UN panel not an intervention, ready to talk - Fonseka
June 30, 2010 07:59 am
The detained former military commander in
Gen Sarath Fonseka told BBC Sandeshaya that even President
Mahinda Rajapaksa has agreed with the UN to investigate alleged human rights
violations during the last phase of the war.
The UN secretary general has set up a panel to look into
alleged human rights abuses during the final stages of
Ban Ki-moon’s spokesman said the three-man panel would
advise on how to deal with alleged perpetrators.
Rights groups accuse both sides of war crimes - a claim
which has been denied.
“I think this committee is a result of that agreement with President Rajapaksa,” Gen Fonseka told BBC.
.
He stressed that any country should take steps to resolve
issues with the international community if there are any question marks over
the conduct of the said country.
Rejecting the appointment of the panel, the government said
the panel members will not be allowed to visit the country.
In an interview with Times of India newspaper, President Rajapaksa has dismissed the panel.
“We should not try to get involved in a conflict with the UN,” Gen Fonseka said.
“As a citizen of
The former military commander who is facing two military trials
says that the conditions imposed by the European Union to extend the GSP+
facility are fair.
“I don’t think it is an intervention in internal affairs,” he said.
“The EU has demanded the release of political prisoners which includes me,” Gen Fonseka added.
BBC