|
|
|
| Sunday, 28 August 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
UN General Assembly pays tribute to Kadir
The African Group The African Group condemned the assassination as a barbaric terrorist act and stressed that such acts could only obstruct the path to peace in Sri Lanka. The late Mr. Kadirgamar was praised as a great diplomat and a true national leader who dedicated his life to peace, unity and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. The Asian Group The Asian Group reiterated the denouncement by the international community of the assassination as a horrendous act of terrorism, and urged that the perpetrators be brought to justice soon. The late Foreign Minister was commended as a true leader, who combined intellectual vigour, political courage and personal integrity and diplomacy to advance Sri Lanka's interests. Latin America and Caribbean Group Reiterating the condemnation by the Security Council that the killing was a senseless act of terrorism, the Latin America and Caribbean Group deplored the Minister's death as a tragic loss to the international community, and complemented his continued dedication in pursuit of peace and national unity in Sri Lanka. Others Others speaking on the occasion assured that the International community stood with Sri Lanka at this moment of national loss, and urged Sri Lanka to pursue determined action against the perpetrators of this assassination. Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam stated that the late Minister was committed to the ideals of pluralism and peace as well as freedom and democracy. He said "long before the 9/11 and London bombings, Mr. Kadirgamar was often a lone voice which warned the international community of the threat posed by terrorism to the peace and security of States and to the democratic way of life." Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam Referring to the involvement of the late Minister in the peace process, Ambassador Kariyawasam said: "He was in the fore front of the quest to find an equitable solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka. His depth of vision complemented by his diplomatic finesse and his consummate ability to articulate issues with clarity helped Sri Lanka to capture the attention of the international community in this regard. He rose above parochial ethnic and religious prejudices. Those who opposed him and could not win the hearts of people through rational persuasion simply chose the easiest option, the elimination of a person who cannot be defeated through rational and civil discourse. Hate and prejudice triumphed temporarily on 12th August and Lakshman Kadirgamar's illustrious life was thus brought to an end in a despicable act of terrorism." The Ambassador added that the late Minister endeavoured to make the international community responsive to the needs of developing countries. "He believed in the need for constructive dialogue and engagement between countries in the North and the South. This ideal was under-pinned by his emphasis on the relevance of the core principles of NAM as well as the efficacy of South-South Co-operation." In conclusion Ambassador Kariyawasam asserted that the late Minister was
a true representative of the core values of all what Sri Lanka and the
civilised world stand for, Peace, Freedom, Justice and Fair-play. He thanked
the President of the General Assembly for convening the meeting in honour of
the late Minister and acknowledged the words of sympathy and solidarity
expressed by the Member States of the United Nations. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
The President and the General Assembly of the United Nations paid tribute
to the memory of the late Lakshman Kadirgamar, former Minister of Foreign
Affairs at a meeting of the UN General Assembly on 24th August, and conveyed
condolences to the Government and people of Sri Lanka. 
