DailyMirror
The European Union (EU) has expressed concerns about Sri Lanka continuing with the emergency regulations and the detaining of Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader retired General Sarath Fonseka, EU Delegation Chief Bernard Savage said yesterday.
“It is up to Sri Lanka to carry out the recommendations made by the EU. The EU has taken a firm decision to withdraw the GSP+ facility from August. If Sri Lanka puts its house in order with regards to human rights, labour rights and media freedom, the EU will positively review the situation and hopefully the country can regain the trade facility,” Mr. Savage said in an exclusive interview to Daily Mirror yesterday and added that this should not be construed as an EU attempt to dictate terms to Sri Lanka.
When told about a public perception in Sri Lanka that the EU’s attitude towards this country was negative like that of the United States, Mr. Savage said, “It is a business-like relationship. I can’t comment on the public perception. EU’s attitude towards Sri Lanka and the President Mahinda Rajapaksa administration is clearly reflected in the April 13 statement by EU’s Foreign Affairs Chief Catherine Ashton on the parliamentary election results.
Mr. Savage said Ms. Ashton had congratulated President Rajapaksa on his victory and expressed hopes to work with the newly elected government in addition to looking forward to the implementation of Sri Lanka’s ambitious political agenda including national reconciliation.
According to official reports the talks to review EU recommendations held in Brussels between officials of the EU and Sri Lanka had been fruitful.
In March the government sent a high-powered official delegation headed by treasury secretary P.B. Jayasundera to Brussels to discuss the GSP+ facility and other related matters as a means of canvassing active support from the EU for reconstruction and reconciliation in a post conflict Sri Lanka.
Mr. Savage said the talks those were positive and that another team of top officials was scheduled to visit to the EU in May but declined to elaborate.
He expressed hopes of arriving at a mutual agreement on the GSP+ issue by fulfilling the common objectives of the two parties added that this would enable the EU to re-visit the situation.
When asked about reported moves by government to introduce Constitutional amendments to pave the way for President Rajapaksa to seek election for a third term, Mr. Savage said there was no issue as long as it did not violate the Constitution and fulfilled the aspirations of the people.
“It is not proper for me to comment on this issue. What is more important is the will of the people. Besides, the government is in a position to introduce changes to the Constitution if it enjoys a two-thirds majority in parliament. But in all this basic law must be respected and safeguarded,” Mr. Savage emphasized.