3RD LEAD

New Zealand politicians, Peoples Forum mean action on Sri Lanka

[TamilNet, Thursday, 13 December 2012, 10:13 GMT]
UN internal review report is clear on the failure of the UN. We will not lie low. We will press for full inquiry and suitable action on those who connived at the human disaster–a blot on the civilized world in the 21st century, said New Zealand’s Green Party parliamentarian, Ms Jan Logie, at the Universal Human Rights Day observations organized by Peoples Forum in Auckland. What is happening in Sri Lanka is akin to what is happening in Palestine. On CHOGM, we will do everything possible to see that countries respecting democracy do not attend, the MP further said adding that she would draw the attention of the NZ government through an adjournment motion in the parliament on the new wave of oppression on Tamil university students and youth.

“The Government of Sri Lanka tried to cover up its actions by criminalizing the defensive role of the LTTE in cushioning the rigours of State terror. It is a cruelty not to take action against those UN Officials who connived and played this shameful role,” Ms Jan Logie observed.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr John Minto, a respected human rights activist in New Zealand, said that people of New Zealand would organize an impressive demonstration early next year to press the NZ government to call for international inquiry on the crimes of Sri Lanka, including genocide.

We will urge the only alternative left –the right to self-determination–to be exercised through a UN monitored referendum, he further said.

Currently retired veteran parliamentarian, Mr. Keith Locke, observed that what happened in Sri Lanka is the same or even worse genocide than what had happened in Rwanda, Serbia and elsewhere. Attributing the UN failure to manipulation by big powers, and accusing the international media for criminalising the LTTE, Locke said things are changing now, media attitudes are changing and moves for justice will revive and thrive.

New Zealand would always support the Tamil demand for self-determination, he said.

A resolution passed by the Peoples Forum at the meeting urged the UN Secretary General to make arrangements for reporting on the manner of implementing the Petrie Panel report, and to submit the report within six weeks, so that something worthy could be done before the UNHRC sessions.

Citing the recent oppression committed on Tamil students by Sri Lanka, the resolution urged the UNSG to take immediate preventive measures, using the authority vested in him. The way Sri Lanka projects its oppression as prevention of international revival of the LTTE, is likely to bring in another dangerous situation in the island, they cautioned.

The Peoples Forum meeting organized by Human Rights Organisations and activists in New Zealand to observe the Universal Human Rights Day on Monday was participated by representatives of the Tamil Action Front in NZ.

Dr Siva Vasanthan, President of the New Zealand Tamil Society and Mr. A. Theva Rajan spoke at the gathering.