At UNGA sessions tomorrow:

Lanka to focus on post-2009 development

By Manjula FERNANDO

External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris is expected to highlight the progress Sri Lanka has made in the field of post-2009 development when he addresses the 67th UN General Assembly (UNGA) at its headquarters in New York tomorrow.

The delegation to the UNGA, which was headed by Minister Peiris this year, included Ministers Dullas Alahapperuma and Patali Champika Ranawaka and Provincial Council Minister Udaya Gammanpila.

Minister Peiris who arrived in New York on September 24 held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from countries including China, Finland, UAE, Seychelles and Oman and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy R. Sherman, on the sidelines of the annual sessions.

During discussions with the Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi, Minister Peiris has been assured China’s support to ensure Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Jiechi has said that China would not hesitate to oppose interference in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs by external forces.

In his speech to the UN General Assembly, the Chinese Minister called for respect for the diversity of the world and the right of all countries to independently choose their development paths. According to the UN News Centre, he has stressed, “We must oppose terrorism, separatism and extremism in all forms.”

Taking the podium on Thursday, Jiechi stressed the need to ensure that international relations are based strictly on the principle of non-interference in each others’ affairs.

“Mutual respect and equality are basic norms governing international relations. All countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community,” he said, adding, “Respect for each others’ sovereignty, core interests and choice of social system and development path is a fundamental principle guiding state-to-state relations.”

“China does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries or impose its will on others, and China does not allow outside forces to interfere in its internal affairs.”

Minister Peiris, during his bilateral exchanges, has stressed, that there was a point beyond which external interference was unhelpful, as it could result in the distortion of issues, as far as internal affairs of any country are concerned.

He also emphasised the need for equal treatment of countries and the need to deviate from applying different standards with regard to overcoming domestic challenges. He has briefed the delegates on Sri Lanka’s developments with regard to resettlement, demining, re-integration, the steps taken towards reconciliation including the implementation of the LLRC recommendations, the political process and accountability.

The action initiated by the Government in de-militarising the North and strengthening the democratic system by holding Provincial Council elections in some parts of the country including the Eastern Province were also elaborated during the discussions.

He had underscored the economic and human potential of Sri Lanka following the eradication of terrorism and pointed out the opportunities for enhanced trade and investment during the discussions.

Oman, Bahrain and the Czech Republic expressed their intention of opening diplomatic missions in Colombo in the near future.

Prof. Peiris, during his interactions with his Finnish counterpart, invited Finnish companies to make use of the opportunities in the construction and tourism industries in Sri Lanka. Their discussions also focused on furthering relations with the European Union.

The 67th UNGA sessions are held from September 18 to December 31. The General Debate of the UNGA was inaugurated on September 25.