Lanka to continue dialogue with EU:

A new milestone reached in Lanka-Russia ties - Foreign Minister Bogollagama

by Manjula FERNANDO

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in an interview with the Sunday Observer says the international community must view the arrest of Rtd. Gen. Sarath Fonseka as an internal affair of Sri Lanka. Minister Bogollagama also highlighted the significance of Lanka-Russia ties, which received a boost with the President’s State visit. Here are excerpts from the interview:

Q: We understand there was a telephone exchange between UN Secretary General Moon and President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Did this dialogue touch upon the arrest of retired Gen. Sarath Fonseka?

A: Yes obviously, because there has been a lot of media attention and interest shown, on the developments associated with the arrest of Rtd. General Sarath Fonseka. The UN Secretary General did speak of this and expressed his interest in terms of the developments of Sri Lanka in the post election scenario. This matter too was settled within that context.

During that conversation we have maintained throughout that it is a new legal process that had been administered within the legal framework in Sri Lanka. Having served as a General or a military officer he comes within the purview of the Army Act No.17 of 1949. He’s accordingly dealt under the provisions of that Act.

Q: Was there any request by the Secretary General. Was he satisfied with the response?

A: The concerns are there but when matters are explained, this is a matter that they will always view as an internal affair. We have said that no one is above the law and no shall the law be abused by the authorities.

In that context there is rule of law in Sri Lanka and anyone has the right of recourse in the judiciary. He has done it himself by filing a Fundamental Rights application which will determine if the law has been correctly used or whether there been any infringement of Gen. Fonseka’s rights. So I think we have come to that stage now.

Q: Rtd. Gen. Fonseka’s allegations have again raised the issue of war crimes. Will it become a major issue during the HRC sessions in March? Are we ready to counter them?

A: Obviously, any allegation can be always countered because most allegations are baseless and are without any corroboration. We always explain matters in order to counter them, any perceptions created by speculations. We are very confident of dealing with them. Elections have been held freely and fairly, people have once again spoken. I am sure International community will come to understand that Sri Lanka is on the correct path in a democracy.

Q: What is the outcome of the meeting between Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe?

A: The meeting had been very cordial, very long and very productive. There had not been any discussions in terms of Rtd. Gen. Fonseka. It was all in terms of the forthcoming Human Rights Council sessions in March. This visit resulted in a good discussion on post conflict scenario in Sri Lanka and also matters connected with the election process.

Q: What was discussed on the recent comments made by UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston over the Channel 4 probe?

A: The matter had been explained extensively to Mrs. Pillay. The allegations Rapporteur Alston brought up were based on uncorroborated reports or reports solely submitted by certain individuals without substantive evidence.

We have been engaging with the international community in clarifying this issue.

Q: Is Sri Lanka ready for a UN probe. I know you have been saying ‘no’. What is the position now?

A: There is no need for a UN probe. The rule of law is there in Sri Lanka.

Our legal system is very strong. We are accountable to our people in safeguarding their rights.

We are a strong democracy, a well tested and effective legal system as well as a fiercely independent judiciary is there. We have all characteristics associated with a country having good governance.

Q: Are you geared up to face the allegations raised by the comments of Rtd Gen. Fonseka at the forthcoming HRC sessions?

A: The HRC sessions can only speak in terms of issues. But Sri Lanka’s profile will be very well conditioned and presented at any given situation. We will not back out from issues.

Q: How do you term the ongoing dialogue with the EU on the GSP+ suspension?

A: The dialogue is a continuing one, but the decisions made by the EU sometimes concern us. We are just coming after a conflict of 30 years, and if EU says within two/three months things can be addressed, that restricts a productive engagement.

Sri Lanka is open for the widest possible engagement and I want it to be sensible and better productive one for greater cooperation with EU.

Q: Have they decided on a ‘temporary suspension’ as reported in media?

A: The word temporary has several meanings, according to the UN term it says the grace period has been extended. I believe it’s a procedural requirement of the EU. Let us say more space has been given to Sri Lanka to respond to some of the areas that concern them.

Q: Will the ongoing protest campaigns by the Opposition following the arrest of Rtd. Gen. Fonseka have any bearing on the final decision of the EU?

A: The EU decision making process has begun. I think this issue is totally a domestic legal matter. If the EU is going to pin on any new development, in the determination of the GSP+, there will not be an end to the criteria.

We can’t enter in an open ended process where the goal post keeps changing places when we are just about to get to the target. I think it’s a very sad situation. The best thing is to have a set agenda so that the Sri Lanka’s case could be properly evaluated and addressed accordingly, so that, we can be very responsive.

Q: President Rajapaksa received a very warm welcome in Russia despite the fact the visit was made at the height of opposition allegations challenging the election result and Government’s conduct. What are your comments?

A: It was a milestone particularly at a time when President Rajapaksa has been elected for a second term.

The Russian President received the Sri Lankan President with the courtesy extended to a leader of a vibrant democracy. This visit reflects how well the Russian Federation perceived Sri Lanka’s engagement.

Russia is a country with which we are looking at enhancing bi-lateral cooperation in terms of Technology, Petroleum and Tourism. With our multi faceted approach, we look forward to very positive results to emerge within the next few months to enhance cooperation particularly in the Petroleum, tea export and education sectors.

Q: Other than the strengthening of bilateral ties, what are the long term benefits of the President’s visit to Russia?

A: The petroleum exploration sector is a new sector we want to share with Russia. There will be new benefits for Sri Lankan students including openings for post graduate studies with the enhancement of cooperation in the Education sector. Tea exports are another area to be benefited.

We are very much engaged in the international scene at the UN where Russia had been a very close supporter of Sri Lanka’s efforts, particularly in our fight against terrorism.

Q: With the US $ 300 million loan to buy armaments and dual purpose technology for SL military, is Russia expanding its role in SL?

A: Not at all. We have said that the credit line will not be limited to defence procurement alone. It includes other products as well and areas such as transfer of technology. This is a very broadly worded credit line agreed upon concessionary terms.

Q: What is behind Sri Lanka’s decision to offer the world leader Gazprom oil exploration rights in SL?

A: We have not offered exclusive rights to Gazprom but we have invited them to explore our petroleum and natural gas deposits. Russia’s Gazprom is a world leading natural gas supplier. In that context we stand to benefit as we will be represented by a world leader.

Q: How soon will their work begin?

A: I think they have already come to Sri Lanka, previously a few months ago. I have invited them to come as early as possible on their second mission.

Q: Russia has emerged one of Sri Lanka’s strongest allies. Why do you think Russia values strengthening relations with Sri Lanka? Will it strain our relations with the West and the regional superpowers?

A: Not at all. In fact Russia is an Asian country. They are part of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) of which we are the Chair currently.

In that context we want to see Russia as part of our agenda, who respects our domestic compulsions. Regional powers like India are working closely with Russia. Even China and Russia are also working closely on several sectors.