change ‘Rajapakasa Regime’ tomorrow,that could not going solve social turbulence of Tamils issues by overnight.
You agreed or not I opposed Western Hegemonies’ or any type of hegemonies’ attempt bully people of all nationalities of Sri lanka
or else where , but I am not opposed stage of Capitalism development had been an introduce by Modern world politics of Democracy that which play progressive historical role by Capitalism.
Ours is era of path and stage of Capitalism, we are essential want be restore peaceful and stability to Capitalist development and Democracy in Sri lanka.
In present context of path of development of capitalism call for SEPARATION OR SECESSION WOULD WEAKEN AND DESTABLIZATION SRI LANAN DEMOCRATIC STATE.
ONGOING INEQUALITY AND POVERTY FACED BY PEOPLE OF SRI LANKA,THAT ALL OVER THE ISLAND, THE TASK OF DEMOCRATIC STAGE DEMAND BY SOCIAL FORCES BOLD UNITY OF MASSES OF PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONALITIES.
This is Democratic politics are demand by People of Sri Lankan. Not just change this or that kind of ‘regime’.
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Mallaiyuran / March 31, 2014
Mr. Thangavelu’s motive here appears to be presenting a narrative of the resolution. Basically he had abstained from commenting. There are 23(support the resolution-with Tamils) + 12(Oppose the resolution, with government) + 11 (not wanted to be or be with Tamils or government) of three different decisions were taken. India appears to be on fourth one. They opposed the resolution to support the Tamils.
Strange?
Not really!
If one know what the IPKF did for the Tamils, this good thing is nothing. None of 11 countries who wanted to boycott the resolution behaviors deserve as much commenting as India’s clumsiness deserves. At this level nobody looks for China’s and Russia’s support to resolution. But India’s one was long sought. US apparently inserted the failed 13A into that, to be beyond any doubt, by India’s insistence. That is why America expressed its disappointment.
I t has been explained that India does not like International Communities’ activities in its backyard. But who knows of how much this can be separated and substantiated from India’s urge to revenge the Tamils. So, this got mixed up with Congress revenge sought on LTTE too. In this condition India prefers China has an upper hand in the affairs of Sri Lanka even more than it can have, instead, US and EU may have there during the process of implementing the resolution. So, even after it has lost substantial control on Sri Lanka to China, and further it is almost on a stage that it can not be reversed on the issue of the amount of the money Sri Lanka has indebted to China, India still is attempting to block international Community, who can very easily dislodge China from Sri Lanka by over throwing Kings’ government by UN and other sanction. But it is now not possible at all to India other than another invasion. (Which may not cause a regime change). Though this is very crystal clear for everybody, India is still explaining that it does not like to annoy Sri Lanka as it fears Lanka may lean towards China.
India sees King’s Government more suitable for its activities rather than any other governments that could take the local power. Its usual revenging nature may have causing to hold some grudges of JR and Premadasa still against UNP. So the regime changes in Sri Lanka also not in its interest. Without international interference, without changing the regime, India has no other option but to accept China in Sri Lanka. India has been explaining in an obscure way that Tamils achieving any right might cause it a security problem. As a highly corrupted country, India’s security might be in very serious jeopardy. On the borders, without India knowing, Pakistan and Chinese troops has been repeatedly crossing. India has less than 20 days of arms. The earlier army chief was fired for complaining of that. The new one is now complaining. Firing may not take place as it’s is election time.
To complicate the situation more, the Tamil Nadu congress has very less influence in Delhi. Practically every aspect of Tamils is being managed by their southern enemies Keralites. Right after the last state government election loss, Tamil Nadu Leader Thaagavelu was fired. But, it was only a whitewash with in Congress because, Congress lost in Tamil Nadu by Delhi’s action. At least, their colleague Karunanidhi said that before he split from Delhi.
Now no Tamil party wants an alliance with Congress in Tamils Nadu. This was not a surprise for Tamils Nadu congress leaders. So they have been preparing for not to stand for the coming election. Delhi put heavy pressure to make some of them to show their face to people. The biggest shame is, their Finance minister Chidambaram does not want to go for it. Chidambaram is no an average figure. It is not easy to find a leader to run 1.3 billion peoples’ country. Man Mohan Singh has been a very good finance minister too. But, after his Prime Minister-ship, India is facing every kind of problems, including of economy and finance. Then there has been a suggestion that only one can run the country and that was Chidambaram. As the Gandhi family wanted to keep that control, Chidambaram’s’ choice was not accepted by Gandhi family. This analysis is of no use for us others than to show how an eminent figure Chidambaram is. He is, even after many pressures from Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, not ready to contest. So, there were some stories that Sonia had blamed the Tamil Nadu Congress’s new leader Gnathesikan to have not informed her of the Tamil Nadu situation. Tamil’s enemies Keralits like, Narayan, Shiv Shankar Menon, Nirupama Rao, Vijay Nambiyar, Satish Nambiar has been handling the Tamils affairs for India. (This just Like in the last two resolutions of UNHRC, those had appointed Singhalese government to investigate its murders of Tamils). Even after Karunanidhi’s resignation from Delhi, the situation did not change. Mahalingam like peoples continues to suppress Northern Province Tamils interests.
So because of the 10 years of continuous revenge of Delhi congress on TN Tamils and Eelam Tamils, there is no hope at all for the Congress to look for anything in Tamil Nadu. Just like King’s Government knowing the there is no returning point at UNHRC. Here GOSL arrested Jeyakkumai as threat to UNHRC. Indian Congress too did some parallel things like stopping the court order of release of the 7 accused in the Rajeev’s murder. Apparently TN government had no influence in the court order that was coming during the election time. As the Congress had stopped their release many times earlier, this time Vaico and others pushed Jeyalaliitha too hard to get them released immediately after the court order. So it too has ended up as another black point for Tamils Nadu Congress.
During this resolution time, there not much voiced heard in Tamil Nadu, unlike the last two resolutions times. Election could be the reason. If that is correct, Tamil Nadu political parties did not wanted make any noise that might have made Congress to vote for the resolution. This might give some oxygen for to the Tamil Nadu Congress. So they let the congress to succumb to the wound it inflicted by wanting to revenging the Tamil Nadu.
In this awkward situation, the former Prime Minister contender Chidambaram commented that the decision to vote against the resolution was made administrative official, not by the Congress leadership. This is clearly indicated how the Tamil Nadu congress is isolated by the revenging Delhi. Then, right away it was denied by the administrative office that it was made by Congress not by the Indian official at Geneva. This might have pulled the oxygen tube off the Tamil Nadu congress. Then the Sri Lankan Navy offered fruit juice for the Tamil Nadu fishermen who had crossed the Indian boarder and had come up to Kachchativu. I do not know whether Navy took these juices it with for this purpose or accidently had it with them. Then the Indian foreign affairs ministry’s secretary explained that they voted against the resolution because that is the good thing for Tamils. With that note for press, Sujatha Singh pointed out that Sri Lankan Courts have release Tamils Fishermen too. If you notice, what Sujatha did was just a parallel jester for the Howard PhD Perris did. He, the very genius, added for the first time 12 and 12 and come with a number 24 that is more than 23. Sujatha Singh said the voting against the resolution was the good thing to do for Tamils. It was a shameless jester from Sujatha that an elephant like India is scared of a mouse and giving up of its human right policies to please the Sri Lanka and have released arrested fishermen. The latest I am hearing is Sri Lanka navy has arrested more Tamils Nadu fishermen. I think Sri Lanka is already ready for 2015 resolution on the side of India.
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Thanga / April 6, 2014
When Sinhalese speak of nation, they mean only the Sinhalese nation. Likewise when they speak about people they speak about the Sinhalese people. When they speak about killings by the LTTE, they don’t speak about the thousands of Tamils killed by the army by shooting, bombing and shelling. Sri Lanka is the only country in the world that bombed its own citizens. Hitler and Mussolini never did it. It is this oppression and persecution that led to the LTTE taking up arms as a last resort. They have the right to do so. The Sinhalese would have done much the same way. The LTTE would not have prosecuted a war for 30 years without mass support by the Thamil people. Even today the LTTE is remembered with reverence, because the Thamils are continued to be treated as second class citizens by the Sinhala – Buddhist dominated government. Under the rule by LTTE a woman can walk the street wearing jewellery at 12.00 pm midnight without any fear. Now under the army’s dispensation our women are not safe even during day time. They fear the army like devils. The army intrude into their everyday life. There was a time there were one or two army camps among hundreds of villages. Nor there are hundreds of army camps amidst villages. It is an occupation army hated to the hilt by the Thamil people. It has grabbed their fertile lands and farms and operating luxury hotels, restaurants, health resorts, golf courses, tennis courts, cultivating vegetables when the owners who are Thamils living on the other side of the road live under shacks and squalor. Prime Minister David Cameron visited one of such camps and saw for himself the filthy conditions the poor displaced people live. The pathetic scenes were splashed across the TV screens around the globe. It was reminiscent of refugee camps in Somalia or Congo. If I am a Sinhalese I will be very ashamed of it.
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